This time last year many Premier League fanatics were probably thinking it would be another title win for Manchester City.
I thought Arsenal might push, but I certainly didn’t expect Liverpool to do it. And definitely win by a 10 point margin.
This season after arguably one of the most exciting and active summer transfer windows I think it could be one of the most exciting seasons yet.
Who Will Be Challenging?
After spending nearly £300 million on a crop of very talented players, there will be a huge expectation on Liverpool to retain their title.
Especially if Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi join. It would on paper at least, mean they have the best starting XI, probably in the world. Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike look world class. Throw in Mohammed Salah and Isak and that is an incredible attack.
At long last, Arsenal have added a striker and he isn’t just anyone. Viktor Gyokeres is up there with Erling Haaland and is a game-changing signing. Martin Zubimendi is probably the best number six in the world. They have added a number of squad players and I expect them to add at least one more quality option in attack.
Chelsea will be another contender. By all accounts, they have added some serious quality – especially up front. Bringing in Joao Pedro from Brighton already looks to be a masterstroke, while Jamie Bynoe-Gittens looks like a great talent. If they gel and stay injury-free, Chelsea could be a surprise challenger.
Arguably the most intriguing prospect is Manchester United. Boss Ruben Amorim has been well-backed for his attacking revamp. If Bryan Mbuemo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko can forge a relationship quickly in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, this could be highly effective.
Obviously, Manchester City cannot be ruled out. Pep Guardiola has recruited efficiently though I was surprised to see them crash out of the Club World Cup in the manner they did. Keeping Haaland fit and reintegrating Rodri effectively back into what is a new-look midfield could see City establish themselves quickly. New signing Tijani Reijnders from AC Milan could prove to be a breath of fresh air.
Tottenham are an intriguing one. I thought they were unlucky not to win the European Super Cup and were impressive against that well-drilled PSG side.
New boss Thomas Franck has seemingly recruited well and he appears to want more quality additions. Out of this group, I think Spurs are definite outsiders though.
Best Of The Rest
I fully expected Newcastle to have a more successful summer transfer window and barring a miracle, I can’t see them breaking into the top four – even top six for that matter.
They have been rejected by a handful of players and Isak looks increasingly likely that he will leave. The club needs quality players in and quickly, otherwise I don’t see them finishing any higher than mid-table.
Nottingham Forest had a great season last term, though faltered right at the end. They have lost a couple of their best players, though appear to have brought in some smart replacements. I definitely think they are one to keep an eye on to spring a surprise.
A shout-out for me goes to Aston Villa as well. In Unai Emery they have a great manager but can’t afford to lose their best players – at least without making quality replacements. Brighton will also be an intriguing prospect. A very well run club, they have lost a couple of players, turned a great profit. For a shade under £30 million, highly-rated Greek striker, Charalampos Kostoulas has arrived from Olympiakos and will be one to keep an eye on.
Relegation Fight
Out of the three that came up, I think Burnley and Sunderland are already gone. As a Leeds United fan, I’m biased, but I genuinely see us surviving. There has been logic to out recruitment – not the scattergun approach that Sunderland have gone for, while Burnley just can’t attract the quality. I think the best we can hope for is 15th though, unless Leeds add more attacking quality. We’ll definitely make it tough for opponents having brought in some tough tacklers and physical players.
I think Wolves could be in trouble. They have lost quite a few players and struggled to recruit. They could very quickly be in trouble.
Everton will likely be in everyone’s thinking as one of the clubs that may be threatened, though with David Moyes at the helm, I think they’ll be fine. They haven’t really strengthened but it’s just a matter of time.