Who will be top dogs?

Who will be top dogs?

It's the end of another summer and that means it's the start of another Premier League football season – one unlike any other.

With Jack Grealish moving from Aston Villa to Manchester City, we have already had the first-ever £100 million transfer – and there is every chance that figure may be eclipsed if Harry Kane leaves White Hart Lane. But we also have fans back inside our stadia for the first time in almost 18 months, and already their presence is having an impact.

There is a long way to go before one team rises to the top of the pile, so we have enlisted the help of seasoned campaigners Barry Fry (Director of Football at Peterborough United) and former manager and star striker, Leroy Rosenior, and asked them for their views on the new campaign.

Fry, who is noted for being a straight talker, is delighted to see Brentford in the top-flight and is keen to see hitman, Ivan Toney, strut his stuff on the biggest stages. He said: “Not only is he a great striker, he is also a brilliant defender, heading away corners and free-kicks when he was with us and doing the same when I saw him playing for the Bees,” Fry said.

“Brentford have a great model and despite selling star players like Said Benrahma to West Ham and Olly Watkins to Aston Villa, they showed their recruitment to be top class last season.”

Rosenior, meanwhile, think Rafa Benitez's appointment as boss of Everton could be an inspired choice and lead to success at the Everton club.

"Everton fans may find it difficult to swallow having Rafa Benitez as manager after his Liverpool years," he said. "But the big question is whether he is a decent manager? In my view, he is, and he can guide the Toffees near to the top eight."

To read more about what our pundits think, as well our view on who could be the next 'wonderkid' and which boss is likely to be axed first, get the September/October edition of Sorted, which is on sale now from newsagents like WH Smith and McColls. Alternatively, sign up for an annual subscription to ensure you don't miss out on our great columnists and features.