Season preview part one: Is there actually a title favourite?
The Totally Football Show with James Richardson
The Athletic
4.6 • 4.2K Ratings
🗓️ 12 August 2025
⏱️ 68 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Jimbo's back for the 2025-26 season and he's got Charlie Eccleshare, Duncan Alexander and Daniel Storey alongside him to bring you our first preview episode ahead of the shiny new Premier League campaign.
Today, we’re shining the spotlight on the six clubs who qualified for the Champions League last season.
Liverpool have made the most eye-catching signings over the summer - but are they favourites to retain their crown? Could world champions Chelsea be the surprise package? Can Arsenal *finally* go from bridesmaid to bride and take home their first title since 03-04? And Will Pep Guardiola's new-look coaching staff help take them back to the heights of seasons past?
How will Newcastle recover from their tumultuous off-season? George Caulkin joins us with the latest on the Alexander Isak saga after it was revealed he has no intention to play for the Magpies again - even if he isn't sold.
And - can Thomas Frank take Europa League winners Tottenham from 17th in the table to a serious Premier League outfit again?
All that plus bad knee slides, petulant teenagers and the plight of Sheffield Wednesday.
Produced by Lucy Oliva.
RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: Reasons for excitement ahead of the new season (02.00)
• PART 2: The latest on Alexander Isak and Newcastle with George Caulkin (07.40)
• PART 3: Are Liverpool the team to beat? (21.40)
• PART 4: Who are the contenders to Liverpool's crown? Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal's chances assessed (31.15)
• PART 5: How will Tottenham fare under Thomas Frank? (46.00)
• PART 6: Our top four predictions & Championship opening weekend drama (53.00)
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