Coach Ralph Soccer Connection

09/14/2026

SOCCER SUNDAY FALL 2026, #2 - NECSL week 1
A long day to kick off the fall soccer season in Lancaster: it poured!!
First up: a new team, SFC U10 Boys Silver. Coach Mike is leading the team; I will be assisting him. Their opening game was against the Boston Bolts. I won’t give the team its full title. It’s just a ploy to make them sound more important than they really are. For a first game, I thought the boys did very well. I can see some individual skill, but as expected, it's the start of the campaign, so there's lots of work to be done organising the group. That was exposed in the second game against NEFC Metrowest Navy, who hammered us, but they are a team in their second year. I recognised the coach and many of the players as they played against my SFC U9 White team in 25-26. It was a tough game in the torrential rain, but we learned a lot. A win and a loss after day 1, and several ideas to focus on in coming practices, especially regarding the setup of the boys. Finally, Jack was outstanding in goal. He has great reflexes and keeps improving all the time.
The SFC U10 Boys White were up next and led 3-0 at the interval against Seacoast Bedford. Their play really dipped in the opening minutes of the second half, and 2 goals were conceded via individual errors when the team wasn’t under pressure. After conceding the second goal, the boys responded with a move from the back field to the Seacoast goal with quick, simple passing to score, and we were back in control once more.
Boston Bolts were a stronger team, and though we led 2-1 at the half, we were fortunate. Our passing was poor, and the Bolts were outplaying us. Connor and Max's individual moments of skill gave us the lead. The opening 10 minutes of the second half were a massive improvement. Yet just as we were getting on top, we conceded a penalty: 2-2. The Bolts followed up with 2 more quick goals, and we seemed destined to be on the way to our first loss of the season. To be fair to the lads, they rallied. After Connor pulled a goal back, it was up to Elliott to earn a 4-4 draw. He buried a wayward pass from a Bolts player to be the hero for the second week running. Overall, disappointed with our performance in this game. Most of the boys have played for me before and know that, at this stage of their development, I prioritise passing to feet. That was out of the window for long spells of the game. The team now stands at 4-0-2 on the fall season.
It was a soggy drive home. Hopefully next week will be more palatable with the U10 Boys Blue and the U10 Girls Blue & White teams kicking off their NECSL seasons.
YNWA!
SUNDAY 13th SEPT
SFC U10B Silver vs FC Boston Bolts Central PreAcademy Blue Won 4-2 (Isiah, Harry, Owen, George)
NEFC Metrowest Northboro Navy vs SFC U10B Silver Lost 1-9 (Mihalis)
SUNDAY 13th SEPT
SFC U10B White vs Seacoast Bedford United Carolina Copa Won 6-2 (Connor 2, Deven, Will, Max, Callum)
FC Boston Bolts Elite Blue vs SFC U10B White Drew 4-4 (Connor 2, Keanu, Elliott)
PICS/VIDEOS:
Thanks to families for sending so many great photographs!

09/10/2026

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09/08/2026

SOCCER SUNDAY FALL 2027, #1 - Surf Labor Day Tournament 9/5-9/6
The fall is here, and so is the new soccer season. This year I have 4 U10 teams (2 boys & 2 girls), and I’m assisting Coach Mike with a fifth team, U10 Boys Silver. Three teams were in action over Labor Day weekend in the Surf tournament at Fort Devens.

The U10 Boys Blue kicked off the proceedings, falling 1-0 to NEFC Metrowest Mendon. Last year we lost heavily to this team twice, so the scoreline was closer. However, I was disappointed with our performance. It was the first game of the season with a number of new players; obviously things wouldn’t be cohesive collectively, but there was too much going on individually. That theme continued through the weekend: a ding-dong 5-4 win over the Inter Academy was followed by a 3-1 loss to the eventual divisional champions, Surf Metrowest. Whilst this game was marred by a couple of mystifying refereeing decisions, it could not overshadow the team’s shortcomings. The team has talent; the challenge will be bringing the players together. It is also the fun part of coaching. The boys will improve.

The U10 Girls Blue started with a comprehensive 5-0 victory before falling 3-1 to Surf Metrowest, who won the division. The first half was even, ending 0-0. Surf pulled away early in the second half before Vivian netted a late consolation. On Sunday, the girls lost 1-0 to a late goal, which meant they could not advance. The squad is clearly more talented and deeper than last year. Technically, we are better, and several girls are pacy. The challenge will be turning these positives into more productive finishes. I expect big things from the girls by the season’s end.

In terms of results, the U10 Boys White had the most success. The core of the team played for me in 25-26 on the U9 Boys Blue. As a result, they looked more like a team than the other two squads. In the first game against IFA Greater Boston, they looked headed for a two-goal defeat before a late rally saw them score three unanswered goals to win 3-2. Two comfortable victories followed, taking them into the divisional final against Cruzeiro Boston.

The boys struggled in the first half and seemed intimidated by a team with some big boys and a strong Brazilian presence. At the interval, we were losing 2-0, mesmerised by Cruzeiro's skills and effectively watching them play. At the half, I urged them to compete and stop being spectators. They did, and this brought the team back into the game. Suddenly, Cruzeiro were not having things their own way, and they began to get physical. Graham and Grady had to leave the field after challenges I wouldn't expect to see at this age group. The challenge on Grady belonged in adult soccer. Quite rightly, the referee insisted the Cruzeiro player be substituted.

The boys had the bit between their teeth, and two fierce drives from Connor tied the game, the second from a free kick, and took it to penalty kicks. Penalty shootouts are tense, and we went all the way to the seventh round with the two goalkeepers facing each other. Elliot saved from his opposite number before smashing home his kick to give the team a well-deserved and hard-earned victory. The big lesson was that after some dominant games, the boys have to find ways to play and compete against tougher opposition.

So, after a long and demanding weekend, I’ve had a day to decompress! I expected to learn a lot about all three teams and the players. I did! It's back to the practice field today, and next Sunday NECSL games begin with the U10 Boys White and Silver teams in action.
YNWA

SATURDAY 5th SEPT
SFC U10B Blue vs NEFC Metrowest Mendon Red Lost 0-1
Inter Academy Metrowest Black vs SFC U10B Blue Won 5-4
(Max 2, Arthur 2, John)

SFC U10B White vs IFA Greater Boston Blue Won 3-2
(Connor 2, Devin)
MA Rush North Boys Blue vs SFC U10B White Won 4-1

SFC U10G Blue vs IFA Greater Boston Gold Won 5-0
(Vivian 2, June, Clara, Brianna)
NE Surf Metrowest Navy vs SFC U10G Blue Lost 1-3
(Vivian)

SUNDAY 6th SEPT
NE Surf Metrowest Navy vs SFC U10B Blue Lost 1-3

Inter Academy Metrowest Black vs SFC U10G Blue Lost 0-1

NE Surf Metrowest Boys Navy vs SFC U10B White Won 8-0
Cruzeiro Boston vs SFC U10B White Drew 2-2 - SFC won on penalties (Connor 2)

PICS/VIDEOS:
Thanks to families for sending so many great photographs!

FORMER PLAYER SIGHTING: Derek Marin, who used to play for me and his wife, Mrs Marin! She came to my camp and remembered when we used to have the players strike the ball with their bare feet to learn the sweet spot.

08/31/2026

48 YEARS AND COUNTING - FROM US SOCCER COACH TO LFC MISSIONARY
The Premier League has returned. Rather than dwell on the latest rule interpretations and questionable decisions by referees and VAR officials, I’ve chosen to take a more self-indulgent approach. Just over a week ago, I entered my 44th year of coaching in the USA since moving. Include four more summers coaching at camps; that’s 48 years and counting. Can I reach the 50 year milestone?

My coaching journey began in the summer of 1978, when I was given the opportunity to launch a soccer program at Camp Jean Marie near Cape Cod. While CJM offered a variety of sports, soccer was new territory. Few of the children at the camp had played. As the summer progressed, my sessions grew popular enough to inspire an exhibition match: European Counsellors and Kids versus American Counsellors (see attached photograph). We played on a sandy softball field — needless to say, the American Counsellors, lacking soccer experience, faced an uphill battle. No prizes for who won! Returning to the UK, I earned my Preliminary Coaching Badge with the Welsh FA, and I was off and running as a soccer coach. Over the next five years, I returned to the States three more times, working at soccer camps across the country before moving to West Chester, PA, in August 1983.

Fast forward to today, and you’ll see a photo from last spring: I’m addressing my team at halftime, preaching to the choir before a game. After retiring in 2018, I continued coaching as a freelancer. Five years ago, I began coaching with SFC. For most of my career, I’d coached U16 and older, so I was surprised to be assigned U9 teams. Since then, I’ve spent two years guiding U9 SFC teams through their U10 seasons, then starting over with fresh U9 squads. This coming year marks the second year of my third tour of duty with the age group. I’ll be coaching four U10 teams, two boys' and two girls'.

Coaching players in this young age group was initially a challenge. Although I’d worked with “teenyboppers” at camps, this was a different experience entirely. Organising and channelling their energy into something structured and competitive was no small feat. I soon realised that traditional “drills” and defending held little interest for these youngsters. Gradually I learned to adapt to what helps them develop and enjoy the game most. Overall, I’ve become very interested in how best to introduce soccer to players of this age.

Working with my teams constantly teaches me new lessons, often in unexpected ways. If I had to define my coaching style, I’d call it “street soccer” with a touch of structure. Most of my sessions are game-based, emphasising creativity and problem-solving. For example, last spring, during small-sided games, players could score only on their first touch. I was amazed by how quickly the young players adapted, thinking independently and reacting instinctively. The result? We scored substantially more goals in our Sunday matches. The players had learned to finish in the natural flow of the game.

I love the photograph with my U9’s as it sums up coaching at this age: no one is paying attention! In fairness, my speeches aren’t long, but it hardly matters — advice often goes in one ear and out the other. The players are distracted in every direction; one is yawning, and #7, the twin sister of one of the boys, has snuck into the group. Ultimately, does it matter? They’re having fun, and the game itself is the best teacher. My job is simply to provide enough structure and guidance to help them progress.

Perhaps I have found my coaching level; I’m sure many would agree! I’ve enjoyed coaching boys and girls at this age far more than I ever anticipated. I’ve grown accustomed to their initial confusion and the task of communicating lessons that don’t always seem to stick. At times, I’ve had to be patient.

Finally, I could spend a lot of time talking about how the sport has grown in this country over 48 years. My role has evolved — from a coach intent on spreading the gospel of the world’s game to a devoted missionary for Liverpool Football Club. With soccer now firmly established in the American psyche, I’ve relished sharing stories about my beloved Reds with my players. The Premier League is now a staple on television; a far cry from when I first arrived on these shores.

In recent years, several of my SFC players have made pilgrimages to see the Mighty Reds in action: Elsie and Lily witnessed Liverpool clinch title #20 at Anfield, Lucas and Jackson spread LFC joy last Christmas against Wolves, and Ethan was there to say farewell to Mo and Robbo. This summer, Matt travelled across the country to Chicago to support the lads. It’s gratifying to know I’m helping guide these youngsters onto a righteous path for their soccer journeys. Missionary work also has its benefits! My teams keep me well stocked with LFC gear.

Forty-eight years on, still coaching, bringing the game to the masses, and now serving as a proud missionary for the Reds. Could life be any better? As I plan for the year ahead, I’m even considering taking some of my teams to the Mecca of football in Liverpool. That would mark a new chapter in my retirement adventures and bring me one step closer to the big 5-0.
YNWA!

08/28/2026

Every Thursday, I'll broadcast a weekly spot about the Reds. Some weeks, I'll share my thoughts on Anfield. Other weeks, I'll interview fellow LFC supporters, including friends, colleagues, and former players.

To kick off the series, I spoke with my fellow American LFC podcaster Salim Sacre. Salim played for me in the late nineties on my U17 and U19 Boston Lightning squads. He now lives in Denver, Colorado, and here he shares his 30-year love affair with Liverpool Football Club. YNWA

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08/21/2026

THE LFC REBUILD 2026/27
A year ago, the Reds began the season as defending Premier League champions, buoyed by an uncharacteristic splurge in the transfer market. Many experts confidently declared Liverpool favourites, suggesting the title was already theirs. As we now know, things didn’t work out as expected. Before assessing the outlook for 2026/27, it’s worth briefly revisiting what went wrong. As an aside, we should note the true impact of the Diogo Jota tragedy on the team may never be fully understood.

THE ARNE SLOT EXPERIMENT
Two seasons, an EPL title and qualification for the Champions League in season #2. Slot’s time at Anfield was a success surely? Yes and no. One thing is certain: his time with Liverpool will look good on his CV. Credit where credit is due, he was at the helm as Liverpool won their 20th title. It’s no easy task to succeed a legend; Arne Slot won the respect of the squad and made one critical change to the LFC formula, moving Ryan Gravenberch into the #6 position. Season 2, however, did not carry that momentum. Looking at the 4 quarters of his reign closely:

* Quarter 1: 50 points - strong start
* Quarter 2: 34 points - title won
* Quarter 3: 19 points - 5 wins followed by 6 defeats in 7 games
* Quarter 4: 22 points - crawling to 5th place & the Champions League thanks to the 5th-place European Performance Spot. The Reds were fortunate.

Slot’s tenure remains perplexing. In his first season, his only flaw seemed to be a reluctance to rotate the squad. The following campaign saw him frequently appear out of his depth, as familiar weaknesses resurfaced and solutions were lacking. The stark difference between the two seasons made FSG’s decision to part ways with him unsurprising.

Media shock at Slot’s dismissal was misplaced. The dreaded vote of confidence Slot received was a classic football precursor to change. FSG green-lit significant investment in an already title-winning squad, and Liverpool regressed. As one pundit noted, the further the team moved from the Klopp era, the weaker they became. Slot inherited a squad primed for success while rivals stuttered. With all the changes season #2 brought, his shortcomings soon became apparent. The team entered a downward spiral he could not solve.

As a consequence, Slot’s successor is being handed a squad that has lost its mojo and direction, with key players and leaders leaving Anfield. It is not all on the Dutchman. Recruitment has left the squad with holes in several positions, with Director of Football Richard Hughes seemingly more focused on buying expensive stars and moving away from the recruitment style that underpinned previous success over the past decade.

ENTER ANDONI IRAOLA
Let’s be realistic: Liverpool are unlikely Premier League winners this season. To pre-empt comparisons with Slot’s debut title — success as a manager can be more nuanced than immediate silverware. Iraola inherits a squad, in my view, dismantled too hastily after their title win. The ponderous possession style of 2025/26 drained much of the team’s Klopp-era energy and identity. Iraola’s philosophy is similarly front-footed, and his challenge will be to restore those lost qualities. It will take time. A mixed bag of preseason results, featuring a top-heavy side of Academy youngsters, has left many fans of the social media generation beside themselves in despair. Conversely, an encouraging final game performance against Como 1907 has some believing “we can challenge for the title!” The reality is most likely somewhere in between.

THE SQUAD
As noted previously, there are holes. I’m against wholesale incomings. Last summer, too many potential starters were bought, meaning far too many changes to a title-winning side, with a manager itching to make them. Is it any wonder things went pear-shaped? This is how I see the squad after watching the 5 pre-season matches.

* Potential transfers: Ramsay, Jones, Elliott, Chiesa.
* Potential Loans: Davies, Chambers, Scanlan, Ndukwe, McConnell, Morrison.
* Injured: Jaros (GK), Bradley (RB), Gomez (D), Leonie (CB), Bajcetic (M), Danns (F), Ekitike (F).

This is the current squad with a top Academy prospect in brackets; AN.OTHER signifies a gap in the squad that I believe needs to be filled:

* Goalkeepers (3): Alisson, Mamardashvili, Woodman (Davies).
* Full-Backs (4): Frimpong, AN.OTHER, Kerkez, Tsimikas (Mabaya).
* Centre-Backs (4): Van Dijk, Jacquet, Araujo, AN.OTHER (Ndiaye).
* Midfielders (7): Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Nyoni, Endo, AN.OTHER, AN.OTHER (McConnell).
* Forwards (7): Isak, Wirtz, Munoz, Gakpo, Ngumoha, Koumas, AN.OTHER (Wright).

Accounting for injuries, there are five clear gaps in the squad — far too many for comfort. With Hughes apparently ready to spend big on Barcola and Mbaye, prioritisation is crucial. The Reds cannot bring in 5 or 6 new players, as some fans demand. Therefore, retaining players like Calvin Ramsay and Harvey Elliott until at least Christmas would provide valuable cover. Versatile options like Endo and Gomez (fitness permitting) could help plug holes. Is Florian Wirtz truly a midfielder? I don’t think so. Playing him there weakens the team. The team needs more solidity behind him. That is not to denigrate him, as Wirtz brings intangibles that can only help a top team.

If transfer rumours around Gakpo and Mac Allister are accurate, the club should sanction departures only if direct replacements arrive. The rumour mill suggests targets like Mbaye and Adam Wharton. These are major transfers and significant outlays as the transfer window rapidly closes. Beyond that, squad integration, as ever, will remain a challenge, especially with so many changes.

Liverpool’s squad is good but short-handed. Logically, can the Reds chase silverware on all 4 fronts? Again, it will come down to the manager making priorities. A primary task for Iraola is to get Wirtz and Isak functioning to their considerable potential. The signing of another “superstar”, like Bradley Barcola, may ease the pressure on them. In theory, this triumvirate could be a major spearhead to Liverpool’s revival. For my money, the major LFC weakness is the two projected full-back starters. Frimpong did look better against Como 1907, and Kerkez, who was in the EPL Team of the Season two years ago, was exciting under Iraola. However, I am not convinced by either defensively, and I believe they would fare better in a 3-5-2 setup. Let’s see if the manager can wave his magic wand with the two.

IRAOLA’S PERCEIVED STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
When appointed, the majority of Liverpool fans were excited by Iraola’s style of football and what he had accomplished at much smaller clubs. Needless to say, the “what has won brigade” were in evidence as well.

What are his strengths?
1). Both Bournemouth and, previously, Rayo Vallecano made steady progress under Iraola, reaching heights previously unaccustomed.
2). Players improved under his tutelage at Bournemouth, and whenever he lost key players, and there were many, he was able to come up with replacements and solutions.
3). Liverpool has a tradition of attacking football dating back to the days of Shankly and Paisley; Andoni Iraola’s teams play front-foot football.
4). From what I have seen and heard, Andoni is a resourceful coach. This was notably missing under his predecessor.

Conversely, these are the weaknesses which his critics continually address:
1). He has no experience coaching teams playing in European competitions.
2). His aggressive style will be hard to replicate over a series of competitive games. In his time on the south coast, Bournemouth played 31 fewer competitive games than Liverpool. Will this prove to be a significant stat?
3). Bournemouth had similar defensive weaknesses to Liverpool, though part of it was due to teams exploiting their aggressive style of play.
4). Like the current Liverpool squad, Bournemouth had frailties defending corners and free-kicks.

CONCLUSION
Logically, there has to be a bedding-in period for the manager because of the greater demands and expectations. Additionally, it's a fact that he will have to manage the team through a more involved schedule of games. Another factor was that the fanbase saw LFC legend Xabi Alonso as their favoured choice as manager. Chelsea snapped up Alonso. Should the Reds struggle and Chelsea improve, Iraola will come under extra pressure and scrutiny.

In the final analysis. I’m genuinely excited to see a return to more expansive, attacking football. Iraola’s approach to challenges, squad rotation, and restoring the club’s spirit after a difficult season will be fascinating to watch. My instinct is to give him time; he has every chance to succeed.

YNWA

Andoni Iraola has his hands full – replacing Mo Salah and restoring faith at Liverpool – and will hope big name investors bring stability not disharmony

08/20/2026

PREMIER LEAGUE FORECASTS 2026/27
EPL prediction time! For the first time in years, the new campaign feels more open than it has in a long while. To clarify, the league’s openness is primarily among the “Rich Six,” with only Aston Villa posing a serious challenge to their dominance at the top. Below Villa, the EPL remains closely contested, as last season demonstrated. Winning the title now requires a total in the 80-point range, a drop from the high 90’s of previous years. Notably, the points gap between 5th and 11th was just 8, highlighting not only increased competitiveness but relative parity.

Five of the Rich Six have new managers. Only defending champions Arsenal have Mikel Arteta, who was at the helm last season. This is how I see them going into 26/27:

ARSENAL: Can Arteta achieve what Wenger never managed and defend the title? On paper, yes. The Gunners enter as preseason favourites and are certain to contend. The real question is whether Arteta, having finally led his team to the top, will now adopt a more expressive, attacking style. While the Community Shield hinted at this possibility, I sense he’ll remain pragmatic in crunch time. It will stay that way until they can secure a go-to goalscorer like Julian Alvarez of Atletico. Overall, it’s hard to see the Gunners outside of the top three.

MAN CITY: With Pep Guardiola in charge, City would be clear favourites for me. The club has invested heavily in recent years to assemble a squad that looks both strong and balanced. As ever, I maintain that clubs facing financial investigations should freeze their transfer activity — a move that would surely accelerate resolutions. City will remain title contenders, but questions linger over whether Maresca is merely a placeholder until Luis Enrique becomes available. Despite a lacklustre Community Shield performance, City are likely to bounce back quickly, especially with Abu Dhabi resources at their disposal. The chequebook is rearing its ugly head!

MAN UNITED: Michael Carrick exceeded expectations by steering United to third place and a Champions League berth after the instability of the Ruben Amorim era. Last season, he benefited from focusing solely on Premier League fixtures, supported by a talented squad — especially in attack. Now, with a congested schedule and heightened expectations, the pressure intensifies. Will Carrick’s trajectory mirror Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s, another former United legend but inexperienced manager, or can he sustain progress? It promises to be a revealing campaign. I anticipate a top-six finish, though that may not fully satisfy the United faithful.

LIVERPOOL: A season of rebuilding appears inevitable. Despite the 25–26 title win and the impact of the Diogo Jota tragedy, the Arne Slot era ultimately proved disastrous. The squad Slot inherited steadily declined over his two-year tenure, and Liverpool only just secured fifth place — and a Champions League spot — despite significant transfer activity. Andoni Iraola's arrival brings renewed optimism for a return to attacking football. While the squad still needs strengthening, the outlook isn’t as dire as many fans fear. I expect Liverpool to claim a Champions League place and provide plenty of entertaining football along the way.

CHELSEA: Similarly, a rebuild in prospect. Xabi Alonso is in the position of Michael Carrick with no European football to contend with; can he take advantage of the extra time and build style and identity to a club that hasn’t had one consistently despite past successes? Alonso showed his worth as a coach in the Bundesliga, taking Bayern Leverkusen to the title despite the Bayern Munich juggernaut. He’s a coach, so his short reign at Real Madrid doesn’t come as a surprise. Real is a club for managers, not coaches. I believe Chelsea will be strong contenders for the top 4, possibly even more. However, in the background, how much will ownership disputes affect the team on the pitch?

TOTTENHAM: After two seasons in 17th, Spurs will be all out to re-establish their status in the Rich Six. We can expect fireworks under new manager Roberto De Zerbi on and off the field. Another club without European distractions, add in a serious spend in the transfer market this summer, and Tottenham has every possibility of moving up the table. The ingredients are in place for a top-6 finish. Can the manager supply the recipe to make it happen?

ASTON VILLA: Villa has a top manager in Unai Emery. Emery has lost three of his top players in Konsa, Rogers and Tielemans. After watching them fall narrowly to PSG in the Super Cup Final, even with a catalogue of regulars absent, Villa fans have much to be positive about. Emery is a very resourceful leader. The key question for clubs like Villa is whether they can cope in both the Premier League and Champions League at the same time. Still, I expect them to be in contention for a Champions League place.

NEWCASTLE: Newcastle has been positioned similarly to Villa the past few seasons but appears to have taken a step back with key players leaving, along with manager Eddie Howe. In theory, they should be less competitive, signing lower-profile players. Lower expectations might actually help new manager Matthias Jaissle, who has a reputation for getting the most out of his players even with limited resources. It will be interesting to see how the Geordies, both the players and the fans, will respond to this new change of direction.

Before dealing with the rest, I have to give a special word to our Merseyside rivals.
EVERTON: The Toffees were my dark horse tip last year. It was a tip that almost came off; if not for a dismal run at the end of the season, Everton would probably have European competition to look forward to this season. It’s a pivotal time for the club and David Moyes. Everton are settled into their new home, and while I feel Moyes is underrated as a manager, there is already a strong undercurrent among the fans that he’s taken the team as far as they can go. Moyes is in the final year of his contract, and if he hopes to extend his tenure as manager, he will need to be a bit more tactically daring, learning to trust some of the younger players on the roster. Everton has young talent: Branthwaite, Armstrong, Hackney, Dibbling and George to name but a few. Older, established players include Pickford, Garner and Dewsbury-Hall. That's a good mix. If N’Diaye stays, add the pace of new recruit Brannen Johnson, and Everton could surprise. The key is whether the manager will be bolder in his outlook. I would place Everton in the “Competitive Group”.

COMPETITIVE GROUP: Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Leeds, Nottingham Forest.
All these teams can beat/take points off the top teams but don’t have enough consistency to break into the top 6. Admittedly, there is always the possibility that one club can leap out of the pack to prove me wrong.

RELEGATION STRUGGLERS: Coventry, Hull City, Ipswich, Sunderland.
I’m afraid it’s back to the promoted teams potentially being on the path of a quick return to the Championship. Last season, Sunderland had a remarkable rise from Championship qualifiers via the play-offs to 7th and Europa League qualification. Accordingly, I think they may struggle under the pressure of raised expectations and the extra demands of European competition.

MY FORECASTS FOR 26/27.
I’m going to cop out on my forecasts until Christmas. It’s actually a breath of fresh air to be so uncertain after years of one club domination. Last year my forecast for the title was 1) Arsenal, 2) City and 3) Liverpool. This year I don’t know! Whilst logic says it should be Arsenal once more, I have a feeling it won’t be. What I would say is the top 6 will have the Rich Six in contention, along with Aston Villa.

As for a “Dark Horse”, I’m going to put 2 teams forward. First, Leeds are gradually improving their squad; the manager has toned down his ambitious football to match the squad's level, and they have some of the most passionate fans around to cheer them on. My second choice is Newcastle. Illogical, I know, but I just have a feeling that the reset of expectations might actually work in their favour.

I'll revisit all my forecasts in time.

We ask 26 BBC Sport football pundits to predict who will win the 2026-27 Premier League title, and which clubs will finish in the top four.