WELCOME TO YOUR WIRTZ NIGHTMARE!

Take it as Red, title will go with Flo

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CLUB World Cup this, transfer window that- it's nearly time for the good stuff again. The 2025-26 Premier League season kicks off on Friday, with defending champions Liverpool at home to Bournemouth. Our team look into their crystal balls to see what lies in store... and with £116m man Florian Wirtz on board it's looking good for Arne Slot's Kop stars.

CHRIS MCKENNA

CHAMPIONS: Liverpool REST OF THE TOP FOUR: Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea RELEGATED: Burnley, Brentford, Leeds SURPRISE PACKAGE: Manchester United BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT: Aston Villa BEST NEW SIGNING: Florian Wirtz TOP GOALSCORER: Erling Haaland PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Florian Wirtz YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Leny Yoro.

LIVERPOOL to retain the English league title for the first time since the 1980s and overtake Manchester United with No.21.

Why? Because they've spent big and spent well while their rivals are playing catch-up. I think Florian Wirtz will have a starring role in their success to make him not only the best buy winner but a contender for Player of the Year.

Manchester City will push them, though, as Pep Guardiola rebuilds but I expect them to peak in the following campaign while Arsenal and Chelsea will fill up the rest of the top four.

Sunderland may surprise a few with their new faces but Brentford have lost their manager and best players, they could be in trouble.

And Manchester United a surprise package? Only because they won't be as awful as they were last season and will push for a top-six spot, especially with an upgrade up front in the shape of Benjamin Sesko.