The Premier League is set for its most open title race in years, with five of the traditional "big six" clubs having new managers and one of the defending champions facing a key injury.
Three of the big six have new managers: Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool, with the Blues also breaking transfer records. After years of Manchester City dominance, followed by Liverpool and Arsenal winning titles by at least seven points, the Premier League is due a wide open, unpredictable, multi-club title race.
Manchester City start the new season without their greatest ever manager, Pep Guardiola. The 55-year-old left the club at the end of last season and has since been replaced by his former assistant Enzo Maresca. Maresca has been out of work since stepping down as Chelsea boss in January.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have a new gaffer in former Liverpool player Xabi Alonso. Alonso won the Bundesliga with an invincible Bayer Leverkusen team two years ago but had a difficult spell in charge of Real Madrid last term.
Earlier, Manchester United appointed Michael Carrick, and Tottenham named Roberto de Zerbi as their new managers, both part way through last season. Only Mikel Arteta of Arsenal, appointed in 2019, remains.
Arsenal are favourites for the Premier League title, but a lengthy injury to key defender William Saliba could affect their chances. The club have said Saliba is set to miss an "extended period" after suffering a back injury while at the World Cup with France.
Since Saliba's debut in 2022, Arsenal have won 68.7% of their Premier League matches when he has been in the team (131 games). When he has been sidelined, that win percentage drops to 47.6% (21 games).
Tottenham and Chelsea are both breaking transfer records this summer. Tottenham have almost matched Chelsea's spending, parting with a club record £237m. The pair could pick up this term after going big in the transfer window.
With so many new signings and different managers, it's anyone's guess who will emerge as title contenders. The Premier League is set for a thrilling season, with five of the traditional big six clubs vying for the top spot.
Chelsea have made England midfielder Morgan Rogers the most expensive British player in history this month by signing him from Aston Villa for a fee of £117m. They've also spent £47m on full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta and are close to deals for Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson and Maxence Lacroix.
Tottenham have also been busy, parting with a club record £237m this summer. In July, Spurs broke their transfer record twice in two days, first signing midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85m before bringing in Sandro Tonali from Newcastle for £100m.
On Tuesday, Tottenham announced they had signed Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52m, while also picking up Marcos Senesi, Andrew Robertson, and Martin Dubravka. The signings have sparked excitement among Spurs fans, who are hoping the new additions will help the team avoid relegation this term.
The new season is just around the corner, and with so many variables in play, it's anyone's guess who will emerge as title contenders. One thing is certain, however: the Premier League is set for a thrilling season.
Source: BBC Sports
