After being bombarded by transfer news for weeks, it is something of a relief that the 2025-26 Premier League season is finally getting underway this weekend. One game has already been played, with defending champions Liverpool hosting Bournemouth at Anfield last night. It would be nice if they could all start the season on the same day.
Liverpool did everyone a favour last season by breaking Manchester City's apparent grip on the league. The Reds deserved it too, and will start favourites this season, although City and Arsenal won't be far away.
You can't read too much into the Community Shield result, but Liverpool's new signings Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike looked sharp despite the loss to a spirited Crystal Palace. The exciting German midfielder and the young Frenchman should add a new dimension to Liverpool's attack.
Manchester City experienced their lowest points tally under Pep Guardiola last season but still managed to finish third. It was a new experience for Pep and this season he faces the problem of a replacement for the great Kevin De Bruyne, who has gone to Napoli. City have several new signings, including Rayan Cherki, while Norwegian striker Erling Haaland will continue to lead the attack.
Arsenal have been runners-up for the last three seasons but now have finally acquired a genuine centre forward in Sweden's Viktor Gyokeres, previously with Sporting Lisbon. The Gunners have a strong squad and are desperate to win the title for the first time in 21 years.
Chelsea will be encouraged after winning the Club World Cup title and the acquisition of Joao Pedro to lead the line. But they still look to be a side in transition and need to sort out their defence, including the goalkeeper.
The atmosphere at Newcastle United has been clouded by the messy Alexander Isak situation. The sooner that gets sorted, the better for the Magpies.
Two clubs needing to redeem themselves are Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur who finished an unthinkable 15th and 17th respectively last season. United have indulged in a lot of spending including the signings of Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig), Matheus Cunha (Wolves) and Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford). They should at least be an improvement on last season which won't be difficult.
Tottenham, under highly regarded manager Thomas Frank, will also want to forget last season. Korea's Son Heung-Min has moved to Los Angeles and it will be interesting to see how Mohammed Kudus fits in after leaving West Ham.
Nottingham Forest performed magnificently last season, finishing in seventh place. Whether they can maintain their momentum remains to be seen. Aston Villa too should again be a force as long as they hold on to Ollie Watkins.
Brighton, Bournemouth and Brentford performed well last season and Brighton should be OK again but it could be trickier for the other two clubs who have both lost several key players.
There will be a lot of interest in how Jack Grealish gets on at Everton. It could be a productive move for both player and club.
For the last two seasons the three newly promoted teams suffered an immediate return to the Championship. Can Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland end that pattern? It would certainly be good news for the Premier League if a couple of the newcomers manage to stay up.
Let's hope it goes down to the wire, both at the top and the bottom of the table.
Liverpool did everyone a favour last season by breaking Manchester City's apparent grip on the league. The Reds deserved it too, and will start favourites this season, although City and Arsenal won't be far away.
You can't read too much into the Community Shield result, but Liverpool's new signings Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike looked sharp despite the loss to a spirited Crystal Palace. The exciting German midfielder and the young Frenchman should add a new dimension to Liverpool's attack.
Manchester City experienced their lowest points tally under Pep Guardiola last season but still managed to finish third. It was a new experience for Pep and this season he faces the problem of a replacement for the great Kevin De Bruyne, who has gone to Napoli. City have several new signings, including Rayan Cherki, while Norwegian striker Erling Haaland will continue to lead the attack.
Arsenal have been runners-up for the last three seasons but now have finally acquired a genuine centre forward in Sweden's Viktor Gyokeres, previously with Sporting Lisbon. The Gunners have a strong squad and are desperate to win the title for the first time in 21 years.
Chelsea will be encouraged after winning the Club World Cup title and the acquisition of Joao Pedro to lead the line. But they still look to be a side in transition and need to sort out their defence, including the goalkeeper.
The atmosphere at Newcastle United has been clouded by the messy Alexander Isak situation. The sooner that gets sorted, the better for the Magpies.
Two clubs needing to redeem themselves are Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur who finished an unthinkable 15th and 17th respectively last season. United have indulged in a lot of spending including the signings of Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig), Matheus Cunha (Wolves) and Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford). They should at least be an improvement on last season which won't be difficult.
Tottenham, under highly regarded manager Thomas Frank, will also want to forget last season. Korea's Son Heung-Min has moved to Los Angeles and it will be interesting to see how Mohammed Kudus fits in after leaving West Ham.
Nottingham Forest performed magnificently last season, finishing in seventh place. Whether they can maintain their momentum remains to be seen. Aston Villa too should again be a force as long as they hold on to Ollie Watkins.
Brighton, Bournemouth and Brentford performed well last season and Brighton should be OK again but it could be trickier for the other two clubs who have both lost several key players.
There will be a lot of interest in how Jack Grealish gets on at Everton. It could be a productive move for both player and club.
For the last two seasons the three newly promoted teams suffered an immediate return to the Championship. Can Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland end that pattern? It would certainly be good news for the Premier League if a couple of the newcomers manage to stay up.
Let's hope it goes down to the wire, both at the top and the bottom of the table.
