2026-27 Premier League Season Preview

14:44Robbie Earle:When you're playing for Pep, like you program to yeah it just now as Pep's gone could there be a sulky side to it? That's all I'm chucking out right now and maybe it's not a great way to finish my mind

14:55Robbie Mustoe:We've got a long season to take a look at it and one community shield shouldn't be evidence for anything. Let's talk about Manchester United down next mate third up on the list, Michael Carrick sort of got into the job halfway through came brilliantly finished, got them in the Champions League. The big challenge now Rob is Champions League football, domestic football and domestic cups. He's got four competitions. It's Man United. They were always expected to go far, go deeper in everything. What's his biggest challenge now, Robby? He's the main man and in control.

15:29Robbie Earle:Yeah, it is. And of course, full season, big expectations. I'd like to start on the transfer market, Rob, because it's something that's tripped up this football club for a decade or more. And, you know, I think about the last season's signings, Rob, that front line was massively bolstered, wasn't it? The players in Berlin and Bermos did brilliantly well. Mateus Cunha is a Man United player. Benjamin Sesko looks like he's... Sesko came good. He came good. So two signings, Andre Santos from Chelsea at$67 million. They've upgraded their midfield, Rob. That's what I'm getting to. Yuri Tillemans is a brilliant, brilliant signing.

16:06Robbie Earle:And that's it. Obviously, notable departures of Casemiro and a couple of others. We'll get on to Rashford in a minute. the point I'm trying to make is I like the business they've done those two midfield players and I would urge United fans you know like I'm sure there's more, bring more, more and more what I'm trying to say is carefully add to this squad you've made good sign-ups last year I really like these two, you've added a midfield the front line, there's a ton of great front players now they've looked at the midfield area there's a couple of spots in the team, yeah, left back maybe a central defender possibly.

16:42Robbie Earle:But just be careful because these additions mean so much. And we always say recruitment is the most important thing. And Andres Santos I like. And Yuri Tillemans is a diamond of a signing.

16:55Robbie Mustoe:Well, I think you make a good point. But, you know, when you think in terms of actual cash, it's about 120 million United have spent so far. You could say that, you know, Chelsea spent that on one player when they bought Morgan Rodgers. So I think there will be a feel that with the amount of competitions and where they want to be that hopefully carry things more in. But you make a really good point and I think it's an interesting point that some of the players we've seen have been very different under Michael Carrick than they were under other managers. And sometimes it's almost like you're finding a new player.

17:30Robbie Mustoe:And Marcus Rashford, who we'll talk about, could be one of those players who's gone to Aston Villa and gone to Barcelona and done well and he's now back at Manchester United. So in some respects, you're right. Be careful of just signing players that plug up your dressing room, that give you numbers, but don't give you the quality. I think he believes in himself. There's a calmness. I listened to him on Thursday. He did the whole press interviews. There's something about Michael Carrick that's reassuringly impressive, Rob. It's like he understands and he knows what he's doing. I think that's really important for this football club now.

18:04Robbie Mustoe:some stability, some calm, and some kind of steadily growing and getting this thing in the path it wants to be.

18:13Robbie Earle:Yeah, and I think the fans are good at Manchester United, Rob, and giving him. I think they understand it's going to be harder. The Champions League, the two games, the two huge competitions that they're in all through the season, pretty much. He will be given patience. But I think this is a fascinating... I'm quite excited by Man United, Rob, because I think we saw the front players. Wow, the front line is much better now. Our midfield obviously needed help. There's a couple of players come in. So I think it's going to be good. The interesting one is Marcus Rashford, Robbie Earl. And, you know, he's frustrated me for many seasons now.

18:47Robbie Earle:And, you know, it's hard to get a read on Michael Cack, what he really feels about Marcus Rashford. Again, we listened to all the stuff that's said. He said something about him the other day, and it sounded kind of neutral. It might be that he doesn't really – he does think it'd be best to move him on, Rob. But of course, Rashford's wages are so high. There isn't many that are going to be able to afford him. I think he's too inconsistent to justify the high wages that he's on for Man United. I'd look to move on without him if that was me. That's my opinion. I'm quite strong on that, actually. I don't think he's had multiple opportunities and multiple times where the expectation is there.

19:23Robbie Earle:And somehow he ends up disappointing. But I understand it's easier said than done to move him on to the right club. What's your feelings about him? So you see, I'm coming from a slightly different angle.

19:36Robbie Mustoe:I still think at 28 years of age, there's enough football in him. I think the penny's dropped in terms of his career. He's 28, Rob.

19:42Robbie Earle:He's 28, like, you know.

19:44Robbie Mustoe:Exactly, Rob. But he's also going to cost me no money in a market where I'm paying$100 million plus for forwards. In four competitions, if he plays in the League Cup and FA Cup games and has brilliant games, I think he's important with Chesko. And I don't think he should be holding Chesko back, but there could be competition. with that sport and whoever plays there. So I'm happier for Michael Carrick to look at Marcus Rashford and go, you get a chance into my regime. Maybe it doesn't work out. Maybe you might be right. But I think with that ability, the kind of Manchester United coming through the academy, I think Michael Carrick will use all that to get the best of Rashford and we could see that.

20:25Robbie Mustoe:Two players quickly I want to mention, Rob. And Shasko's one because I think it's an interesting season for him now. He finished off last year, he got 11, I mean, league goals, I think 21 all competing. And I think the manager did, it's another great example of a manager working with a player. The other one, Rob, Kobe Maino.

20:41Robbie Earle:Yeah.

20:42Robbie Mustoe:What are we of Kobe Maino? Didn't kick a ball for England, disappointingly. You know, as well, like signed a long-term contract. Casemiro's gone now. There's a chance for him to establish himself. Just feel like this is a big year for Kobe Maino, Rob.

20:59Robbie Earle:Yeah, I think so. I mean, when you think of a midfielder of Andrzej Santos, who is the getter, you know, he's the defensive guy. You've got the player in Kabu-Meinu and you've got the goal threat, attacking threat in Tielemans. And that's not even including Bruno Fernandes. So there's a lot of options there. It could be a lot of work for Santos in terms of the defensive side of things, but Meinu has got to step up on the defensive side of things. And that could be a very exciting midfield. So good options for Michael Carrick, for sure.

21:29Robbie Mustoe:Absolutely. That's it on Manchester United. Stay with us as we continue our season preview of the Premier League.

21:43Robbie Mustoe:Imagine those early mornings when you're up before sunrise watching the Premier League from your kitchen or sneaking in a match before a break at work. That's real dedication to your football fandom. And as a long-standing partner of the Premier League, Barclays has the same commitment in the credit card product it offers. Every time you use a Barclays-issued credit card, whether for travel, dining or shopping at your favourite store, you're rewarded. It's about recognising your loyalty to your favourite brands, just like your dedication to your favourite team. To learn more about their services products, visit BarclaysUSA.com.

22:21Robbie Mustoe:That's Barclays, the official banking partner of the Premier League.

22:25Robbie Earle:Okay, Rob, as we continue our preview show and preview in the top six, let's get to Liverpool. Fifth last season, Andone Irohola takes over, Rob. Great excitement around Anfield about this guy and the way that he coaches. My goodness, there's been some changes at the football club there. Of course, Mo Salah has now moved on. They've lost some key guys, some experienced players. There's still question marks. Notable signings so far right now. Jeremy Jacquet, of course, a big central defender. $75 million from Rennes. Victor Munoz, a wide player. $46 million from Osasuna. And Ronald Araujo on loan with an option to buy from Barcelona.

23:04Robbie Earle:You're not going to miss him, by the way. He's an absolute giant of a human. Huge, big, strong defender. Rob I'm I think again when you watch some of the pre-season games you listen to the manager he's not happy right now he's got gaps in his team he's talking about that the players can't play with the intensity that he wants there's a couple of games where they were leading

23:26Robbie Mustoe:they were losing

23:27Robbie Earle:they end up losing the game

23:28Robbie Mustoe:60 minutes or something isn't it he said we've got 60 minutes

23:31Robbie Earle:no intensity after 30 minutes is one of the comments I mean that's a while ago now and of course the club will get stronger and get fitter He wants to play in a certain way, Rob. Is Liverpool Football Club and the players ready to play with that intensity that makes him a great manager?

23:46Robbie Mustoe:Well, it's interesting you've said that because this is, again, I mean, and it's interesting, Rob, again, to my thoughts as I was looking through my notes this morning. I mean, Mikel Arteta is the only big six manager who was in charge of his team at the start of last season. So we've got all these big clubs with different guys who are coming in with different things. And the biggest thing, like, I'm really looking forward to Iriola because I think Iriola football could get Liverpool back to some successful times and making it difficult for the opposition. But I asked myself the question, Rob, and it's a question that kind of stuck with me, is, is this group of players and is this football club ready to really dig deep again?

24:31Robbie Mustoe:Really dig deep. And I'm talking about staying in games. I'm talking about scrapping it out for 20 minutes when the game's red hot. Because Liverpool lost that. Liverpool became soft and became nice to play against. And that isn't Liverpool at the best. And so as much as everything technically in the press, can Iriola fuel the fire that's in Liverpool to get them back to where they want to be? That feels to me like that's what I'm looking at. How good are they without the ball? How good are they in duels? Do they want to do that stuff? because there's a title-ish winning team around Liverpool.

25:07Robbie Earle:Well, I think that's what he's good at, Rob, right? So I think we will see some of that. I really do think we're going to see some of the intensity, the vertical football that he wants to play. I have other concerns, Rob. I have other concerns about the squad, about the team. There's big holes. Again, we know there's some injured players at most clubs. Iketike, brilliant centre-forward, is going to be out for a long time now. Connor Bradley, right back. You know, it's going to be Fringpong probably playing right back. There's not been a replacement for Mo Salia on the right side. Rio Ingemo is probably going to be the guy played in the last pre-season game on that right side.

25:41Robbie Mustoe:This is Bob Kohler talk in fairness, isn't it? I mean, I don't know how close it is.

25:45Robbie Earle:So, you know, who's going to play alongside Virgil van Dijk? You know, Canate's left the football club. The left back now, Kerkhez is the guy. And then Simikas, you know, Gakpo. Let's talk about him leaving the club, Rob, maybe going to Tottenham Hotspur. So I would be worried. When you talk about does this club want to go on there and achieve stuff, does the ownership, do they want to invest again to turn this team into a team that can win the title? Because I don't think they can win the title with this squad right now. There have been defensive holes at the back all through preseason. Virgil van Dijk is another year old.

26:17Robbie Earle:You know, he's very, I feel like with van Dijk, you've got to have the right people around him. It seems funny to say, but I think he's got to be very comfortable with the central defensive guy on his right-hand side. He's got to be comfortable with his left back on his side. And if that defensive kind of four isn't to his liking, it could be a little bit shaky. I mean, you've still got some of us like Gravenberg and McAllister. Love that as a midfield. It's just, you know, Mo Salah was a productive, not so much last year, but what a player to have not replaced, I guess. So I'm worried that we could see Liverpool struggle with the team that they've got right now, not being of the quality that you'd expect to push hard at the top of the league?

27:01Robbie Mustoe:Well, listen, there's no doubt that Mo, was it 191 Premier League goals, is a huge loss and they've got to find a way somewhere. I think the EZAP signing becomes more important now because as a young man, as a centre forward, it's time for him to start delivering. Florian Verts, mate, we've got to stop sort of, well, he does these good moments, he's got to start dominating games.

27:22Robbie Earle:Huge for those two.

27:22Robbie Mustoe:But I think these good players in that group, it's just we've not seen some of that and we're now questioning for me. So I still think that they want to do business in the window. They should be doing some business in the window. But he's taken lesser players than these Liverpool players that he had at Bournemouth and taken them to great heights. I just want to see, can he rev this team up again and go again?

27:49Robbie Earle:No, I agree, mate. And I think that's the best bit about Liverpool for me is this manager. Young, the ambition, the enthusiasm, the excitement about his new job. You know, but you brought up a good point. Those two players, those mega expensive signings of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Izak, it's so big that they deliver what might be expected. And there's big doubts. Alexander Izak looks pretty good in pre-season. Is he going to stay fit? Can Florian Wirtz be influential consistently? Is he strong enough? Can he adapt? He's going to play as a number 10. The manager said that. He's going to play exactly the way he wants to play in behind Izak.

28:21Robbie Earle:if those two players Rob were the team that's fired up with energy and with the front vertical football then I get it and I can see some momentum building but if the big man up front Isaac isn't sharp or or he gets a knock who else is going to come in and I don't know I've got a lot of question marks but we'll see we'll see how they shape up of course again everything was caveated with the window is still open and things can change a couple of signings Liverpool can make

28:46Robbie Mustoe:make a big difference let's go to stanford bridge mate where they've got not a head coach they've got a manager my friend jabby alonso does jabby alonso the manager have more control and recruitment more control around this football club is that an important part that we've seen a bit of departure from that final young rob and giving him six-year contracts he's bought in a couple of old heads looks like to to be part of the group and to bring a little bit of consistency maybe to it

29:15Robbie Earle:yeah i mean i think the manager part is very important i think you're seeing it from day one so you know some more experienced players um he's gonna have more of a say in stuff i mean the fact that they made a big point of it this is not head coach this is a man of position i think that i think chelsea to be fair have realized that the unprecedented nature of their business was like so different and it didn't go well last year the manager changes etc etc jabi alonso rob if you go with their team and it's a big team. It's a big sheet of paper. Yeah. I'm quite excited by Chelsea this year. I've got to be honest with you.

29:48Robbie Earle:And I'm not saying they're a dark horse to win the title. I think they've done it before, haven't they? 10th to first, I think, with Antonio Conte, I was reading.

29:55Robbie Mustoe:But if you go through

29:56Robbie Earle:the team, Rob, I mean, with Morgan Rodgers, who's one of our, certainly one of my big favourites, $157 million from Aston Villa comes into the team. Max Lacroix from Palace, again, older player, not under 23. And if you go for the midfield with Endo Fernandes, question marks over him, by the way, Moises Caicedo, that's a world-class middle two. You've got Neto and Estaval. You've got Rodgers on one side. You've got Gio Pedro, Cole Palmer. There's a lot of good players there, Rob. And again, this goes back to a little bit like, we're going to learn about how these new people in charge, Rob, are going to get motivated.

30:33Robbie Earle:If Xavi Lonzo can get in that dressing room and he can convince them and he can excite them and he can get them on board and they have a good start, they could have a good run. I really like the team and we'll see what Alonso can do, Rob. But for me, I'm quite up on Chelsea and what we might see this season.

30:52Robbie Mustoe:Yeah, I'm the same. I think it's a more balanced group of players. I think there's a bit of a feel-good factor. He looks like he's enjoying, you see some shots of him on the training ground, Rob. He looks like he's really enjoying working with the young players, getting the best of them, giving them an opportunity. I also think, Rob, they're going to benefit from European football. I know the ownership wouldn't like that, but a bit like Michael Carrick, I think he can get on the training ground. I think he can get to work and do the things he wants to do, which is so important, mate, rather than maybe being in the Europa and even winning that.

31:26Robbie Mustoe:I think for him and his first season, his first pre-season, of getting all these messages across and the way he wants to play, and he likes the three at the back. I mean, now and then, he'll switch it up, maybe a four or five, depending on the opposition. You've got to do that work and you've got to get that work in the players. And I just think that a bit like you, Rob, I'm really interested in Chelsea because Chelsea could end up sixth or seventh. They could be second or first.

31:52Robbie Earle:Yeah, yeah. A couple of things, Rob, I want to chat about. These are the players that have come in. Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck. Now, we understand why. I mean, quite honestly, is this overkill, Rob? Is it overkill? Are they going to play much?

32:12Robbie Mustoe:Yeah, I hear you, Robert. And I do hear what you're saying. My sense, let's say with Henderson, who obviously played in the field positions we played, I think there's a couple of things there, Rob. If we're 1-0 up and we need to keep hold of the game and stop people running out of shape, the things we've seen at Chelsea and go, they can't keep doing that. I think Jordan Henderson comes on for 15 or 20 minutes, mate, and helps manage that situation. Is he going to start every game? Not particularly. I don't think he started. Well, I was surprised. I think he's got about 20 at Brentford. I was surprised he started that many.

32:48Robbie Mustoe:I think he's influenced around the football pitch. Again, I heard Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rodgers talking about him and the England squad saying, I know people don't get it through football, but you need to know Jordan Henderson to know how important he is in our squad. So there's something that Jordan Ensign brings to a locker room that people know, they'll understand. And I have absolutely no problem in if he gets 10 games all season, but he manages that dressing room and he stops some of the stuff that's going on and he concentrates people's mind. He's the guy who's going to make the young players better.

33:24Robbie Earle:Yeah, interesting, Rob. You make good points there. I just sometimes think, you know, back in our day, right, new players come into the dressing room and, you know, there's a period of like, don't come in here and tell us all what to do immediately. That just doesn't go down well. I know Jordan Henderson's a champion, Premier League champion, and it's a vast experience. Yeah, maybe it will take a little bit of time for him to settle in, to get amongst the younger players. And I think you make a good point about coming on at certain times in games. And Welbeck could be the same thing as a striker.

33:59Robbie Earle:Yeah, yeah, correct. To lay on and maybe nick a couple of goals again. So, yeah, I just, yeah, okay. I think you make a good point there. And over a period of time, these players, they won't be hugely effective on the field, might just kind of help mould the team a little bit and be good guys for the manager as well to try and help out. The last point, Robert, is Enzo. Enzo Fernandes, the Argentine midfield player that was kind of, you know, hinting at a move last year with the Real Madrid stuff. it seems like that's continued and there's been deadlines set about man city maybe coming into buying what are you doing with enzo fernandez what you you sit him down in an office rob and what are you saying i'm saying to him rob that i'm i'm a new manager that i'm starting something

34:47Robbie Mustoe:fresh that you can see a couple of tweaks already to what we're doing and you could be one of my most important players yeah and i tell you why i do that rob because enzo fernandez is a top

35:00Robbie Earle:draw Premier League player.

35:02Robbie Mustoe:And I don't want to get rid of that. As much as personality-wise, he doesn't particularly suit me. But if he keeps pulling his face and he keeps putting his head down and his lip keeps dropping along the floor, then at some point I'm going to go, you know what, I'll take the 100-plus million and I'll go and reinvest it somewhere else. But if I can keep him, Rob, in this day and age of quality footballers around your football club, Enzo Fernandes is up there with some of the best.

35:26Robbie Earle:Yeah, and there's only probably a couple of clubs that can buy him, Rob. Well, Brown Madrid and Man City are the ones at Toronto. I'm not sure anybody else is going to be in for them. So we'll have to wait and see. Talking of quality footballers and quality midfield players, Rob, let's turn it on to maybe the last of the big six. Tottenham Hotspur, Rob. 17th last season. Roberto De Zerbi came in for the last, I think, seven games and literally saved this club from relegation. And boy, have they backed him up now in the transfer market, Rob. They've spent some amount of money in totally upgrading their midfield.

35:56Robbie Earle:It's exciting times for Tottenham, isn't it?

35:59Robbie Mustoe:It is, based on, Rob. I think you misspoke. They were 17th the season before last, and they were 17th last season, by the way. That's how poor they've been. One time winning the Europa League, next time just staying in, and you're 100 % not. The only reason that Spurs are in the Premier League is Roberto Dezirbi came through the door. Without him, whether they kept Igor Tudor or whoever else was involved, they're probably West Ham right now. And it's interesting, I've got a friend who works at Spurs and he said to me, from very early on last season when there was a chance that things weren't looking right, there were two massive plans and he said things were in place for A, if they went down and B, if they stayed up.

36:47Robbie Mustoe:And if they stayed up, they had funds ready, they had targets ready, they were ready to go, Rob. And some of that was what impressed Roberto Deserbi about if he can keep this team up. He knew what was coming. They've done their business early. They've landed some quality players. And all of a sudden, Spurs are back exciting again.

37:05Robbie Earle:Yeah, let's just go through some of those, Rob, for those who haven't heard about it. Sandro Tonali, brilliant midfield player from Newcastle United, $133 million. Mateus Fernandes in West Ham United,$113 million. Young, silky, really good midfield player. Jan-Paul Van Hecke from Brighton,$70 million to play alongside Mickey Van Der Ven, who just re-signed, who just signed a new contract. Andy Robertson is going to go straight in as a left-back, a free transfer from Liverpool. Notable departures, only Yves Bissouma in midfield. Dragosin, I think, has gone off to Florentina, maybe on loan or signed permanently, I'm not sure.

37:37Robbie Earle:So that is what they've got. Christian Romero's gone,

37:39Robbie Mustoe:by the way, mate, just to add to that, it wasn't under the study. Christian Romero, the captain, just got off at Atletico Madrid. He needed to go. He was an awful attitude

37:47Robbie Earle:towards the club and him wanting to leave. So that's kind of fun. The front line, Rob, is something that people have talked about. And Richarlison has been scored in his last pre-season game. You've still got Maddison that's a doubt injury-wise. You've still got Kudus recovering from injury. You've still got Kudussevsky. These are all a front line group that if you go and buy a bunch of players, then they might be overloaded in those areas as the season goes on and those players get fit. Is there another forward, Rob, that they could still add into this group to give them a little bit more of an attacking kind of boost early?

38:20Robbie Earle:It's a good question. Matthias Tell probably on one side Rob Mickey Moore Mikey Moore has been playing

38:28Robbie Mustoe:he played in a few of the friendlies he's played on the right hand side there's probably a few knocking around who are not going to start who's somebody you might be able to fill in with but again Zerbi I think is one of them who will believe in what he can do on the training ground he can maybe install a bit of confidence into a couple of those fours it might be an area they think let's leave it until maybe the January window or this time next year if we can't do it now. But I know I'm looking forward to Spurs. I'm looking forward to De Zerbi. I think when you think of like Zanessi, Van de Ven, Van Hecker, it looks solid at the back.

39:05Robbie Earle:Let's not forget Porra is a world champion.

39:08Robbie Mustoe:I mean, back into the team, as you say, Kudus and Kuliseski are to come with Maddison when things get better. So, you know, that's, you know, basic. that they had Bergwahl, Archie Gray, people in the team who were doing okay. So based off what we saw last season, based off the business they've done, I think it's been a really good summer for Tottenham Hotspur. And I've got to believe, Rob, at least they can get back to top eight, top six.

39:34Robbie Earle:Yeah, I think so. And the football that he plays, again, it's going to take a little bit of time. He admitted himself last year was an emergency type of situation, just motivating, just trying to get them in a mentally better place to play football. His football will be interesting to see. it's going to be fascinating. Goalkeeper Kinski is going to be a changing goal as well. For Kari, I think his future at the club, you just went through the back four. We know the midfield has been upgraded with great signings. It's just that front line and whether they can fire. But certainly, yeah, for the Spurs fans, no relegation issues going into this season for sure.

40:06Robbie Mustoe:No, they won't be 17 for three years, won't it? I absolutely guarantee you. Coming up next, we'll dive into some clubs that could shock and surprise in this Premier League season.

40:24Robbie Earle:welcome back to the show let's start this segment with an underappreciated performer of the week presented by barclays rob and i think aston villa of what they've done over recent months there's a little bit of sense that the signings that they've made and the ones that they've lost is going to put them kind of behind the eight ball a little bit but they won the europa league They've got a brilliant manager. They're looking strong in pre-season with some which don't describe as Aston Villa 2.0 under Unai Emery. Are they a little underappreciated of what they've done, Rob, and what they're about to possibly do?

40:55Robbie Mustoe:They're not a little. They're a lot. When you think of winning Europa League again, Rob, with Unai Emery, the way you've brought this team in. Johan Manzambi, somebody we saw in the World Cup and liked him. It almost looks, Rob, like PSR hurts this football club. They never moan about it. You have to lose some big stars, get some younger ones in. But with Unai Emery's coaching ability and his work on the training ground, I just believe in Villa. And they get on with their business. And this kid, Brian Maggio, mate, they've got a centre forward, who's 6 '4", who's 17 years of age. Anybody can remember Emil Heskey.

41:33Robbie Mustoe:He's Emil Heskey with steroids. I thought a little bit of Lukaku in him as well.

41:38Robbie Earle:A mix of Heskey and Lukaku. Yeah, he's got a big ROM in him.

41:40Robbie Mustoe:Yeah, he's a player, my friend. He can play. So, as ever with Unai Emery, they'll lose some big A-star names, but they'll get players in and never worry with that man in charge.

41:51Robbie Earle:I think Manzambi's going to be one of those to watch for everybody in this league. I think you're absolutely right with Madjo, Brian Madjo. What a pre-season he'd look like right now. Yes, Don Acho's coming on loan as well, I think, Rob, at the football club. And they've lost a couple of good players. Of course, Uri Tillemans with that clause in his contract that Manchester United found out about. And Morgan Rodgers, brilliant player, of course. and that's where the negativity comes from. But I like the signings they've made. Jao Gomez from Warburton Wanderers,$51 million. Good little player. Good little player.

42:19Robbie Earle:So I think Aston Villa absolutely have the reason to be optimistic, even though they've lost a couple of their star players. A club, Rob, that I am very worried about, as we jump onto another club that might surprise, maybe not in a good way, Newcastle United, Rob Yorl. What the heck is going on?

42:39Robbie Mustoe:Well, they lost their manager. They've lost their big-time players. You know, when you look at who's Tonali, Andy Gordon, Bruno Gimenez, Kieran Trippier, that's a lot of quality out of your dressing room. Eddie Howe goes. You know, all of a sudden, Matthias Jaisal, who's not married in the league, came from Saudi football, was part of the Red Bull Salzburg Football Club, won titles there. I'm less, for some reason, Rob, and I don't know why, and it's always when I get hurt, I'm less worried. I don't think they're going to have it. They'll be top three, but people are talking about him getting relegated and that.

43:16Robbie Mustoe:I don't see it. I think a young, brave manager who's got a bit of personality, got away about him, got a style of play, is a good coach with young players who've got something to prove with that fan base. I'm not saying they're going to win the league. I just don't think they'll struggle as much as people think.

43:34Robbie Earle:I think they'll struggle. I think it could be in a relegation fight. There you go. So much negativity around, Rob they've got to get off to a good start they've won one game in six in pre-season the team looks like a totally different team right now it's a new goalkeeper that threw in a couple of goals in the last pre-season I've been watching the pre-season games getting ready for the start of the season yeah and you know I know he's got bags of energy and the Geordies have already got a song from apparently they're singing about him and there will be enthusiasm and excitement but I worry that's a lot that's all the best players over the last couple of years the the the ownership kind of excitement in the club has gone down and if they don't get off to a good start they could be one One of them, Rob, that are down the bottom of the league table fighting.

44:12Robbie Earle:I think that's a real possibility.

44:14Robbie Mustoe:I remember people saying this about Brentford this time last season.

44:17Robbie Earle:Yeah, not me. Others look a surprise, Rob. Give us one.

44:23Robbie Mustoe:I'll give you one. Sunderland, my friend. They surprised last year. They did a surprise last year. And I think, again, you've got Europa League football, Rob, this time around for Regis Labris. And I think the biggest challenge he's going to have as a manager is to focus minds on Premier League as well as European football. You know, some of these players are playing in the Championship, yet they've got to realise the most important thing will be staying in this league, Rob. And if they can, you know, a deep cup run in domestic or European, great, but staying in the league is the key.

44:54Robbie Earle:I'm going to give you a good one and a bad surprise. Brentford. People think they're going to drop off again. Not for me. Yes, they've lost Jordan Henderson, but Mamadou Sangari from Lens is a big fee, is a little lefty, really good central midfield player. I think they're going to be absolutely fine. Igor Thiago, nightmare World Cup for Brazil, but is scoring goals in pre-season. And Fulham, I worry about Fulham. Alvaro Arbeloa, very inexperienced manager. They've got kicked out of Real Madrid. They've lost some of their best players in Jimenez and Harry Wilson. They could struggle.

45:22Robbie Mustoe:Yeah, I worry with Fulham a little bit as well. I just think if things don't get off to a good start, lack of experience in the league, no continuity that we've seen with Marco Silva has had with this football club, I think he's one of those managers, Rob, that if things don't go well early, they may make a change because they won't want to hang in there. And as we've seen with big clubs like West Ham, going down is not an option.

45:46Robbie Earle:Agree, mate. OK, we'll take a break. Stick around as we give some rapid-fire predictions for the upcoming season. Stay with us.

46:01Robbie Mustoe:right musty we're going to get to some quick fire rounds to finish this podcast i want to know about the promoted teams and which of them is more likely to stay up this year well

46:12Robbie Earle:i think the most likely is coventry city rob um brilliant season last year frank lampard of course is going to be exciting to see how he does with the coventry that was so dominant in the Championship last year. Tyra Awanee from Forest is a huge signing, just been announced the last couple of days, I believe. I think they've got the best chance. Ipswich Town with Kieran McKenna stepping away from football, surprisingly. Gary O 'Neill is a new manager, signed a ton of new players. I still think they're going to struggle to stay up. And Hull City, wow. Oliver McBurney, they're not doing too much in the market.

46:42Robbie Earle:They are going to absolutely be 20 for the end of the season.

46:46Robbie Mustoe:Oh, don't say that. People were saying that about Sunderland, mate, and they did well. Although they did concede six goals last season in the Championship. So you've got to think it's going to be more than that in the Premier League. Listen, mate, let's get to some quick-fire predictions for this season coming up. I'm going to start you off with Golden Boot winner.

47:06Robbie Earle:Erland Harland, Rob. I just can't see it. They're going to be a good team again, and he's going to keep scoring the goals. What do you think?

47:12Robbie Mustoe:Erland Harland for me as well.

47:14Robbie Earle:Who gets the most assists? well Ryan Shirky I'm going to chuck him in he had a really good impact this season I'm sure he's going to play a lot more under the new manager he'll be feeding the ball through to Haaland so I'm going to say Shirky what are you saying I'm going to go Uri Tillemans Manchester United just

47:32Robbie Mustoe:a little bit deeper with them runners ahead of him and the connection with Bruno I'm going to go Tillemans for my most assists which manager's in the hot seat Rob who's under pressure from from day one.

47:42Robbie Earle:I've got a couple here. Matthias Yaisal at Newcastle United and Alvaro Arbeloa. I think he's going to be on the hot seat. If Fulham don't start well, they'll be very worried about what they do there. What other ones have you got?

47:53Robbie Mustoe:Well, I'd agree with Arbeloa. I'm not saying Yaisal, I'll have to say, because I'm going to go to who might over-perform expectations, and I'm going Matthias Yaisal. Wow. He's going to over-perform

48:08Robbie Earle:expectations.

48:09Robbie Mustoe:Over-perform, because everybody is telling me how poorly they're going to be.

48:11Robbie Earle:This is going to be great. This is going to be great. Well played. He's top off, mate.

48:14Robbie Mustoe:He's top off. Wow. I think over-performing for me is going to be,

48:19Robbie Earle:compared to where they were last year, Oliver Glasner. Great appointment by Nottingham Forest. They nearly got relegated last year. I really think he's a great coach. They've got good players there. I think they're going to do better than everybody thinks.

48:30Robbie Mustoe:I know we're going to look at this one differently. Best signing of the summer so far?

48:35Robbie Earle:Well, I put down here Uri Tillemans.

48:39Robbie Mustoe:Interesting. Yeah, well, I think... It's good business. And as I say, I've gone with Jordan Henderson.

48:46Robbie Earle:Oh, gosh. Jordan Henderson.

48:49Robbie Mustoe:He wanted Granit Xhaka. He didn't get Granit. He gets the next man, Jordan Henderson. And finally, mate, who lifts the trophy?

48:57Robbie Earle:It's Arsenal. Arsenal are nobody that's going to look in so far that can overtake them, particularly how motivated they look.

49:03Robbie Mustoe:Will they win it a little differently this time? Can they win it differently?

49:10Robbie Earle:football? Yeah, I think they can win it in multiple ways, yeah, they're the strongest team.

49:15Robbie Mustoe:Okay, mate, listen, I'm going to have to leave it there, but make sure you tune in this Friday for the Premier League season opener. There's Arsenal face Country City live on USA Network at 2pm Eastern Time. Both me and Mr Muster will be at the Emirates with Betts and Tim Howard. We can't wait for you to get going, and if you listen to us, be sure to follow the two of his podcasts on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcast and leave us a review. And if you prefer to watch Catch the Two Robbies podcast on YouTube, NBC Sports Network, NBC Sports Now. Thank you all for supporting the Two Robbies podcast presented by Barclays.

49:50Robbie Mustoe:But for now, I'm Earl, he's Musty. Together with the Two Robbies, thanks for watching and listening. Be safe, stay healthy. It's a good night from me. And it's a good night from him. Good night.

50:11We'll be right back.