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Arsenal to Fulham: What every Premier League team should be targeting this season - Part 1

The Premier League trophy
The Premier League trophyPeter Byrne / PA Images / Profimedia
Pre-season is done, teams have completed their preparations, and fans are ready to get their hearts broken again: it is time for the return of the Premier League! In just a few days, defending champions Liverpool get proceedings underway against Bournemouth, as the marathon begins.

Prior to the start of the season, teams will have their goals set out and know what they will want to achieve by next May. Several outfits will be targeting the ultimate glory, while others will just want to ensure survival.

In the first of two parts, Flashscore takes a look at what would be a good season for every Premier League side.

Arsenal

Arsenal need some silverware this season
Arsenal need some silverware this seasonMichael Zemanek / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Ah, the Premier League's nearly men. Arsenal have now finished second for three seasons in a row, and that elusive first title since 2004 remains so close yet so far.

The facts are, though, that the pressure has ramped up on Mikel Arteta this season, especially after the big-money acquisition of striker Viktor Gyokeres, as well as the signings of Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal need to win some silverware - ideally a Premier League or Champions League title. Arteta has been at the club for nearly seven years now, and he needs something to show for it. Of course, context matters. If they rack up 90+ points and finish second but get their hands on the FA Cup, then it is hard to complain about that.

The Gunners and Arteta just really need a trophy.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa will be eyeing success in the Europa League
Aston Villa will be eyeing success in the Europa LeagueČTK / imago sportfotodienst / Bagu Blanco / PRESSIN

It has been a tough summer for Aston Villa. After their unfortunate failure to clinch Champions League football on the final day of 2024/25, their finances have taken a hit, and they have been unable to spend much at all due to PSR constraints.

Their only major signing has been Ivorian striker Evann Guessand from Nice, signalling the difficulties they have had.

However, they do still have a strong squad and a fantastic manager in Unai Emery. They are also going to be one of the strongest teams in the Europa League - a competition Emery has won a record four times.

They will unquestionably be eyeing a deep run in that competition or one of the domestic cups, as they target their first trophy since 1996. If they can secure European football again and return to either the Europa League or even potentially the Champions League on top of that, that would be success.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth have had their entire back line decimated
Bournemouth have had their entire back line decimatedČTK / imago sportfotodienst / Rebekah Wynkoop / SPP

Bournemouth enjoyed the greatest season in their history in 2024/25, finishing with a record number of points (56) as well as clinching their highest-ever Premier League finish (9th). A lot of that was down to the exceptional Andoni Iraola.

However, their defence has been ripped apart this transfer window, losing four of its five key pieces: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, and Illia Zabarnyi.

Iraola is an immense coach who gets the best out of what he has at his disposal, though, and Bournemouth's scouting system is fantastic, so you can trust the club to get replacements and go again next season. Another top-half finish and more victories over the big boys would be great for them.

Brentford

Brentford have lost several key figures this summer
Brentford have lost several key figures this summerČTK / imago sportfotodienst / Harvey Murphy/News Images

Brentford have been absolutely decimated in recent months, losing several key figures at the club. Their talismanic manager, Thomas Frank, moved to Spurs, while Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Norgaard joined Manchester United and Brentford, respectively. Striker Yoanne Wissa looks to be heading to Newcastle, too.

They have also taken the gamble of promoting set-piece coach, Keith Andrews, who is now a head coach for the first time. 

There are just so many question marks right now revolving around Brentford, and after years spent solidifying their spot as a certified Premier League team, remaining in England's top division would be a successful campaign this time around.

Brighton

Brighton continue to be one of the most well-run clubs
Brighton continue to be one of the most well-run clubsČTK / imago sportfotodienst / Paul Terry

Is there a more well-run club than Brighton in the entirety of England? Most probably not, and the Seagulls look set to have another fantastic season.

32-year-old coach Fabian Hurzeler had a really good debut campaign in the Premier League, helping a young and talented Brighton side to an eighth-place finish.

They have also seemingly recruited well again, signing the likes of Charalampos Kostoulas and Maxim De Cuyper, while Ferdi Kadioglou will also be like a new acquisition after missing almost the whole of 2024/25 with injury. Finishing in the top eight should be their goal again, which could see them close to European football. 

Burnley

Burnley secured the signing of Kyle Walker this summer
Burnley secured the signing of Kyle Walker this summerRichard Sellers, PA Images / Alamy / Profimedia

Burnley are a Premier League club once more, and much like the other promoted clubs, they have a hell of a job on their hands to keep their status as one. Scott Parker has proven himself a remarkable Championship manager, and their defensive record last season was out of this world, with them conceding just 16 goals and going on a 33-match unbeaten run.

They have made several signings too, bringing in the experienced Kyle Walker, Martin Dubravka, Lesley Ugochukwu and Armando Broja, but have lost crucial defensive pieces in James Trafford and CJ Egan-Riley.

Maybe Burnley are more prepared for the Premier League this time around with Parker's defensive setup. As unlikely as it is, staying up would just be a phenomenal achievement.

Chelsea

Chelsea won the Club World Cup this summer
Chelsea won the Club World Cup this summerREUTERS / Kai Pfaffenbach

Chelsea head into the new season having been crowned world champions at the revamped Club World Cup over the summer. Enzo Maresca's side also secured a top-four finish while winning the Europa Conference League in 2024/25, and they will be looking to take the next steps in what is a funky and unique project.

They keep splashing the cash, stockpiling in attacking positions. As a result, their squad is undoubtedly looking strong, despite some potential flaws in defence and in goal.

The next logical step for Chelsea is for them to compete in the Premier League and the Champions League. They need to solidify themselves as contenders, and even if they don't win one of the big two trophies, going deep and pushing their rivals would be more progress for the Blues.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace will be looking to make an impact in Europe
Crystal Palace will be looking to make an impact in EuropeSeverin Aichbauer / APA-PictureDesk / APA-PictureDesk via AFP / Profimedia

Crystal Palace's summer has been difficult. From being demoted from the Europa League to the Conference League, to a lack of summer signings that has really frustrated manager Oliver Glasner, the club haven't perhaps kicked on as much as they would have liked after their historic FA Cup victory.

They did win the Community Shield by beating Liverpool on penalties though, and they haven't yet lost any key players. Their main aim before the window ends will be to keep hold of the likes of Ebere Eze and Marc Guehi.

For a team that are famous for finishing 12th, another mid-table finish would probably be a good season for Palace. They also have a real shot at going all the way in the Conference League, given the quality of their squad compared to the rest of the field.

Everton

Everton will be setting foot in their new stadium
Everton will be setting foot in their new stadiumAJ Reynolds / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP / Profimedia

A big season is on the cards for Everton, as they make the move from Goodison Park to their stunning new home, the Hill Dickinson Stadium. David Moyes ended last season in brilliant fashion, and he will want to give the fans something to celebrate this campaign.

Despite Moyes openly expressing his unhappiness with their transfer business, the Toffees look to finally be getting busy, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall joining Thierno Barry through the door. They also remain very interested in Tyler Dibling and Jack Grealish.

Moyes is a great manager, and if he can get his players, Everton could be a really good team next season. A mid-table finish would represent a strong season for the club, considering where they have been in the last few years. Could they even have a tilt at the top half of the table?

Fulham

Can Fulham have another solid season under Marco Silva?
Can Fulham have another solid season under Marco Silva?Gualter Fatia / GETTY IMAGES EUROPE / Getty Images via AFP

Fulham are a rock-solid outfit under Marco Silva, finishing comfortably and consistently in the middle of the pack in the last few seasons. You always know what you are going to get from the Cottagers, even though they've barely spent any money this summer.

They have also lost a few players, with Reiss Nelson returning to Arsenal from his loan spell and Willian leaving on a free. But you can just bank on Fulham to be super reliable again, with a number of players in their team with plenty of Premier League experience.

Similar to the previous few teams on this list, a mid-table finish would represent another successful season for Fulham and Marco Silva.