On Friday, the Premier League returns to action as Arsenal will square off with Coventry City as the reigning champs look to start the season off on the right foot. Considering the World Cup, it feels like soccer never left, and while that may be true, the sport also waits for no one and essentially doesn't have an offseason, so now it's time to get ready for new players and eight teams with new managers this season in the Premier League. From the end of last season, where Tottenham barely staved off relegation to now, a lot has changed, but not who sits atop the rankings.
But behind the Gunners, it's anyone's guess as to what may happen, so let's take a look at all 20 Premier League teams. The reigning champions of the Premier League, Arsenal, should be expected to repeat, especially after adding Bruno Guimaraes to their ranks. Their win-now mentality shines through with the impending arrival of Ezri Konsa to cover for William Saliba's injury.
Until proven otherwise, they're the team to beat. While United have had a relatively mundane transfer window with their only notable signings being Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, they also haven't lost anyone outside of Casemiro's move to Inter Miami. Stability has rarely been a word associated with the Red Devils, but in their first full season under Michael Carrick, it's time to see if they are for real.
Out go Pep Guardiola and Rodri, and in come Enzo Maresca and Elliot Anderson. It's the end of an era at Manchester City, but Erling Haaland has still been the star of the Summer and will keep the squad in the title race from start to finish during the season. Another team with significant change, as Arne Slot and Mohamed Salah are no longer at the club, but the direct nature of Andoni Iraola's approach will suit Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz in season two.
Losing key midfielders and defenders comes as a blow for Unai Emery's men with Champions League soccer on the horizon. But they also hung with Paris Saint-Germain with a heavily rotated lineup; one game is a tiny sample size, but with how Emery has prepared his squads, Villa get the benefit of the doubt right now. Xabi Alonso has a tall task ahead of him to bring stability back to Stamford Bridge.
Action item number one is -- can Cole Palmer score goals that aren't penalties? If he can't, this attack is worrisome. If Enzo Fernandez stays, the midfield will ensure that the Blues have a high floor, but the transfer window isn't closed yet.
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