Summary
Latest transfer news and build-up to start of Premier League on Friday
Your Premier League predictions - top six, relegation, Golden Boot
Conor Gallagher is expected back at Chelsea training with Atletico Madrid transfer in the balance
Social media explanations - what is new with VAR?
Uefa Super Cup - Real Madrid v Atalanta (20:00 BST).
Get Involved: #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Live Reporting
Ben Collins, Sarah Rendell, Martin Dougan and Tasnim Chowdhury
get involved Get Involved - Your Premier League predictionspublished at 10:36 British Summer Time 14 August
10:36 BST 14 August
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Lifelong Spurs fan. We will be the most entertaining side in the PL … for the neutral! Unfortunately we are defensively terrible: too narrow, atrocious on set pieces, always playing out from the back when sometimes a long ball is better option, and too OTT attack-minded. We will ship goals and I think we may even struggle to finish in the top half :(We’ve gone from one extreme under Antonio to the other under Ange.
Tilly
Premier League predictions - Tottenham fan's voicepublished at 10:32 British Summer Time 14 August
10:32 BST 14 August
Fan writer Ali Speechly
Where will you finish in the league and why?
My heart says top four, but my head says fifth. I think we will perform better for longer overall this season, but I also think we have got an additional competition to contend with in the Europa League and so we might struggle with burnout due to a lack of strength in depth.
Who is the best signing or has he not signed yet and who should it be?
I am very excited by the prospect of our new signings - particularly Lucas Bergvall who, so far, has looked composed on the ball and purposeful in driving play up the pitch. I am interested to see how Ange Postecoglou develops and utilises our young homegrown talent too, especially Mikey Moore and Jamie Donley.
What do you want from your manager this season?
I can't wait to see what Postecoglou can do in his second season. I want to see him be more agile and adaptable with his tactics and substitutions. It is important for a coach to communicate a clear playing style to his team and I love the courage of our fast, attacking football when everything clicks. But there is also a bravery to be found in changing our approach if it is not working, by adapting to the game that is actually in front of us, rather than the game we wish it was.
Who will be the breakout star in your squad?
Mikey Moore. With technical ability and a footballing brain beyond his years, there is a lot to get excited about with this young player. But he is young, so we will have to see when and how he is used. A potential game-changer, for sure.
What is your one major concern?
I am still not completely convinced we have enough strength in depth to cover significant injuries or suspensions. Having said that, I would like us to have fun in the Europa League and try to win it. To dare is to do, and all that. COYS!
Academy stars & signings - who are the youngsters to watch?published at 10:28 British Summer Time 14 August
10:28 BST 14 August
The Premier League season is almost upon us.
We all know the established stars who will be making plenty of headlines in the new campaign - but who are the young players we should be keeping an eye on?
BBC Sport's football writers have picked out some of the youngsters they expect to make a name for themselves, such as Arsenal's Ethan Nwaneri, Liverpool's Trey Nyoni and Tottenham's Mikey Moore, who are all pictured below.
Image source, Getty ImagesWhere will Spurs finish?published at 10:25 British Summer Time 14 August
10:25 BST 14 August
Phil's prediction: Sixth
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writerLast season: Fifth
Really interesting season ahead for Spurs. Yes, last season was an improvement under Ange Postecoglou, especially after the departure of Harry Kane, but missing out on the top four after getting into such a strong position must be considered a missed opportunity.
Postecoglou’s brand of attacking football was a sharp contrast to the stodge of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte but was too easily rumbled by opponents in the second half of the season. The Australian showed no signs of bending but surely there must be more pragmatism?
Interesting transfer business, as well.
Dominic Solanke, signed from Bournemouth in a deal that could be worth £65m, showed signs last season of maturing into the striker Chelsea and Liverpool thought he might be while teenager Archie Gray looked an outstanding prospect at Leeds United.
Son Heung-min will once again be the inspiration and there is enough quality elsewhere to suggest top six is very realistic.
And watch out for 17-year-old Mikey Moore, a player those behind the scenes at Spurs discuss with barely disguised excitement.
Tottenham fan writer Ali Speechly: "Fifth. My heart says top four, but my head says fifth. Let’s build on what Ange laid the foundations for last season by playing well more consistently, and give it our best shot to win the Europa League."
Numbers game as Man Utd make statement defensive signingspublished at 10:22 British Summer Time 14 August
10:22 BST 14 August
Simon Stone
BBC Sport's chief football news reporterManchester United made their statement signings yesterday evening when they confirmed Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have joined the club.
United subsequently confirmed De Ligt will wear the number four shirt and Mazraoui number three.
Phil Jones and Eric Bailly were among the most recent players to wear those numbers for United.
It can only be hoped the new pair avoid the same injury misfortune as the older ones.
Premier League predictions - Man Utd fan's voicepublished at 10:19 British Summer Time 14 August
10:19 BST 14 August
Fan writer Alex Turk
Where will you finish in the league and why?
Fourth - and that's optimistic. There are three weeks of the transfer window left, but as it stands, United have signed two players and one of them is injured for three months. With the same manager and - largely - the same players, can you expect anything different? A top-four finish and another trophy would be a successful season.
Who is the best signing or has he not signed yet and who should it be?
Leny Yoro's pre-season injury is so cruel because Manchester United secured the ultimate coup by beating Liverpool, PSG and Real Madrid to his signature. But the 18-year-old is the perfect Raphael Varane replacement and will undoubtedly upgrade Erik ten Hag's defence once he's available. United's most-needed recruit of the summer - a midfielder - could be still to come, though.
What do you want from your manager this season?
One of my main qualms with United in 2023-24 was how the lack of organisation among the club's previous hierarchy seemingly leaked onto the pitch. Ten Hag has to stick with the 4-2-3-1 he has used during pre-season and make that his 'game model'. No-one wants another year of Bruno Fernandes dropping into defence to receive the ball.
Who will be the breakout star in your squad?
Luke Shaw, regrettably, is always an injury risk, and there are few signs to suggest that Tyrell Malacia's 14-month absence will end soon. Meanwhile, Harry Amass, 17, has played a prominent role in pre-season. He appears primed to follow in Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo's footsteps as the latest academy star to establish himself in Ten Hag's first team.
What is your one major concern?
United's 23-24 campaign was ravaged by availability issues, with 66 different cases of injury or illness causing players to miss matches. Ineos has reviewed and made changes to the club's medical department, yet several players - most of them defenders - missed Saturday's Community Shield. Ten Hag can't afford for history to repeat itself this term.
For more news on Manchester United, visit our dedicated page
Where will Man Utd finish?published at 10:16 British Summer Time 14 August
10:16 BST 14 August
Phil's prediction: Fifth
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writerLast season: Eighth
Erik ten Hag is still in a job after winning the FA Cup last season but he is surely realistic enough to know he needs a good start to stop speculation rearing its head again, even after signing a new contract.
United have not made any signings that can be considered game-changers and the injury to new teenage central defender Leny Yoro was a body blow.
Ten Hag will hope Lisandro Martinez, a real warrior, can stay fit while he knows what Matthijs de Ligt can give him in central defence from his time at Ajax, but he was not an unqualified success at either Juventus or Bayern Munich - and it has often been a case of "buyer beware" when the latter are happy to sell their players.
Lots of questions to answer - not least from the manager. Can Marcus Rashford revive his career? What will become of Jadon Sancho? How will Joshua Zirkzee fit in?
There are outstanding youngsters, though, in Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, so with less than full confidence I go for an upgrade in league position this season. Ten Hag will need it.
Manchester United fan writer Alex Turk: "Fourth. As has been the case every season since 2013, United fans can realistically hope for as good as a top-four finish. But I can name three clubs likely to land above Erik ten Hag's side in several different combinations."
get involved Get Involved - Your Premier League predictionspublished at 10:13 British Summer Time 14 August
10:13 BST 14 August
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Joolzmf: As a Spurs fan, it pains me to say that West Ham will be in or around the top four this season.Always rated Lopetegui (thought Spurs may have looked at him before deciding upon Ange), coupling last season’s squad with their transfer business so far? Scary.
Ollie Watkins: Who will win the Premier League Golden Boot?published at 10:10 British Summer Time 14 August
10:10 BST 14 August
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Image source, Getty ImagesWatkins was one of England’s heroes at Euro 2024 thanks to his dramatic winning goal against the Netherlands in the semi-final.
Last season, the Aston Villa striker scored 19 times and managed 13 assists - the most of any player.
Watkins’ goals helped Aston Villa to a fourth-placed finish that secured Champions League football. Can he repeat his stellar season?
Premier League predictions - Villa fan's voicepublished at 10:07 British Summer Time 14 August
10:07 BST 14 August
Fan writer David Michael
Where will you finish in the league and why?
Sixth. I do not think Villa have added enough at the moment to stay in the top four, while making a fist of the Champions League. With the midfield axis of Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara gone, which was key to Villa's success last season, Villa will need to evolve their new-look midfield fast. That said, after fading at the back end of last season, they have freshened things up in a positive manner.
Who is the best signing or has he not signed yet and who should it be?
Sticking to actual signings, Amadou Onana. The 22-year-old is at the heart of Villa's midfield evolution. It is not necessarily based on what he has already done, but what the Belgium international could go on to do. He carries the weight of a reported £50m transfer fee, but if he imposes himself and strengthens the midfield, then Villa letting go of 2-0 leads should be a thing of the past. He is technically impressive too for a 6ft 5in player and he is certainly the key to Villa progressing this season.
What do you want from your manager this season?
You would love a trophy, but some good scalps in the Champions League would be very welcome, as would qualifying for Europe for a third straight season.
Who will be the breakout star in your squad?
After full seasons in the Championship with both Cardiff and Hull, returning Villa academy player Jaden Philogene is both battle-ready and playing without fear. Emery has obviously given the winger reinsurances in terms of playing time and he certainly could surprise a few people.
What is your one major concern?
An over-reliance on Ollie Watkins and the corresponding lack of first-rate proven striker options. The England forward rarely gets injured, but this is such a high-stakes season to take chances.
Where will Aston Villa finish?published at 10:03 British Summer Time 14 August
10:03 BST 14 August
Phil's prediction: Fourth
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writerLast season: Fourth
I tipped Aston Villa to finish fifth last season based on Unai Emery's expertise. He went one better and put them in the Champions League, a superb achievement.
I believe they will stay in the top four, having broken through that glass ceiling. An ambitious club with a top-class manager and a developing squad.
Douglas Luiz will be a loss after leaving for Juventus but plenty of quality remains elsewhere. Ollie Watkins is a proven Premier League marksman who also demonstrated his ability with England at Euro 2024.
Amadou Onana's £50m capture from Everton is intriguing. He flattered to deceive so often at Goodison Park but plenty of sound judges rate the gifted Belgium midfielder as a genuine star of the future. Ross Barkley's return has the element of a punt about it but he was cheap at £5m and showed his class at Luton Town last season.
Ian Maatsen is a smart capture from Chelsea, the Dutch left-back having helped Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final during his loan spell last season.
Champions League football will put an additional strain on Emery's squad but I fancy top four again.
Aston Villa fan writer David Michael: "Sixth. The fact that's being conservative shows you how far Villa have come under Unai Emery. If Villa got through the expanded group stages of the Champions League and once again qualified for European competition via the Premier League, that would be a very satisfactory season."
Gallagher set for return to Chelsea trainingpublished at 10:00 British Summer Time 14 August
10:00 BST 14 August
Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporterImage source, EPAConor Gallagher is expected to return to training at Chelsea's Cobham training ground today after landing back in London last night with his Atletico Madrid transfer in the balance.
The England midfielder, 24, had been pictured in the La Liga club's Wanda Metropolitano stadium on Saturday and spent five days in a hotel in Madrid but has been unable to complete his £33m transfer.
His move was halted because Chelsea's £34.5m deal to sign striker Samu Omorodion collapsed over personal terms on Sunday.
The Spanish club need to make one major sale to fund their move for Gallagher after signing Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez for £81.5m on Monday. Gallagher's move is not considered off but remains under threat of a collapse.
An alternative deal for Chelsea to sign forward Joao Felix from Atleti could salvage Gallagher's move but a fee must first be agreed. Felix is ready to return to Chelsea after spending six months on loan at the club in 2023.
However, if a fee can't be agreed for Felix, then Gallagher's transfer will likely be called off. Chelsea want to make the sale to avoid losing Gallagher on a free transfer with just 11 months left on his current contract.
Premier League predictions - Liverpool fan's voicepublished at 09:55 British Summer Time 14 August
09:55 BST 14 August
Fan writer Jordan Chamberlain
Where will you finish in the league and why?
Given it is Arne Slot's first season in charge, third is a realistic target. The Dutchman has had hardly any time to work with his best players considering their late return from various international tournaments, so it is unfair to expect him to do what Jurgen Klopp could not do last season and finish ahead of Manchester City and Arsenal, especially considering the team has not been strengthened.
Who is the best signing or has he not signed yet and who should it be?
Liverpool are the only team in the top five leagues who have not signed a single first-team player. The squad is deep and there are lots of exciting youngsters coming through, but there are gaps in defence and holding midfield. I would love Adam Wharton but he is probably too expensive.
What do you want from your manager this season?
To form a bond with the fans and implement a possession style of football that sees us far less open when we lose the ball. Last season was crazy. Liverpool made loads of chances, finishing poorly, but also conceded opportunities against even the weakest opponent due to the - at times - reckless, all-action style. Slot will hopefully bring control and composure.
Who will be the breakout star in your squad?
Curtis Jones or Harvey Elliott. Both are very close to becoming first-team regulars and have been two of the best players in pre-season. Jones can sit in a double pivot in midfield and control tempo, while Elliott will likely be deployed as the advanced midfielder where his creativity can wreak havoc. Both will be in the England squad next summer.
What is your one major concern?
The contract situations of Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk. You can't replace those three and they are all out of contract in 2025. Salah will likely go, but Liverpool need to work very hard to keep the other two. It would be heartbreaking if Jude Bellingham lured Trent to Real Madrid on a free, when once we thought the pair would join up at Anfield.
Where will Liverpool finish?published at 09:51 British Summer Time 14 August
09:51 BST 14 August
Phil's prediction: Third
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writerLast season: Third
Arne Slot is undertaking the seemingly impossible task of replacing Jurgen Klopp but the former Feyenoord coach benefits from inheriting an outstanding squad left behind by his predecessor.
Liverpool have an array of world-class talent, with Mohamed Salah still the talisman, along with keeper Alisson, captain Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Slot also has Liverpool's young brigade to call on. This can be the real breakout season for Harvey Elliott, with England's new interim manager Lee Carsley a huge admirer.
Martin Zubimendi's decision to stay at Real Sociedad was a blow as Liverpool seek a new number six for Slot.
And while there is understandable anxiety from supporters about the lack of signings, this remains an exceptionally strong Liverpool squad. They will challenge for trophies and finish in the top four.
Liverpool fan writer Jordan Chamberlain: "Third. Well clear of fourth. With a great run in the revamped Champions League. I still don't know much about Slot and he's keeping his cards close to his chest. But pre-season has been good and the squad is strong."
get involved Get Involved - Your Premier League predictionspublished at 09:48 British Summer Time 14 August
09:48 BST 14 August
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
“Guy From Nottingham” predicting Liverpool to finish 2nd this season… not sure who he supports but I’m a Liverpool fan and I find that outrageous. This Liverpool team hit a brick wall last season and went from going for the quadruple to finishing third with one trophy in the space of about a month. We have the same squad of players as last season with no new signings, no improvements, we’ve actually lost first-team players and replaced them with kids, and most importantly lost the manager. We will obviously make a couple of signings before the window shuts but it's going to be panic-buying now. Willing to give Slot time but realistically it's going to take at least a season or two to get it right, so anybody who thinks he’s going to outdo Klopp from last season on his first try is massively kidding themselves unfortunately
Josh
Premier League predictions - Arsenal fan's voicepublished at 09:43 British Summer Time 14 August
09:43 BST 14 August
Fan writer Laura Kirk-Francis
Where will you finish in the league and why?
Arsenal will win the league this year. Mikel Arteta is five years into his project at Arsenal, but at what point will fans grow tired of trusting the process if the process does not deliver silverware? Having finished the previous two seasons agonisingly close, fans are now used to sitting at the big boys' table. The pressure will be even greater to convert these title challenges into title wins - hope turns to entitlement, ambition turns to expectation. Third time will be the charm for Arsenal. This year the title is heading to North London.
Who is the best signing or has he not signed yet and who should it be?
Arsenal's transfer window has been adequate, if not underwhelming. The signing of Riccardo Calafiori will reassure, but perhaps not excite. Fans are demanding a marquee signing up front but it looks unlikely. This, coupled with the exit of Emile Smith Rowe, has caused some discontent. But fans should not forget the quality Arsenal have in Gabriel Jesus. If he can stay injury-free, and return to the standards that saw him revolutionise Arsenal's front line two seasons ago, his reinvention could negate the need to spend big on a striker.
What do you want from your manager this season?
If Arsenal do expect to go one step further, they will need to be perfect from the get-go. Last year's opening games saw Arteta experimenting with the line-up, with crucial points being dropped. This can't happen again. Only perfection is good enough. Last season Arsenal also exited both cups early, but while cup runs can be seen as a nuisance when the ultimate goal is winning the league, a strong run will be an opportunity for more rotation, and confidence in winning when it matters.
Who will be the breakout star in your squad?
A Gabriel Martinelli rebound is also a must for Arsenal. With a more fluid-looking back four, Martinelli could partner with any of Timber, Calafiori, Tomiyasu or Zinchenko, which could breathe new life into him and keep Arsenal's left side unpredictable.
What is your one major concern?
Both Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka were involved heavily in England's Euros campaign, as well as playing almost every game for Arsenal last season. Arteta will need to consider how to manage their return with Arsenal facing Manchester City, Aston Villa and Tottenham in their opening few games.
You can read the thoughts of supporters from all 20 Premier League sides by clicking on this link and choosing the Premier League team of your choice to read about.
Where will Arsenal finish?published at 09:39 British Summer Time 14 August
09:39 BST 14 August
Phil's prediction: Second
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writerLast season: Second.
Mikel Arteta's side - lifted to a new level by the arrival of Declan Rice - pushed Manchester City even closer for the title last season but could not maintain the levels of near perfection needed to keep them at bay.
I am backing them to give City the closest run for their money again this season given the all-round talent the Gunners possess.
The signing of Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori bolsters an already strong area of the side but Arsenal must surely be in the market for a proven goalscorer before the close of the transfer window, a component still lacking for all last season's excellence.
The title may be out of reach once more but they will definitely be in contention for silverware. They will also have the experience of last season’s Champions League campaign to call on.
Arsenal fan writer Laura Kirk-Francis: "First. Arsenal have every reason to be confident this season, but the truth remains that to be the best they will need to beat the best. And I think they will. I'll be bold - Arsenal will win the league this year."
get involved Get Involved - Your Premier League predictionspublished at 09:34 British Summer Time 14 August
09:34 BST 14 August
#bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Top 6 predictionsChampions: Man City2nd: Arsenal3rd: Man Utd4th: Liverpool5th: West Ham6th: ChelseaGolden Boot: Haaland
Steve, Kent
Premier League predictions - Man City fan's voicepublished at 09:30 British Summer Time 14 August
09:30 BST 14 August
Fan writer Freddie Pye
Where will you finish in the league and why?
After a fourth successive Premier League title, Manchester City are raring to go again. But how can we possibly go one better?! Winning a fifth in a row, of course. And that is our prediction.
With changes aplenty across the division, City remain stable. Some have called for several new signings, but Pep Guardiola remains content. Arsenal will be a significant challenge, but we are backing the relentless hunger stemming from Guardiola to do it again.
Who is the best signing or has he not signed yet and who should it be?
Savinho is exceptional recruitment, showing why the City Group is an unstoppable, talent-developing machine. But we believe City's best "signing" could already be in the squad; Oscar Bobb. Exceptional in pre-season, he is likely to be afforded greater responsibility. And, with the exit of Julian Alvarez, he could even be called upon in the false nine role.
What do you want from your manager this season?
After everything City have already achieved, what more could we possibly want from Guardiola? Simple; a new contract. The romanticism of 10 years in charge is a mouthwatering possibility. Will we see that? Only Pep knows. But he has earned the opportunity to make that decision in his own time.
Who will be the breakout star in your squad?
What may sway Guardiola is the breakthrough of youth, and particularly James McAtee. After two consecutive loans, the time is now to take his understanding of the game to the next level. Consistent 90 minutes may not be here just yet, but we could see glimpses of an exceptional talent and moments to inspire, and we are tipping him as our breakout figure.
What is your one major concern?
While there is plenty to be positive about, one major concern is clear, but we will keep this one on the pitch. Rodri has made his struggles public in terms of physical demands. City are yet to sign a player for any absence and that could be costly. However, Guardiola is no doubt capable of finding a solution.
For more news on Man City, visit our dedicated page, external
Who will win the Premier League?published at 09:24 British Summer Time 14 August
09:24 BST 14 August
Phil's prediction: Manchester City
Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writerLast season: Champions
Think about backing against them. Then think again.
Manchester City's relentless hunger for success under manager Pep Guardiola brought them a sixth Premier League title in seven seasons last term, and a record fourth in succession, despite Arsenal's excellence and consistency.
All the same world-class quality remains, allied to the generational goal machine that is Erling Haaland. City will also have power to add armed with their vast resources plus another £81.5m after the departure of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid.
Young stars Oscar Bobb and James McAtee have shown they are ready to step up to new levels this season to strengthen Guardiola's already formidable hand even further. It is a daunting prospect for their rivals.
There will be a season when Manchester City do not win the Premier League - I'm just not sure this will be it.
Man City fan writer Freddie Pye: "City will finish, once again, top. Understanding of philosophy, experience and Pep Guardiola's relentless hunger for more will be the difference, despite concern over a lack of new signings. Given our recent history too, you could comfortably regard this as realistic."
