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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

5 Games In - to each PL clubs season. Not much to overreact to but a decent sample size to provide current thoughts. Happy to hear if anyone differs in opinion!

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Manchester City - 5 Games in #MCFC can probably count themselves lucky to be 5 wins from 5. Bournemouth allowed them back into it on the opening day and Sunderland gave a scare at the Etihad. The flipside is #MCFC dominated the derby at 10men and brushed Palace aside easily

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Arsenal - 5 Games in Positive start in some tough away fixtures and will remain favourites even after the loss to Brighton. #AFC still looking light in attack, with only Saka and Havertz feeling like they have the managers full trust. Gyokeres Eze both struggling to make an impression so far.

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Brighton - 5 Games In Pascal Gross and Fabian Hurzeler deserve massive credit for the #BHAFC start to the season, even in games not won (Chelsea away mainly). I think the squad is currently weaker after the Welbeck and Van Hecke sales, even if Koustoulas and Vuskovic have stepped in very well so far

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Brentford - 5 Games In Unbeaten, one goal conceded at home in 3 games, new signings making a positive impact already. Brentford will be right in the Europe picture at the end of the season. Feel Thiago has been quite unlucky, and Anthony / Dango is a wonderful problem to have in the next months

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Leeds United - 5 Games in Seen a few different takes on #LUFC start to the season so far, but to me its very positive (obviously?). Farke has built a team not to lose first and then to win, which in the PL will have you take points when you “shouldn’t” and drop points that you “should” pick them up.

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Liverpool - 5 Games In #LFC showing in their opening games, which on paper were probably one of the most favourable in the league, a wide array of performances. Fulham at home a small vindication for Slot who seen the players put in similar performances for him…similarly Bournemouth was a…

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Everton - 5 Games In Tipped #EFC for a top half finish this season and first 5 games have shown that, hard to beat, good depth everywhere (aside from ST & LB) and quality all over the pitch. Can argue Everton have the best wing depth in the league, so many strong options in midfield…

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Hull City - 5 Games In Surprised everyone in the opening games and a lot of the core C’ship side have contributed to that. Would still be shocked to see Hull stay up but have enjoyed whats been on offer so far. Quite unlucky against Newcastle also. Standouts of Belloumi, Egan & Mendy for #HCFC

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Newcastle United - 5 Games In Seen all sides of #NUFC in the opening 5 games. Very impressive against Liverpool and Spurs. Less so against Leeds. Said at the start of the season top 10 would be the optimistic aim and the doom and gloom wouldnt last, which has so far been the case.

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Chelsea - 5 Games In We have probably seen every side of #CFC in these opening 5 games. Dominant in spells, pace on the counter, light in midfield at times, shaly at the back at times, not able to get over the line in games Chelsea would be expected to win, and not showing up at all..

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Ipswich Town - 5 Games In Predicted #ITFC to be the only promoted side to stay up, and two big wins have helped a good start. They were the better side at Old Trafford for a half also. Feel O’Neil really suits a bottom half side, but will havw to rely on luck in key moments for results…

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Manchester United - 5 Games In You could see this coming for #MUFC in terms of failing to pick up wins…but you would have thought it would be later on in the season. Like in my own predictions before the season, the midfield is a concern with the lack of mobility, poor form from Lammens / defence…

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Nottm Forest - 5 Games In Streaky Results for #NFFC but to be expected with the new manager. MGW and McAtee probably the two standouts so far with Glasner yet to get a consistent back 3 in place. No Europe should help Forest climb above those who do have to battle the schedule.

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Sunderland 5 Games In #SAFC sprung late in the window making a few good additions to an already solid squad. Will feel unfortunate taking 0pts from Arsenal and City but have played fairly well across their opening games regardless of results. Again the key question is..

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Crystal Palace - 5 Games In #CPFC have probably seen out the hardest part of their season…the volatile overlap of transfer window uncertainty…unless owners get trigger happy on sacking managers. Predicted #CPFC to be a surprise relegation team as a direct result of manager uncertainty if results..

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Aston Villa - 5 Games In #AVFC were probably going to be a slow burner this seasom to find rythm with the summer changes in each line, so you wouldnt be too concerned for their form. Good win vs Spurs and Buendia McGinn and Kamara playing well. Kamara important to stay fit for as much of the season

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Bournemouth - 5 Games In #AFCB can count themselves very unlucky with the points tally compared to their performances. A continuation in play from Iraola but just lacking the results. Have played some tough fixtures so far also. Will be interesting how the intense Rose style holds up in Europe

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Coventry City - 5 Games In Full of spirit so far and wasteful vs Hull, the Forest game probably has #PUSB on a fair 3 pts so far after two very tough away fixtures in the first 5. Feel Coventry will have to lean into Lampards best management asset of creating chances, to try and outscore teams…

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Fulham - 5 Games In Said at the start of the year #FFC would be great entertainers and think that is true. Unlucky in most games results wise but performances have been impressive. I hope for the long term ability of the club to push on they don’t blink too soon if results dont match performances…

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Spurs - 5 Games In Unpopular opinion possibly, but I don’t think #THFC have been awful at the start of the season. Poor against Brentford and tactically outclassed by Newcastle, but competitive in all other fixtures. Few poor bits of luck against Villa, but I feel they will finish in the top half…

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Does anyone find “EXCLUSIVE 🚨🚨🚨 X team makes enquiry over X player” really really cringy? Fair enough for a breaking deal but taking a transfer rumour out of proportion (to possibly try and charge) is fairly poor imo

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

As per John Percy - Harrison Armstrong move to #NFFC off at the moment. Brilliant win for football and #EFC fans for making their voices heard and pressuring ownership not to sell after offer accepted

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Hats off to David Moyes. There is good business sense and there is football. #EFC fans made their feelings very clear at FT (and during the game) that they wanted football to win. “The manager is an Evertonian” is a brilliant line on the spot to make his feelings clear

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

The spending in the Premier League is absolutely scandalous. When will it stop?

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Before the season said the doom and gloom around #NUFC would be short term. Two extremely good performances and a manager bedding in very well to tough circumstances. As smooth a transistion as you’ll see and a lot to be optimistic about

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

#EFC selling Harrison Armstrong for £40M would be some of the best and worst business at the same time for a PL club. 19 y/o with 17 PL appearances for 40M…yet massive potential and homegrown. Welcome back to the Super League

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

In light of Liam Delap moving to #NFFC after less than impressing at #CFC - Are we seeing a new transfer market trend developing at the bigger clubs…🧵

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Fulham are going to be such a fun watch this season. Thought it would take longer to take to Arbeloa’s ideas but hungry eager players help. Another solid defender would help for #FFC but the main question will be can impressive performances correlate to points on the board?

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

#CPFC were very unlucky today…but this is part of the worry for relegation. Sarr potential issue and Mateta causing a scene now won’t help either. Worried also for a 100M bid for Wharton from a Man City / Chelsea that could be accepted. Year old instability that could come to a head with relegation

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Transfer rule bending is clear and intruiging at the minute. When #THFC sign Marmoush and Savinho from #MCFC, the Savinho fee will be a lot higher than Marmoush…sell on clause being the reason. Both clubs get a “better” deal at the expense of Frankfurt, and no one can be punished

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Predictions for the season on profile - as they are short snippets I don’t take offence to be challenged on wording / what appear to be blanket statements Themes for high PL finish: Europe = ❌ Change of Manager = ❌ Consistent squad / XI = ✅ Good buys / lack of sales = ✅ Fairly basic criteria

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

1. Arsenal Fell over the line last season in comparison to how I thought they would comfortably win the league, but would have #AFC winning again this year with the strongest squad and identity. Havertz would need to stay fit to avoid the limited Gyokeres input to the team. Bruno G signing massive

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

2. Man City Again strongest squad behind Arsenal but the loss of Rodri and evolving identity again will ask a lot to be consistent enough to win the league - expect another midfield signing but will be question marks over their build up structure with Donnarumma. 115 could also have an impact #MCFC

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

3. Chelsea #CFC trimming and strengthening playing squad with no Europe should be in contention for a league title if their results are consistent, bookies have them far too long at 17/20 to make top 4 - should breeze past that. Experience will help push close even if I think they fall short

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

4. Liverpool Was vocal in how I think #LFC made a mistake sacking Slot (not a mistake for hiring Iraola) - the quick shift in tempo will result in injuries to a squad with not the strongest core (VVD excluded). I expect entertainment with a lack of conistent wins if / when injuries hit

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

5. Spurs Lack of Europe and a seriously over inflated window for fees and wages along with RDZ factor will have #THFC in CL places at the end of the season I feel. Expecting Gakpo and Savinho to join for close to £150M and massive wages also, will have a well rounded squad with youth & experience

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

6. Man United On the basis of no proper holding midfielder coming in I expect #MUFC to struggle balancing Europe with injuries and atleticism. Even if signing a proper holding midfielder its difficult to see how the squad can stamp authority on an obviously extremely competitive league

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

7. Aston Villa New keeper and new wingers but will be interesting if Watkins can stay fit all season. Kamara back again is a massive help but can’t see #AVFC finishing as high as last season with CL football to deal with - more depth required also to not go stale

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

8. Leeds United Had #LUFC to finish 20th last season and proved me very wrong. Seriously impressive underlying data and now further excellent recruitment, I expect to see a European push this season with a strong home record. DCL and Stach key to remain fit though.

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

9. Brentford Continuing the theme of no European distraction I see Brentford continuing last year’s impressive performance with another top half finish. If Thiago Schade and Dango remain fit, the rest of the team is usually so relaible to do their jobs to finish consistently

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

10. Everton Can see a shaky start results wise improving as the season goes on. Garner KDH Rohl Hackney and possibly one more addition is a quality midfield. George Ndiaye Dibling Johnson is great depth on the wings. Usual relaible CB’s and a Moyes team consistency for #EFC.

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

11. Nottingham Forest Core of squad is so strong (even if missing a few potential key players to push further). Could imagine consistent performances but not wins if that makes sense. Will take a while to get used to Glasner but could have #NFFC anywhere from 11th to 7th and make a case for it

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

12. Brighton Feel #BHAFC are treading a very thin line with how they operate as a business model now. The sale Welbeck is the first indicator of pure finance over success (as before sustainability could have been an excuse). With UECL and injuries to Minteh / Mitoma can see it hard to climb higher

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

13. Bournemouth With so many new managers its hard to predict success - simple theory here is quantity of games will harm #AFCB in terms of injuries and with the league so tough in margins I can see them struggling to maintain any early season form.

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

14. Newcastle Think #NUFC fall short of top half but not close to as much trouble as people think, a good season with the new manager would be bedding in the young talent signed and a consistent second half of the season. Glass half full approach even if on paper it doesn’t appear thar way

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

15. Ipswich Town Probably less popular but #ITFC have recruited well across all positions, and O’Neil has a decent record in PL even if Wolves fans may say different. I think he can keep them up this season if they can put a stable starting XI together that gel well

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

16. Sunderland #SAFC have Europe to contend with this season and I would be surprised if Le Bris was manager come the end of the season. Overperformed their underlying numbers last year and will rely heavily on key players staying fit in a gruelling schedule. Still think will have enough to stay up

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

17. Fulham #FFC have been well run on field for a few years now - question is how much of an impact Silva has had on that. A massive managerial change on the horizon and a clear identity of how Fulham will play…whether that can lead to success with the current players is the uncertainty

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The Balanced View @thebalancedview.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

18. Crystal Palace Will definitely divide opinion, but continuing the theme of Europe being a hinderence in terms of the league I think #CPFC are in danger of going down this year. Sage plays good football but can that wield good results in a side that has had their core ripped apart in sales

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