We may have only 1 right back and strikers that couldn't score in a month of Saturdays but we are a solid team and are set up not to lose. If we can avoid injuries to defenders then there is no reason why we wont surprise a lot of people and push into the top half of the table.

We will have a potent offense of Wilf drawing penalty kicks and Luka making them.

We won't go down, but sadly can't see us above 15th due to our attack. I reckon the clubs worse than us (in no particular order) are going to be:

Newcastle
Norwich
Southampton
Sheff United
Bournemuff

I'm not including the weed as they are looking annoyingly revitalised.

A number of teams in and around us have got their wallets out, but only time will tell if that has improved them. I think Brighton did good business in getting Mooy on loan and Maupay could be a good acquisition, but they could just be on a new manager bounce (hopefully!!) Newcastle fans seem pretty pessimistic, but a lot there depends on Joelinton's ability to replace Rondon and Perez, while ASM will need to prove he is not just a trick pony; defensively I think might be their undoing. Southampton looked much better under their Austrian leader last season, so I expect them to be fine. Norwich seem certain to be in the mix and I think Sheffield United might struggle too, although I would have loved Wilder to have replaced Allardyce and he might make the difference. I don't rate Burnley as individuals, but like us, Sean knows how to make his teams tough to beat. Watford started badly but they probably have the money and the ruthlessness to fix things in January if things aren't going right. Bournemouth banking on youth, but I wonder if they would have been better getting some experienced PL defenders in given their terrible defence last season. I think they might struggle this year.

My prediction for the bottom 3 is:

Bournemouth
Newcastle
Norwich

I think the big thing for us was keeping Zaha. He may take a few weeks to get back in the right mindset, but he is undoubtedly head and shoulders above most of the players in the squads of the likely relegation candidates. Add Meyer, Camarasa and Townsend to the mix and I think we'll surprise some negative fans and actually start clocking up some goals, especially if Tekkers can shake off his hex. Roy's experience coupled with a relatively settled squad should hopefully ensure we make a better start than last season and then come January we should have money to make any changes that are necessary.

I was utterly underwhelmed by our transfer activity, but I still think we'll finish 10th or 11th this season.

Sheffield Utd
West Ham
Brighton

Ah, the sinking ship