Whale.io 🐳 | ⚽ English Premier League Season: 2025/2026

[igebotz]

I never understood why Liverpool were chasing Caicedo, he was not the type of player they needed. Ultimately, it did push the price up and Brighton did benefit from that sale. That is how things are in football.

As for Fofana, he joined Chelsea in August 2022 for £75 million (again Chelsea overpaid to buy him from Leicester City) but in three full seasons has played just 29 Premier League games from 114 (15 in the first and was absent for the whole of the second season and only 14 games last season). On top of that he has played just 5 European games in the first season and none after that.

If he gets fit, he deserves a chance to hold his place in the team otherwise the manager will have to sell him at a big loss. He still has four years of his seven year contract remaining.

Liverpool came into the deal after losing Bellingham to Real Madrid - no directions, just headless moves.

Fofana bro always injured during every transfer summer to avoid getting sold, huge potential but can't stay fit for more than 10 consecutive games. Leicester City scammed us too.

[JollyGood]

Liverpool came into the deal after losing Bellingham to Real Madrid - no directions, just headless moves.

Well, I think we agree that Bellingham made the right move by going to Real Madrid instead of Liverpool because he has flourished there. We do not know how any move to Liverpool would have played out for him but he is enjoying his time.

Still, the idea of Caicedo possibly being a Liverpool player seemed wrong to me. They needed a different type of player for their midfield. Eventually, he wanted to move to Chelsea and got his wish. This could be a big season for him, I think Caicedo will play exceptionally well because he has been long enough to know what he must do to help the Chelsea team be successful.

Fofana bro always injured during every transfer summer to avoid getting sold, huge potential but can't stay fit for more than 10 consecutive games. Leicester City scammed us too.

[igebotz]

Well, I think we agree that Bellingham made the right move by going to Real Madrid instead of Liverpool because he has flourished there. We do not know how any move to Liverpool would have played out for him but he is enjoying his time.

Yes, no doubt, no English Media hype, just playing his games week in, week out without external pressure.

Still, the idea of Caicedo possibly being a Liverpool player seemed wrong to me. They needed a different type of player for their midfield. Eventually, he wanted to move to Chelsea and got his wish. This could be a big season for him, I think Caicedo will play exceptionally well because he has been long enough to know what he must do to help the Chelsea team be successful.

A big season ahead of him and he will be playing his first champions league football too - Caicedo, Enzo, Palmer has been exceptional good since they arrived.

What's the possibility of Manchester city getting Rodrygo after letting Grealish leave? Now they must sign a replacement.

[JollyGood]

Going by recent form alone, Chelsea are in the small group of teams that has a realistic chance to win the Premier League or finish second. Apart from Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea no other teams have a chance.

Personally, I believe the Manchester City era of dominance is over and they will not win the Premier League again and Guardiola will leave at the end of the season (or even before) when the pressure gets too much.

Grealish has a chance of getting maximum game time at Everton, I am sure Moyes will get the best out of him. It has further opened a window of opportunity for Guardiola to bring Rodrygo but they were chasing him for a long time and failed therefore it seems unlikely a deal will be completed.

A big season ahead of him and he will be playing his first champions league football too - Caicedo, Enzo, Palmer has been exceptional good since they arrived.

What's the possibility of Manchester city getting Rodrygo after letting Grealish leave? Now they must sign a replacement.

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

Going by recent form alone, Chelsea are in the small group of teams that has a realistic chance to win the Premier League or finish second. Apart from Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea no other teams have a chance.

We got our striker problem sorted so we don't have any problem scoring goals anymore, our defence is stabilized and midfield is as strong as it can get. Sanchez is getting better as he has shown some improvement so he isn't much of a worry anymore. We gotten in some good additions therefore there isn't no reason why we shouldn't be competing for the title this season. Last season we weren't ready and the managers knew that but being the world's champions, there's no reason why we shouldn't be competing for all possible titles this season.

Good game from Liverpool and an interesting opener with lots of goals. Glad the premier league is back.

[JollyGood]

We got our striker problem sorted so we don't have any problem scoring goals anymore, our defence is stabilized and midfield is as strong as it can get. Sanchez is getting better as he has shown some improvement so he isn't much of a worry anymore. We gotten in some good additions therefore there isn't no reason why we shouldn't be competing for the title this season. Last season we weren't ready and the managers knew that but being the world's champions, there's no reason why we shouldn't be competing for all possible titles this season.

Put simply, Chelsea have no excuses for not fighting until the last game of the season because they are one of the main favourites to win the Premier League this season. Maresca knows he has a squad that is capable of delivering trophies therefore he is under pressure from the owners and fans. If Chelsea have a bad season, I am sure he will lose his job.

Good game from Liverpool and an interesting opener with lots of goals. Glad the premier league is back.

RESULT:

Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouh

For most of the game (the parts I watched), I was amazed at how good Bournemouth were playing. From 2-0 down to 2-2 and then to concede two late goals to lose the game 4-2 seemed unfair on them. Liverpool did not seem fluid, they did not seem to be playing exceptionally well whereas Bournemouth did for large parts of the game yet lost.

Overall, it was a fantastic opener for the new season  

[igebotz]

We got our striker problem sorted so we don't have any problem scoring goals anymore, our defence is stabilized and midfield is as strong as it can get. Sanchez is getting better as he has shown some improvement so he isn't much of a worry anymore. We gotten in some good additions therefore there isn't no reason why we shouldn't be competing for the title this season. Last season we weren't ready and the managers knew that but being the world's champions, there's no reason why we shouldn't be competing for all possible titles this season.

Everything looking good on paper but if we do not get 2 CBs sorted out before the summer ends, we aren't going to stay up against the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and City for too long this season. Colwil is already out, one more injury at the back and we're finished.

Agreed, the manager has everything and the caliber of players to compete for the title and other domestic cups this season no doubt. But...

For most of the game (the parts I watched), I was amazed at how good Bournemouth were playing. From 2-0 down to 2-2 and then to concede two late goals to lose the game 4-2 seemed unfair on them. Liverpool did not seem fluid, they did not seem to be playing exceptionally well whereas Bournemouth did for large parts of the game yet lost.

Overall, it was a fantastic opener for the new season 

Two late goals could have been avoided if they hadn't sold their whole defence line from last season.

[tokeweed]

^  Are we gonna see Liverpool fumble in the next couple of seasons then be on a search for their next great manager?  I think within 10 years or so, maybe less, we'll finally see the return of Xabi Alonso to bring back Liverpool back to greatness.  I really hope the ruling club in the EPL by that time will be Manchester United.  

The challenge to get back on top will be something to watch.

Edit:  Not really sure why Fulham is this big of an underdog against Brighton at 4.10 or something.  Draw no bet is at 3.00 and the double chance is at 1.96?  Hmmm...

[JollyGood]

Two late goals could have been avoided if they hadn't sold their whole defence line from last season.

That is football for you  

These are games being played today:

Brighton and Hove Albion vs Fulham
Sunderland vs West Ham United
Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Manchester City

It seems as though we will discover the extent of intent from Manchester City. If they want to be taken seriously as title winning contenders, they will have to get off to a good start. Imagine what the media will do to Guardiola if they lose. The same for Tottenham, if they lose at home to Burnley the pressure will be on Frank from day one of the season.

RESULT:
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle United

I did not see that score line coming at all in the midday kick-off game. Newcastle United are more than capable of scoring without Isak on the pitch. As for Aston Villa, they had home advantage they were expected to score.

[tokeweed]

Brighton vs Fulham ended with a 1 - 1 draw.    I'd say that's a pretty good result for them as they're a 3 to 1 underdog as the away side against a decent squad.

But it was mispriced tho.  No way they should be that big of an underdog at 4.10.  Not with Marco Silva at the helm.  I guess a combo with BTTS would've brought the double chance to over 2.50.

[igebotz]

Anyone impressed yet? Watched almost all the games and I can say only City- Wolves, Totteham - Burnley and maybe Manutd - Arsenal gave us the real premier experience, the rest were below par. My Chelsea disappointed so badly, couldn't recognize my club.

Our LW is going to be a problem this season if we don't get Garnacho who is PL proven this week. Gittens is raw and still getting used to the league, he'd need time to adap the new boys are still getting used to the league eh?. 

[JollyGood]

Brighton vs Fulham ended with a 1 - 1 draw.    I'd say that's a pretty good result for them as they're a 3 to 1 underdog as the away side against a decent squad.

But it was mispriced tho.  No way they should be that big of an underdog at 4.10.  Not with Marco Silva at the helm.  I guess a combo with BTTS would've brought the double chance to over 2.50.

Brighton must feel as though they dropped two points because they were winning 1-0. They had chances to win the game before Fulham came back. The way Silva reacted to the equalising goal showed he believes his Fulham team will perform better than last season.

Anyone impressed yet? Watched almost all the games and I can say only City- Wolves, Totteham - Burnley and maybe Manutd - Arsenal gave us the real premier experience, the rest were below par. My Chelsea disappointed so badly, couldn't recognize my club.

Our LW is going to be a problem this season if we don't get Garnacho who is PL proven this week. Gittens is raw and still getting used to the league, he'd need time to adap the new boys are still getting used to the league eh?.  

I did not watch any game in full, I did watch some of Liverpool vs Bournemouth on Friday and then some of the Wolves vs Manchester City game on Saturday. After that, some of the and Manchester United vs Arsenal game on Sunday. I tried to watch some of the Chelsea vs Crystal Palace game but it was not possible.

From those games alone, it was not a bad start to the season. The Premier League just started, give the teams a chance to get going  

These are the results of the first games of the new season. Liverpool are probably favourite to win (and retain the Premier League title) but Arsenal won their opening game at Manchester United therefore they will be challenging alongside a few other teams. Promoted teams Sunderland and Leeds started with wins but Burnley lost. It seems as though it will be another fantastic season  

Friday 15th August
Liverpool 4-2 Bournemouth

Saturday 16th August
Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle United
Brighton and Hove Albion 1-1 Fulham
Sunderland 3-0 West Ham United
Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Burnley
Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-4 Manchester City

Sunday 17th August
Chelsea 0-0 Crystal Palace
Nottingham Forest 3-1 Brentford
Manchester United 0-1 Arsenal

Monday 18th August
Leeds United 1-0 Everton

[tokeweed]

Brighton vs Fulham ended with a 1 - 1 draw.    I'd say that's a pretty good result for them as they're a 3 to 1 underdog as the away side against a decent squad.

But it was mispriced tho.  No way they should be that big of an underdog at 4.10.  Not with Marco Silva at the helm.  I guess a combo with BTTS would've brought the double chance to over 2.50.

Brighton must feel as though they dropped two points because they were winning 1-0. They had chances to win the game before Fulham came back. The way Silva reacted to the equalising goal showed he believes his Fulham team will perform better than last season.

Yeah I like Marco Silva and hopefully they do make it a tad better season than last year.  I hated him for making the money move to Everton tho.  That surely stunted his development as a manager.  He should've just stuck with where he was at and continue to get better just like Eddie Howe did it.

Speaking of Eddie Howe, I think there's a time when Man United is ready to take Eddie Howe in, for him bring the club to its former greatness.  What a time would it be..  And under an English manager too. 

[igebotz]

From those games alone, it was not a bad start to the season. The Premier League just started, give the teams a chance to get going 

Yeah I guess the new players are trying so hard to show they deserved to be here and everyone else still looking raw too - I will give it another week but I expect better. 

Speaking of Eddie Howe, I think there's a time when Man United is ready to take Eddie Howe in, for him bring the club to its former greatness.  What a time would it be..  And under an English manager too. 

Seems like he's going to struggle without his favorite boy ( Isak ) this season.

What way for Wissa and Isak this season? Wissa wants Newcastle, Isak still insisting on Liverpool or nothing. Both not playing.

[JollyGood]

Yeah I like Marco Silva and hopefully they do make it a tad better season than last year.  I hated him for making the money move to Everton tho.  That surely stunted his development as a manager.  He should've just stuck with where he was at and continue to get better just like Eddie Howe did it.

I think Silva went to Everton because he would have been a club legend if he had managed to turn their fortunes around. I do not blame him for trying, it is a big club (even if others might disagree) and he tried his best there. Finally, they have a new stadium and have a stepping stone to emulate some of the success they had in the mid-1980s.

Speaking of Eddie Howe, I think there's a time when Man United is ready to take Eddie Howe in, for him bring the club to its former greatness.  What a time would it be..  And under an English manager too. 

Howe at Manchester United? He does not seem to be the type of manager Manchester United would be looking for if Amorim is sacked. They should employ managers that have won the league and some other trophies. Howe does not fit the Manchester United criteria on the basis of winning the Carabao Cup this year.

[joker_josue]

At the end of the first round, I don't think we saw any big surprises. Perhaps we expected more from Liverpool, and much more from Chelsea.

Here is the ranking table (do you like this format?):

LEADERBOARD:

POS	Team	PTS	PLD	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD
1	Manchester City FC	3	1	1	0	0	4	0	4
2	Tottenham Hotspur FC	3	1	1	0	0	3	0	3
2	Sunderland AFC	3	1	1	0	0	3	0	3
4	Liverpool FC	3	1	1	0	0	4	2	2
5	Nottingham Forest FC	3	1	1	0	0	3	1	2
6	Leeds United FC	3	1	1	0	0	1	0	1
6	Arsenal FC	3	1	1	0	0	1	0	1
8	Fulham FC	1	1	0	1	0	1	1	0
8	Brighton & Hove Albion FC	1	1	0	1	0	1	1	0
10	Chelsea FC	1	1	0	1	0	0	0	0
10	Newcastle United FC	1	1	0	1	0	0	0	0
10	Crystal Palace FC	1	1	0	1	0	0	0	0
10	Aston Villa FC	1	1	0	1	0	0	0	0
14	Manchester United FC	0	1	0	0	1	0	1	-1
14	Everton FC	0	1	0	0	1	0	1	-1
16	AFC Bournemouth	0	1	0	0	1	2	4	-2
17	Brentford FC	0	1	0	0	1	1	3	-2
18	Burnley FC	0	1	0	0	1	0	3	-3
18	West Ham United FC	0	1	0	0	1	0	3	-3
20	Wolverhampton Wanderers FC	0	1	0	0	1	0	4	-4

___
POS - League Position, PLD - Games Played, PTS - Points Earned
W - Games Won, L - Games Lost, D - Games Drawn
GD - Goal Difference, GF - Goal For, GA - Goal Against

[CryptopreneurBrainboss]

At the end of the first round, I don't think we saw any big surprises. Perhaps we expected more from Liverpool, and much more from Chelsea.

The only disappointing game for me was that of Chelsea, I won't be taking anything away from crystal palace but Chelsea dominating the game and having 72% possession but still couldn't get a goal wasn't exactly how I expected the boys to play not after that incredible run they had at the club world cup and thrashing the champions league winners in the finals. We weren't shy of goals throughout the preseason and then the first game of the season and they go, goalless, nah that was too poor. I know it's just the first game but every point is important for the title race and that's the conversation I want for the boys this season. I just hope they can give us something to smile about against West ham on Friday.

[igebotz]

At the end of the first round, I don't think we saw any big surprises. Perhaps we expected more from Liverpool, and much more from Chelsea.

Here is the ranking table (do you like this format?):

I like the table format, it's cool. Thanks.

We got the most needed win to build up momentum for the season- just need to add Garnacho and Simon to the mix and maybe another CB.

[JollyGood]

At the end of the first round, I don't think we saw any big surprises. Perhaps we expected more from Liverpool, and much more from Chelsea.

What Chelsea did not do in the first game, they managed to do in the game against West Ham. It was a big statement to send out to the rest of the Premier League that shows they believe they will become Premier League champions. As for Liverpool, they won even though they were not at their best and that is a sign of great champions (they manage to find ways of winning when things are not going well).

Here is the ranking table (do you like this format?):

It is a good table format. Saves me having to add screenshots.

I just hope they can give us something to smile about against West ham on Friday.

Well, 5-1 should have given you plenty to smile about  

I feel sorry for Potter, as manager of West Ham United he is facing a difficult start to the season especially when he used to be manager of Chelsea.

I like the table format, it's cool. Thanks.

We got the most needed win to build up momentum for the season- just need to add Garnacho and Simon to the mix and maybe another CB.

Chelsea look certain to finish inside the top three. Whether they have enough discipline in the squad to be crowned champions will depend on how they recruit before the transfer window closes.

[joker_josue]

Here is the ranking table (do you like this format?):

It is a good table format. Saves me having to add screenshots.

Once you have everything organized, after another matchday or two, you can put this table together yourself.
Expect some news soon.




I'm more expecting Man United (aren't we all?), they really need to win a game to change their course. Will it be this round?