OK, lets see what I missed the passed 12 hours
I have been saying since August that Mid October will be a smash focus direct focusing on modes like the story mode, break the targets, and other stuff. Then a last direct in late november 2 weeks before launch for the last characters, online mode(as I am sure Sakurai is still fixing that till the end), other stuff not in full detail like all star mode, boss rush, maybe trophies and stickers in not talked about yet, and then discussing the DLC path and showing us a preview of the first planned DLC, either Rex and Pyra or Banjo and Kazooie.
Yeah, those 2 spots are still suspicious. like at first they were planning to reveal her there, but changed their mind early enough that the didn't also need to change numbers or remove posts planned for her stage and music, but late enough that her reveal and spotlight were gone. If she was planned there, they may have moved her to the october direct, as the september really couldn't fit her in it. Have maybe 3 unique newcomers shown then maybe.
Yeah I feel the trailer could go with either toon link, or daisy. While toon link seems very likely, I think Shantae and Daisy, my favorite mario princess, interacting in a trailer would be freaking awesome.
Its tinfoil hat theory, but all shantae evidence is tinfoil hat theories haha. Yeah I think its possible she was planned there. like above, we could see her in the october smash focused direct, or in a random surprise announcment at some point.
My most wanted is Donbe and Hikari from Shin Onigashima, but Lip or Ayumi are what I feel are the more likely ones.
Thats some great fanart there.