I want to see a producer (Rick Rubin, maybe?) get in there and shake things up a bit. I want to see Bono made 100% accountable for holding up his end of the record. That means trying to perfect some interesting, thoughtful lyrics and giving a genuine effort in the performance.
I'm just afraid that Bono will be even less present during the recording of the next record than he was for HTDAAB. I mean, when he says he wants to "serve these men," I don't see that as a totally positive thing. He should be at the core of this record, and give us a piece of his soul like he has in the past. IMO, a few of the lyrics on HTDAAB could have been stronger (ABOY, Miracle Drug).
Besides that, I'm hoping for some bold production, to really get the most out of the songs. I think that the sort of job they did on LAPOE was excellent, whereas some songs (COBL, SYCMIOYO) could have been better. I know what you're all saying... "um... COBL and SYCMIOYO were best rock song and best song respectively at the Grammys..." but I don't know... try listening to the bass on SYCMIOYO, or the drums on COBL. They're great songs, but sometimes I cringe.
As far as the actual music... I'm hoping for some epic rock songs personally, with some atmosphere mixed in.