We talk through how the major Premier League contenders are looking on the eve of the new season.

Chelsea have lost a big player in Thibaut Courtois but at least they are making some big moves in response. At Manchester United Jose Mourinho is annoyed by all the negative press, which in pre season has involved reporters reporting what he said.

Daniel Levy at Spurs has a reputation of being football’s toughest negotiator. When it comes to negotiation, is it possible to be too tough? With only hours to go Tottenham have not yet added anyone to the squad. When Mauricio Pochettino spoke in May about being brave and taking risks, was this the sort of risk he had in mind?

We talk to Jonathan Wilson about his new book The Barcelona Legacy: Guardiola, Mourinho and the Fight for Football’s Soul. He looks at the Dutch Catalan blend, Cruyff, “the translator” and involves a terrifying interview with Louis Van Gaal.

 

 

Plus there’s Liverpool’s positivity, Arsenal’s known unknowns, Spartacus, Harry’s hypnobirth, and some goldfinch chat.

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