The Premier League is back! All 20 clubs assessed
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Injuries and the absence of any form of pre-season for Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins due to their extended World Cup breaks now mean both the line-up and performance itself could throw up a few surprises at the Amex Stadium.Pat RoweBournemouth: Settled summer offers promise for biggest-ever season Image: Former Leipzig coach Marco Rose has taken the reins at Bournemouth this summer After a free-scoring pre-season under new head coach Marco Rose there are hopes that life after Andoni Iraola can be just as bright for Bournemouth despite a first season in Europe to contend with.The Cherries' succession plan is as strong for players as it is for managers and Rose will tinker with rather than overhaul Iraola's work and getting their transfer business done early has helped his squad settle ahead of their most testing season. Having watched Crystal Palace lift the trophy last season, anything other than victory in Istanbul in June would be disaster.Simeon Gholam Sunday 23rd August 1:00pm Kick off 2:00pm Chelsea: Work to do to replicate Alonso style Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Sky Sports News' David Richardson's discusses whether Chelsea will replicate Bayer Leverkusen's tactics under new boss Xabi Alonso Xabi Alonso appears to be replicating his successful 3-4-3 formation, which delivered the Bundesliga title for Bayer Leverkusen, at Chelsea after testing the system in pre-season.Alonso had fielded a 4-2-3-1 in their first three friendlies, but after switching to a back three against AC Milan - their best performance of the summer in a 3-0 win - it seems he could stick with it heading into their opening match against Fulham on Monday Night Football.
Everton's pre-season results... Image: Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been in fine form following his World Cup omission, including two goals against Liverpool in pre-season Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been on fire in pre-season, with three goals and two assists - is he set for an even better season than he had last term?The Leeds striker had a pretty good campaign last time out with 14 Premier League goals - but it was even more impressive because he didn't have a pre-season, as he completed his Elland Road move on the eve of last term.
Their captain was pivotal in 2025/26 and will be going forward, too.Dan LongTottenham: New signings impress as captaincy decision looms Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Tottenham signed off their pre-season preparations with a 3-0 win over Hoffenheim on Saturday - so how are they shaping up for the new season? Tottenham's pre-season results July 22: Tottenham 1-0 MK Dons - Spurs training ground July 26: Tottenham 2-0 Auckland FC July 29: Tottenham 1-1 Sydney FC (4-2 on pens) - Sydney August 1: Tottenham 2-1 Chelsea - Sydney August 8: Tottenham 1-1 Getafe - Spurs training ground (behind closed doors - 70-minute game) August 15: Tottenham 3-0 Hoffenheim - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium August 16: Tottenham 2-2 Hoffenheim - Spurs training ground (behind closed doors) With Porro's late World Cup-winning arrival, Archie Gray is set to start at right-back where he has played all of pre-season.The 20-year-old has also been captain in pre-season after Cristian Romero's exit, so it will be interesting to see who De Zerbi gives the captaincy to for their first competitive match of the new campaign.Declan Olley