Full Time Fletch

If you look at last season’s top four – Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal and Man Utd all have question marks over their central defence.

From Chelsea’s perspective they are adding to a position of strength. Many thought they were dull last season but they are full of goals. In my opinion Jose Mourinho will probably look to strengthen at centre back, as you can’t keep expecting John Terry to put in the levels of performance he did last season.

In terms of Man Utd, I would expect Louis Van Gaal to make more signings. The players he’s brought in will make them better but their starting line-up needs improving, again especially in central defence, if they are to be successful against the very best teams. For Man City it’s whether Kompany can get back to his best and Mangala starts performing like a £32m player.

Arsenal have strengthened their back line with the arrival of Petr Cech, but I’m not sure their defensive combinations will be strong enough over the course of the season. Ahead of next week’s Community Shield, live on BT Sport, this is one of the big talking points. Petr Cech coming up against his old Chelsea teammates, something which adds spice to the fixture. I think he’s a great signing for Arsenal and would improve any team in Europe. Although you can never read too much into the result of course, the game is a great way to kick-off the season with lots of top players on show.

The one transfer of the Summer which has caught the eye is Raheem Sterling’s move from Liverpool to Manchester City. Let’s not worry too much about the £49m price tag because nowadays most players cost too much, but the way it’s been handled has been atrocious and puts him under massive pressure immediately.

I want him to succeed and it’s important for the national team that he develops because he’s nowhere near the finished article. He’s got a lot of work to do and this season will be a big test of his character.

As we move closer to the start of the season and the close of the transfer window, it will be interesting to watch and see who adds to their squad.

Fletch’s Forecasts​

My player to watch is Bastian Schweinsteiger (above right). To have the Germany World Cup-winning captain come to England is the kind of signing the Premier League needs. It’s the perfect stage for him and it’s exciting to see how he performs.

My team to watch is Crystal Palace. I’ve got a lot of time for Alan Pardew and think he was grossly undervalued at Newcastle. He’s good in the transfer market and the signing of Yohan Cabaye from PSG adds quality. I think Palace can look to push into the top half of the league this season.