Pre-season: What to watch before the new campaign
Pre-season isn't just warm-ups and photo shoots — it's where teams test ideas, settle new signings and build fitness. The results don't always matter, but the minutes players get, the patterns coaches try and the injuries that appear tell you a lot about how clubs will start the season. Want to know how to read it like a pro? Keep going.
What to watch this pre-season
Watch who gets playing time. Young players and new signings need minutes; a striker who starts most friendlies is likely in the manager’s plans. Follow match minutes more than final scores. For example, Chelsea’s fixture list for the Europa Conference League shows why clubs use pre-season to prepare for a packed calendar — managers rotate to test depth before competitive games matter.
Track tactics and set-piece routines. Coaches use low-stakes matches to try formation changes or new press systems. If a team suddenly plays with wing-backs or a new midfield pivot in friendlies, expect similar patterns early in the league unless injuries force a change.
Keep an eye on fitness and injuries. A small knock in July can become a long-term issue if mishandled. Clubs often reveal recovery plans and return timelines during pre-season. That matters for fantasy picks and match predictions.
Follow transfer signals, not just headlines. Transfer rumours heat up in pre-season: some are real, some are noise. The Jamie Vardy-to-Wrexham rumour is a good example of how moves can reshape a squad’s pre-season plans. Look for official club announcements, training photos, and players missing from squads — those are better clues than speculation alone.
How fans can make the most of pre-season
Use friendlies to test fantasy and betting ideas — but be careful. Form in friendlies doesn’t always match competitive form because managers shuffle squads and try different things. If you’re planning a fantasy move, wait for competitive minutes or injuries that change starting lineups.
Attend or stream a few pre-season games. They’re cheaper and more relaxed than league matches. You’ll see training matchups, get a sense of player fitness, and spot new signings settling in. If you can’t go, watch condensed highlights to pick up key patterns — who’s taking penalties, who’s being played out of position, or which youth players stand out.
Follow local fan channels and club social media for honest takes and training clips. Official sources give lineups and injury updates; fan channels often show behind-the-scenes details and early tactical notes. Combine both to get the clearest picture.
Finally, manage expectations. Pre-season builds momentum but doesn’t guarantee results. Use it to spot trends, not to predict exact outcomes. When the league starts, teams that handled pre-season well usually hit the ground faster — and that’s the real payoff for fans who paid attention.
Want regular pre-season updates? Keep an eye on our fixtures, transfer roundups and injury updates for the clearest picture as the season edges closer.
