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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

Integrating numerous new men in and winning games in the absence of former key players. I dont think its sustainable to be as open as they have been at the back but time will tell if #MCFC can put dominant performances in matching current results. Goes without saying Haaland key to stay fit

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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

Good to see Odegaard regain his form of 3 years ago, and defensively they look extremely effective once again. Would imagine the weekend midweek schedule will suit them the most out of anyone, especially with defensive and midfield depth

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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

Resurgance of Dunk has helped and Hurzeler’s tactics have been spot on, Brighton look hungry but compact in the press. I struggle to see how the results continue to stay as positive due to the nature of the league and the lack of pace up top in the next games, but the start has been very encouraging

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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

Defensive depth is frightening once injuries clear up, and the team has a great indentity. Carvalho back is also a major boost for their depth, liked by Andrews a lot. Janelt the standout across the 5 games in terms of his consistency

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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

That to me will be the season for #LUFC, but the depth is seriously strong and the home form has been very consistent since coming back up. With other teams having a far more gruelling schedule it will only play into Leeds hands from now on

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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

Sunderland away type victory for Iraola, grinding out a 1-0 win. Isak looking sharp and Mcallister the only midfielder that suits the double pivot. Theme for #LFC I would imagine would be more of the same, inconsistent results with mainly par to good performances, but not enough to challenge yet

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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

and a solid structure, think Everton will run very close to Europe with a lighter schedule than 9 other PL teams

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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

Jaissle has been very impressive both “on” and off the pitch, and good to see Wissa rediscovering his old Brentford form. Hopefully Elanga is not out for too long, great player to have / watch. Defensive consistency will be key in the current high press, that comes from all players across the pitch

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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

No Europe will be a major help with the depth in the squad, but would imagine Alonso will want to sort out a first choice midfield pairing sooner rather than later. Caicedo beside James / Barco / Lavia you would think once Caicedo returns. Still think #CFC will make a CL spot

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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

The squad is deep with quality, and aside from Scherpen all new signings have gelled decently. Home form will be key to staying up, mainly with keeping the ball out of their own net when transitions occur. Enciso has looked more mature on his return also, hopefully stays fit for the season

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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

Hasn’t helped #MUFC either. Carrick will not end the season as manager but the question was always where do they turn, as every previous turn has not worked out. Serious questions of Ratcliffe Wilcox and Berrada also need answered, regardless of on pitch performances. The PL is not forgiving

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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

Can #SAFC balance the PL schedule beside their EL schedule? Common theme of PL teams is to have performance levels similar but results slightly dipping whilst in Europe. Aside from Brobbey, Le Fee has been a standout in his overall play

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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

Didnt match Galsner’s high standards. The squad is deep but with EL and more open football, the consequences are results like City & Ipswich. Next few games will be key before a gruelling Christmas run in balancing competitions. Kamada been good further forward & Mitchell enjoying more freedom…

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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

Jackson also has looked sharp, but the question will be if players and Emery can rotate through the tough CL schedule, as we have seen Emery can match any side in Europe on his and Villa’s day.

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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

There is good quality in depth everywhere but the spine of Hill Scott and Evanlison are probably the three most important players to keep fit (Truffert also). Kroupi back soon will be a big help. A top half finish while balancing Europe would be a massive achievement

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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

As out defending them will not keep them up imo. You would feel again like any team a strong home record will have to be in force to keep Coventry up

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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

But you would fully expect them to be in the bottom third of the table, which at any stage will flirt with relegation. King has looked excellent, Iwobi very consistent and Charles has made a solid start. The worry is the team is a bit “light” if likes of Berge or Bassey were to get injured

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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

Must be said, this is obviously, like previous seasons, massively underperforming. But RDZ I would imagine will properly put his stamp on the team post international break, with form ticking up closer to Christmas when other sides have tougher schedules

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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

Gakpo could be going for £85m+ Minteh for £70m+ Enzo for £120m+ All “fair value” determined by other “fair value” transfers and its all one massive bubble. Turnover in squads is ridiculous. Do people genuinely enjoy this as part of the game?

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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

Suits bigger clubs to have bigger fees, prices most of the competition out of it. There are 30 big clubs now - whoever the 20 are in the PL and 10 in Europe (outside of Saudi + Turkey etc). Borderline Direct correlation in fees and wages able to be paid, so players follow suit. Don’t see it slowing

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

Does the Premier League obscure into being a players “money move” and they sacrafice actually playing to gain one big contract, to then move to whoever will take them next? Or is this already the case for many…🤷‍♂️

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

The takeaway is if this is a trend or if this is the future. With the PL growing ever further from the remaining leagues in the world, a question could be asked on where these players go once Saudi MLS and Turkey all take their 10 ish players a year

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

Which means less exposure for the player and less resale value. Its another step towards player trading and accounts maximising that allows clubs to pump private and state wealth into football, and more so showing everyone in modern football is further detached from even its 2010’s version of itself

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