Page 24 - Soccer360 Issue 107

SEASON PREVIEW
2024-25
LAST SEASON
LAST SEASON
LAST SEASON
“THE
BIGGEST
HURDLE
FOR THE
HOTSPUR
IS TO
CREATEA
WINNING MINDSET
THROUGH-
OUT THE
CLUB”
KEY PLAYER
KEY PLAYER
KEY PLAYER
NEWCASTLE UNITED
FINISH: 7th Place RECORD: 18-6-14 MOST GOALS: Isak (21)
NOTTINGHAM FOREST
FINISH: 17th
RECORD: 9-9-20
MOST GOALS: Wood (14)
SOUTHAMPTON
FINISH: 4th (Championship) RECORD: 26-9-11
MOST GOALS: Armstrong (24)
Although they couldn’t make it back-to- back seasons in the Champions League, Newcastle are now firmly established as a major force in English football again and are setting their sights on reclaiming a place in the top four in 2024-25. With more teams than ever battling it out, the Magpies will need to have better luck with injuries and improve on a poor away record last term if they are to swing the tide in their favour. Due to spending restrictions, it’s been a quiet summer on Tyneside in terms of comings and goings. However, the return
of tenacious midfielder Sandro Tonali from a 10-month ban will feel like a new signing, with the Italian rejoining a squad that still has further potential to unleash.
Sandro Tonali
It has been a turbulent two seasons for Nottingham Forest since their long-awaited return to the Premier League, but they’ve managed to survive relegation and now the aim will be to push on towards mid- table. After the points deductions and VAR controversies of 2023-24, owner Evangelos Marinakis wants a stress-free campaign and has provided coach Nuno Espirito Santo with a squad that should be capable of making the desired progress.
Defender Nikola Milenkovic and wingers Jota Silva and Elliot Anderson are all impressive additions to a side that is full
of counter-attacking threat but needs to improve defensively. Taiwo Awoniyi’s return from long-term injury will make for an intriguing battle with Chris Wood for the lone striker position, while Callum Hudson- Odoi could be one to watch this season if he stays fit.
Chris Wood
Victory over Leeds United in the Championship play-off final saw Southampton gain an instant return to the Premier League at the end of an eventful season. It was an impressive achievement from coach Russell Martin, who had to navigate a tough start to his reign but claimed success with the help of his much- admired brand of passing football.
This style of play will make the Saints attractive to watch, but they’ll be keen to avoid the same mistakes Burnley made last term and find a way to be efficient at both ends. New signing Ben Brereton-Diaz and 2023-24 top scorer Adam Armstrong have to prove they can score goals consistently in the top-flight to give them a chance of staying up, while Martin has addressed his team’s poor defensive record by signing three centre-backs in a busy transfer window.
Adam Armstrong
22 SOCCER360