Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta: Two men should be at the center of the Premier League title race. Photo: AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth
Unfortunately, the bookmakers will not be offering odds on the 1-20 prediction for the Premier League season, although this has saved at least some money that could have been put on those predictions in past seasons. Once again, the transfer window closes long after the start of the season on Friday and a lot can and will change before then. As for the champions, this is the period of Manchester City's hegemony. They haven't shown us where they can be vulnerable yet. The only title they haven't won in the last six seasons came during the shortened Covid shutdown season when the crowd was locked in for the restart.
City are now operating on a different level as treble winners. They feel invincible. However, it comes with its own pressure. Each defeat, those that are, is a big event. The accusations leveled against them by the Premier League didn't affect the team last season, and perhaps such issues are far from the players' minds. It will be tested again this season. There is at least a chance that the real race for the title will start in the spring.
1 Arsenal
Most Premier League champions are nearing the finish line before taking the final step. Arsenal had the most formidable team up front but they look stronger and have had something to fall back on last season. This is their chance, especially with City under heavy allegations from the Premier League.
2 Manchester City
Dominant team of the era and European champions aiming for a Premier League era-record fourth title in a row. It's hard to find reasons why they wouldn't, other than it's hard for even the best to be this good every year. Significant roster changes, although they have dealt with it in the past.
3 Manchester United
Difficult second season after big success last year for Erik ten Hag. His team is re-forming and while the summer deals have been good, they still feel like work is in progress, especially as ownership issues persist and takeovers drag on. Again, the question is whether the new additions can take them to the next level.
4 Liverpool
Fourth place would have been better than last season. The signings have been solid but not transformational, but there is still room for improvement, and recent departures to Saudi Arabia have given them room to maneuver. If they can keep the form of first choice players, then they will compete at the top. Trent Alexander-Arnold's new role should also have an effect.
Trent Alexander-Arnold breaking into Liverpool's midfield will be a fundamental part Jurgen Klopp's plans for this season. Photo: Getty Images/Andrew Powell 5 Tottenham Hotspur
If Harry Kane stays then the goals will surely come and Ange Postekoglou will have something to build on in the first year. If he leaves, the picture changes. But the new Spurs manager is experienced and adaptable, even if he is new to the Premier League. Expect him to have an impact on a team that has struggled for self-confidence.
6 Chelsea
There is a basis for Chelsea's resurgence, but it seems that this is the starting point now under Mauricio Pochettino, and those who will go forward with him – and those who will not go – will appear this season. He's good enough to get the lowest scores from this team, but it could take longer to get to the top four.
7 Newcastle United
After a giant step forward last season, it's no surprise that Eddie Howe's team took a step back. The Champions League is a huge challenge and it seems like the club is not quite ready in terms of squad. However, the quality of players joining continues to improve. This summer we have taken another step forward.
8 Aston Villa
Unai Emery is the driving force and has returned to Europe where he is thriving. Taking a step forward in the Premier League can be harder than in the European Conference League. Two successful signings of Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby under the new recruitment regime suggest there will be progress, although it will be difficult to finish seventh last season.
Ollie Watkins' Goals will once again be key for Villa this season. Photo: Getty Images/Eric Alonso 9 Brighton
This season, Roberto De Zerbi leads the Premier League's great destroyers in the Europa League. It will be interesting to watch Brighton's first season in European competition. More sales with the departure of Moises Caicedo and the departure of Alexis Mac Allister. Top ten and European run and Cups would be a great comeback.
10 Brentford
Their third season in the Premier League and Thomas Frank seem to have cracked the survival code. Suspension of Ivan Toni is the main consideration, but Brentford are a stable club that plans well. They have dealt with exits in the past and should do so again with David Raya. They'll make sure Tony gets right down to business on his return.
11 Bournemouth
A drastic move to get Andoni Iraola on board – but it looks like Bournemouth at least has a plan to play a certain way. The signing is necessarily a mixture of belief in potential and informed risks. Gary O'Neal did his best last season. This will most certainly be due to a change in style under the guidance of their Basque coach.
12 West Ham
After the departure of Declan Rice, there should definitely be an adjustment. But James Ward-Prowse and Harry Maguire had solid Premier League experience to offer. The big question again will be whether the owners will show faith in David Moyes. They have signed Edson Alvarez from Ajax, but seem to be in no hurry with the rest.
James Ward-Prowse played for Southampton in their first league game before joining West Ham. Photo: Getty Images/George Wood 13 Crystal Palace
The return of Roy Hodgson offers the stability that Palace needs in what has been a difficult window so far. The loss of Wilfrid Zaha as a free agent was a blow. New signing Matheus Frank is a wildcard under new work permit rules and is currently injured. With the exception of Jefferson Lerm, this is still the case. However, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olize have become older players last season and their experience will be better.
14 Burnley
Brilliant season in the Championship under Vincent Kompany and now a string of new signings, old and young , for the premier league. It could work, especially with the confidence of a coach who has seen and done it all in the big leagues. A good bet to become one of the most interesting teams in the division to watch.
15 Fulham
An unhappy summer during which both Marco Silva and Aleksandar Mitrovic considered leaving offers – in the striker's case, it looks like the Saudi offer was very attractive indeed. They had the oldest squad in the Premier League last season and won seven games away – the sixth best record in the league. Silva's experience will be invaluable.
16 Nottingham Forest
A difficult summer, when the restructuring of the composition, created so quickly and with such massive changes 12 months ago, was slow. Steve Cooper took the team out of the game last season and it looks like there will be another similar battle this time around, especially given the requirements of financial fair play.
Survival should again be a priority for Nottingham Forest this season. Photo: Reuters/Andrew Boyers, Wolverhampton Wanderers, 17
I watched the transition from Julen Lopetegui to Gary O'Neal for a long time. The Spanish coach has decided to turn down a lucrative contract, largely because he feels the squad isn't good enough. It's some kind of judgment. A'Neal will be needed to inspire all the players and get fans on his side, while approaching January with enough hope to encourage the owners to find a way to invest.
18 Everton
Is it finally? Sean Dyche's experience is the club's best bet with a Premier League investigation looming and stringent restrictions on player signings. The Everton manager must ask his players to do it one more time ahead of anxious home support who know they have another nine busy months ahead of them. Point deductions would certainly be the end.
19 Luton Town
By now they are used to being written off and this will at least take the pressure off Rob Edwards' team for first place at the club . flying season of the Premier League era. They've signed interesting players so far, including Ross Barkley, although they can't be blamed for saving money for a new stadium and coming back stronger.
20 Sheffield United
Tough task for Paul Heckingbotham with the departure of key players such as James McAtee, Tommy Doyle and Iliman Ndiaye from the promotion. During the Premier League era, the Blades only survived their second season in the division twice. History is against them, but the club and the manager will surely do their best. They qualified for the Premier League against the odds given off-field events.
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