New Premier league season promises plenty of drama plus more of the same
The new Premier League season is almost upon us. Can anyone topple Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Manchester City side, fresh from their historic treble? New signings abound throughout the league, and a new team too. So while the best betting sites sharpen their odds in expectation, with the sportsbooks now taking shape for the new season, we take a look at some of the things to expect in this latest edition of the Premier League.
New signings to thrill
Expect some new faces to shine in the Premier League this season. Rasmus Hojlund has joined Manchester United from Atalanta and will lead the line next season. Liverpool have splashed out on RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai while champions City have signed one of the best up-and-coming defenders in the world – Josko Gvardiol, from the same club. There is a third ex-Leipzig player who is expected to catch the eye: striker Christoper Nkunku will lead Chelsea hopes this season. The German club will certainly be sick of fielding calls from Premier League clubs this summer.
Other new players to keep an eye on include new Newcastle signing Sandro Tonali, who has become the most expensive Italian player ever after his £60m arrival from AC Milan, plus new Manchester United ‘keeper Andre Onana, brought in from Champions League finalists Inter. There are many more too with pretty much every Premier league team banking on new talent from overseas to drive their respective club’s push for a stellar season.
Established stars
As well as the new signings, there are the old faces who will continue to thrill. City’s team of all-stars need little introduction, and the bookies have Erling Haaland as nailed on to win another Golden Boot. The only player to in any way rival the Norwegian last season was Tottenham’s Harry Kane, and at time of writing we are still not sure if the England captain will be a Spurs man next season. Which shirt will be the star striker be wearing in this upcoming season? And while quite a few established Premier league faces have opted for the riches of Saudi Arabia, there are still the likes of Mo Salah, Marcus Rashford, Bruno Guimaraes, Bukayo Saka and more to set the pulses racing. No wonder the Premier League remains the place to be for top talent.
Welcome to a new team
But it’s not all about the well-known names because there is a new team too. Luton Town will become the 51st different team to make an appearance in the Premier League after triumphing through last season’s Championship playoffs. What is remarkable is that Luton found themselves in non-league football just ten years ago. It’s been an incredible rise for a team that has not featured in the English top flight since the 1991-92 season, the last before the competition rebranded as the Premier League. Joining Luton up from the Championship are regular Premier League performers Burnley and Sheffield United who both have recent pedigree and will hope for a successful campaign. Burnley are led by ex-Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany and romped to the Championship crown last season.
Clubs to trouble the established elite
With traditional big guns such as Manchester United and Liverpool struggling to keep pace with City, there does appear to be opportunities for other clubs to climb into those elusive top four positions, thus securing a place in the following season’s Champions League. Perhaps best-placed of all appear to be Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton side, as well as Unai Emery’s Aston Villa. These two finished sixth and seventh last season respectively, displacing Tottenham, and have strengthened well in the summer. Brighton may have lost Alexis Mc Alister but have somehow retained Moises Caicedo. Aston Villa have added real quality in Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby. Don’t be surprised if Villa in particular make a charge for those Champions League positions.
Arsenal to run Manchester City close
When it comes to who will challenge City the closest, last season it was Arsenal, and the Gunners really seem to have strengthened extremely well in key positions. The additions of Jurrien Timber from Ajaz, Kai Havertz from Chelsea and particularly Declan Rice from West Ham are bona fide quality signings. Rice has the temperament to really inspire those around him, and as such, Arsenal should be even better than last season, which is saying something.
But City ultimately to win
Can anyone really look past City when it comes to claiming the Premier League crown? The bookmakers certainly can’t with Guardiola’s side nailed on favourites for another title. It’s testament to the quality of Guardiola that his side’s nearest challengers come in the shape of Arteta and Arsenal – the young apprentice showing just how good he is. But there is still only one master. Guardiola and City to claim another title, with perhaps another Champions League to show too. That may not be for definite, but another action-packed campaign in the Premier League certainly is. Now let’s sit back and enjoy.
