Fresh off a dominant title-winning campaign, Liverpool kick off the new Premier League season on Friday as the team to beat, as they host Bournemouth in the season’s curtain-raiser on what is sure to be an emotional night at Anfield.
Liverpool, who locked up last year’s title with four matches to spare, had a bold and ambitious summer, signing Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, who headline a revamped attack that promises to be among the most explosive in the league.
They also added pace at fullback by acquiring Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez. Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk remain central pillars. The key question is can Liverpool’s new-look defence hold firm to support a title repeat?
“The reason that it is so difficult is there are so many competitors who can also win the league here,” Liverpool coach Arne Slot said. “To win it once is already very, very special.”
“That is unbelievable if you are able to do it (twice) in this league. This year it is probably going to be harder than before.”
Manchester City travel to Wolverhampton on Saturday as Pep Guardiola looks to restore his revamped team to their former glory after last term’s third-place disappointment.
A new-look Arsenal, who have finished second three seasons running, travel to Old Trafford on Sunday to play Manchester United in a much-anticipated clash of two revamped teams.
In search of an illusive Premier League title, the Gunners added quality and depth in signing Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard to bolster the midfield. They also signed top marksman Viktor Gyökeres to help solve their long-standing striker issue.
Arsenal’s defence remains elite — and will be put to the test against Manchester United’s brand new front three of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo.
After their dismal 15th-place finish last season under new boss Ruben Amorim, United have been in full rebuild mode, with expectations high but patience wearing thin.
Manchester United will be aiming for a top-four finish and a return to European football. But United remain a wild card. The big question is can Amorim quickly galvanise his new-look squad into a competitive force, or will this be another frustrating season of transition?
The three promoted clubs get a taste of England’s top flight this weekend with Sunderland hosting West Ham United and Burnley travelling to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, while Leeds United hosting Everton on Monday.