Across England, many Premier League teams have concluded their preparations for the season ahead, with some performing more successfully than others in their preparations for the campaign.
Taking pre-season form and signings into account, though, who looks like they may struggle this season?
Newly Promoted Sunderland
Sunderland are a team that has divided opinion somewhat with their additions to their squad following promotion from the EFL Championship, exciting some and leaving many unsatisfied.
There is no doubt that some of their additions have been exciting. However, they are left short in some areas of the squad.
In defence, the Black Cats have only made one addition in the form of Reinildo Mandava (disregarding the arrival of goalkeeper Robin Roefs). This, therefore, means that both Luke O’Nien and Dan Ballard should be the starting centre-backs on the opening day of the season.
Although Dan Ballard has potential, he lacks Premier League experience and has shown signs of instability in the Championship that may be exposed further in the Premier League.
O’Nien, although he has adjusted to it in recent years, has played many positions other than centre-back throughout his career, in addition to a lack of Premier League experience, which may be exposed.
Sunderland have also made numerous additions with regard to players of African heritage, including Simon Adingra.
This means that the Black Cats may be lacking bodies around December when the African Cup of Nations is taking place, which could mean a potential run of bad form for the team.
The Premier League’s Bees
Brentford are a team that will open their campaign next season as a fairly unknown quantity, as there have been many changes at the club. However, the loss of talismanic figures has led many to believe that they will struggle.
The likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Thomas Frank have departed the club, with further rumours relating to Yoane Wissa also parting ways with the Bees.
In response, Brentford have spent roughly €54 million. However, at the time of writing, some areas of the squad are lacking replacements.
For Keith Andrews, this is his first managerial job. Therefore, his potential is unknown with regard to replacing Thomas Frank.
Jordan Henderson has also been acquired to replace the outgoing Christian Norgaard at a time in his career when many did not predict his return to the Premier League.
Winger Bryan Mbeumo has not been directly replaced at the current time of writing, and there appears to be a lack of rumour regarding potential replacements should Yoane Wissa depart.
Brentford, however, are often praised for their recruitment and ability to continue performing. Therefore, despite transfer activity, the Bees may prove many people wrong.
Bottom-Of-The-Table Wolves
The Midlands side should not be in relegation danger this campaign. However, pre-season form has been concerning for the side.
Furthermore, manager Vitor Pereira is known to move clubs frequently, ensuring that Wolves fans are wary that their fortunes may change at any given time.
Wolves have taken part in four pre-season friendlies ahead of the season, losing three and drawing one against Stoke. Losses against Lens, Girona and Celta Vigo have followed since.
The Midlands side have also lost notable figures this summer in the form of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha, recruiting the likes of Jhon Arias and David Moller Wolfe to replace the two players.
Arias has gained many plaudits and looks to be an exciting addition. However, it remains to be seen how the players will adapt to the Premier League.
Throughout a twenty-year managerial career, manager Vitor Pereira has managed a staggering fourteen clubs.
This indicates a potential lack of stability at the helm for Wolves, and, although he had a good start to life with them, this indicates that Vitor Pereira may not be the manager of the side at the end of the season if he continues in that vein.
Can the Three Impress?
As the transfer window nears a close and the opening games of the Premier League are set to get underway, some conclusions may be drawn as to each team’s potential throughout the season.
These sides appear to have some disadvantages going into the campaign. However will hope to prove many people wrong.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / News Images
Recording Date: 02.08.2025