Get insights on the Premier League's return, including key players to watch and what to expect this season. Stay updated on the latest football action.
As is the case with most other Eruopean legues, the English Premier League returns this wekeend! This article will provide the most important information ahead of the new season, focusing on last season’s results and the summer transfer activity.
Pep vs. Arteta — Will the apprentice finally outsmart the master?
The last two season’s of the Premier League felt a lot like watching the same movie twice — Arsenal playing really well, winning games in style, being at the top Manchester City looking like struggling, finding their rhythm and ending the season on a high. The Gunners are most likely to be City’s biggest challengers yet again. With the last season’s team staying pretty much intact, there’s a new face (a very pretty one, if we may notice) in their back line — Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian left-footed centre-back can easily adapt to playing as a left-back in a more traditional system or act like I wide centre-back, similar to what he did with Italy during the Euros, where his performances caught worldwide attention. Given that Arteta has already experimented with three at the back, this could be an aditional option in the quest for further enriching his team’s arsenal (pun intended).
On the other side, Manchester City (owned by City Football Group) have been quiet about their business this summer. Besides buying Savinho, a Troyes (owned by CFG) player on loan at Girona (owned by CFG) not much was said about their transfer activity until a few days ago when Julián Álvarez left Manchester to join Atlético Madrid. They are now eyeing a big money move to replace a player that had already given them a lot and a player from which they most certainly expected even more in the years to come. Liverpool’s Luis Diaz has since emerged as their top target, but it remains to be seen if there is any palpable movement from the Citizens on that matter.
Liverpool — Question marks at the start of a new era
In the wake of Klopp’s exit, Liverpool have turned to Arne Slot as their new manager. Slot, known for his innovative tactics and success in previous roles, will face the challenging task of steering Liverpool through this transitional period. His appointment is seen as a strategic move, reflecting the club’s intent to embrace a new style while maintaining their competitive edge.
One of the notable aspects of Liverpool’s preparation for the new season is the lack of summer signings. Despite the pressing need for fresh talent, the club has yet to bolster its squad, a situation that could prove challenging as they aim to remain competitive at the highest level. Additionally, the potential departure of Luis Díaz to Manchester City adds another layer of uncertainty. Díaz’s possible exit would leave a significant void in Liverpool’s attacking options, further underscoring the need for reinforcements.
The early part of the season may be marked by struggles as Slot works to implement his vision and integrate any new additions to the squad. Nonetheless, Slot’s track record suggests he has the potential to lead Liverpool through this period of change. His ability to navigate these challenges effectively will be crucial in determining whether Liverpool can mount a serious challenge for the Premier League crown.
Manchester United and Chelsea — Perpetual rebuilding
Another transfer window, another Chelsea spending spree. This time under (yet another) new manager in Enzo Maresca. Maresca’s appointment signals a fresh chapter for the club, and the influx of new talent reflects the club’s ambition to reinvigorate their squad. As much as nine new players joined the Blues already, with some further activity still expected. Time and patience will be of the essence for Maresca to get the know the squad and to adapt it to his style of play. Time and patience, however, are a luxury not many Chelsea managers have had in the past.
Further up north, Manchester United are navigating its own set of challenges. Erik ten Hag has remained at the helm, a decision that reflects the club’s commitment to stability amidst their recent struggles. Ten Hag’s approach to this season includes four new signings, notably including Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, who both join from Bayern after previously working with ETH in Ajax. That is now Ten Hag’s sixth signing of a player he previously worked with at Ajax. But if it worked once, there’s no guarantee it will work again. The Dutch manager will either way hope that it will work, as pressure is mounting on him to deliver a more notable, palpable success than the FA and EFL Cups he won thus far.
This season feel kind of like a “do or die” situation for both Chelsea and Manchester United as they try to not only close the gap to the front-runners, but become one of them.
Spurs, Newcastle and Villa — Another top 4 run?
The three clubs seem to have a lot in common as they are looking to find stability in their projects and keep building on positive, solid foundations. Some have had more success than the others last season, but all three are looking to establish themselves as one of England’s top clubs and they all believe they have every right to be there.
Aston Villa is entering the new season with significant momentum after a historic 2023/24 campaign that saw them secure a place in the Champions League. Their ability to reinvest in the squad and bring in quality players demonstrates their commitment to maintaining their position among the elite. Villa’s focus will be on consolidating their top-four spot and making a mark in European competition. Their proactive approach in the transfer market and the stability within the squad suggest they are well-positioned to continue their ascent and remain competitive at the highest levels.
Newcastle United will be aiming to recapture the form that brought them success in the 2022/23 season. While last season did not quite match their previous heights, Newcastle’s stability and minimal changes to the squad indicate a strategy of gradual improvement. The team’s focus remains on climbing to the top of the Premier League, and their consistency could prove crucial in a tightly contested race. With a solid foundation and a clear sense of direction, Newcastle will be determined to push for a top-four finish and challenge the established order.
Tottenham Hotspur, under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou in his second season, will seek to build on the promising performances from the previous year. Postecoglou’s innovative approach and the team’s development have set a strong platform for further progress. Tottenham’s aim will be to continue their upward trajectory and challenge for a top spot, potentially disrupting the plans of Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool. The continuity in management and the positive momentum from last season position Tottenham as serious contenders.
The ruthless battle for survival
Everton and Nottingham Forest have both experienced seasons of uncertainty in recent years, often finding themselves perilously close to the relegation zone. With a few years of barely scraping by, both clubs will be aiming to establish themselves more firmly in the mid-table. Everton, with their storied history and ambitious plans, will hope that stability and a solid approach can elevate them from their recent struggles. Similarly, Nottingham Forest, after several seasons of battling the drop, will seek to build on their experiences and secure a more comfortable position in the league.
In contrast, the newly promoted teams face a different set of challenges. Ipswich Town and Southampton, fresh from their promotion from the Championship, will need to prove that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level. Both clubs are aware that their squads may lack the depth and quality of established Premier League teams, making their fight for survival particularly challenging. Ipswich, with their return to the top flight, will look to build on their momentum and adapt quickly to the demands of Premier League football. Southampton, meanwhile, will need to draw on their experience and resilience to avoid being dragged into the relegation battle.
Leicester City, having bounced back into the Premier League after winning the Championship, will approach the new season with a greater sense of confidence. Their squad, bolstered by the experience of recent top-flight campaigns, is expected to be robust enough to avoid a relegation scrap. Leicester’s focus will be on consolidating their position and ensuring a stable return to the Premier League, rather than worrying about survival.
As the season progresses, it will become clearer who among the newly promoted teams, alongside Everton and Nottingham Forest, might face the toughest battle for survival. While Leicester appears well-equipped to stay clear of the relegation zone, the fight for the remaining safety spots will undoubtedly be fierce. The season promises to deliver a thrilling contest as these teams vie to secure their Premier League status and avoid the drop.
Sofascore’s bonus: Team to watch
Almost every season in the Premier League sees a team from the middle of the pack emerge and impose themselves as a refreshment — whether it’s their attractive playing style, their giant-killing or just gaining good results. Last couple of seasons Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi‘s Brighton seemed to be everyone’s second favourite team.
Our data and our eye for footballing flair tell us that Oliver Glasner‘s Crystal Palace might be the team to look for if you are after good entertainment.
The Austrian has been in charge at Selhurst Park 13 matches last season. 7 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats and an average team Sofascore rating of 7.04 during those matches. On average, their games saw 3.30 goals and their 7 wins included impressive triumphs against Newcastle (2-0), Liverpool (0-1), Manchester United (4-0) and Aston Villa (5-0). Their 14 goals scored in 5 pre-season games suggest that more of the same is to follow.
Despite losing Michael Olise to Bayern, the squad does not lack talent. Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta are seat to headline the Eagles again with the addition of Japanese Daichi Kamada, a footballer that thrives in the second-striker role that Glasner likes to rely heavily on.
So if you’re all about action, excitement, dynamic and offensive football — Crystal Palace should definitely be your pick!
