It only seems like yesterday when Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions for the first time in thirty years.
Well, believe it or not it is just 48 days since the end of the last campaign. With certain sides delving into the transfer market more than others, question ahead of the new season is can Liverpool retain their title?
Blue half of Manchester out for revenge
Although Manchester City finished a country mile behind Liverpool last season, expect the blue half of Manchester to reign supreme.
City were a soft spot in defence last campaign with the club not replacing Vincent Kompany. A major presence both on and off the pitch, without him they simple weren’t good enough.
Nine defeats in the League tells its own story and anybody will tell you if you can’t defend you wont win trophies.
Pep Guardiola has moved to fix those problems by signing Nathan Ake from Bournemouth. With the possibility of Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly possibly signing and Valencia forward Ferran Torres already signed, then City look the real deal. Prediction 1st
Will Kloop’s troops dominate Premiership again
It is always a tough task to retain the Premiership as Liverpool will no doubt find out. However, on paper this is a team that has no weaknesses in any position.
Jurgen Klopp has yet to make a major signing this summer, perhaps he is happy with his squad. Just one main addition for the Reds is Kostas Tsimikas for £11 million. Could be a sign that Liverpool haven’t got big money to spend and will struggle to match other clubs buying power.
Liverpool certainly have the mental strength and belief to retain their crown, but can they make it two Premier League titles in a row, perhaps not. Prediction 2nd
Chelsea open the cheque book in a big way
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has found the key to his wallet in the past couple of months. The Blues, who have been linked with just about everybody available, have spent big.
German duo Timo Werner and Kai Havertz have been joined by England defender Ben Chilwell and experienced Thiago Silva. It will also be interesting to see how Frank Lampard solves the problem of Kepa Arrizabalaga. The keeper is under threat for his place with Edouard Mendy of Rennes who could be the new number one. Prediction 3rd
A magnificent end of season run saw Manchester United grab a Champions League place. The signing of Bruno Fernandes inspired United to their late charge. The arrival of Donny van de Beek from Ajax adds weight to a powerful midfield.
United’s forward line is top class with the possible addition of Jadon Sancho to come, then expect United to challenge again. Prediction 4th
Arteta’s rebuilding continues at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta is steadily building a strong Arsenal side with the enthesis on defence. Since taking over the Gunners have shown more resilience than ever before.
He has added the experience of Willian from Chelsea and Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille. The defender was one of the most sought after in Europe and to get his signature is a coup for Arsenal.
The key to Arsenal’s success for this season lies with Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang. Arteta and Arsenal simply have to keep the forward who is pivotal to the Gunners chances of glory. Prediction 5th
Tottenham under Jose Mourinho will be looking for improvement this season.
Spurs have added to their squad for the forthcoming campaign with the addition of Matt Doherty and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
The North London outfit will look to the goals of Harry Kayne and Son to spark their title campaign. Prediction 6th
Everton snap up Rodriguez
Everton gaffer Carlo Ancelotti has the ability to attract big players to Merseyside. Brazilian Allan and Adboulaye Doucoure from Watford have already been snapped up. The arrival of James Rodriguez from Real Madrid could see one of the signings of the season. Prediction 7th
Wolverhampton Wanderers had an excellent season last time out but looked exhausted come then end of the campaign.
Despite being without the services of Matt Doherty, all eyes will be on new signing Fabio Silva. The 18-year-old has been signed from Porto for a club record £35.6 million. A lot of money for a youngster who has excelled in Europe. Prediction 8th
Leicester under Rodgers to remain competitive
After a good start to last seasons title challenge, Leicester City faltered after the restart of the Premiership. Losing Chilwell to Chelsea is a big blow for the Foxes, but they have kept James Maddison who is such a creative player.
Under Manager Brendan Rodgers Leicester will remain a side that will be tough to beat. Prediction 9th
Southampton under Ralph Hasenhuttl have a high energy style suited to the Premiership. In Danny Ings they have one of the best strikers in the league. Kyle Walker-Peters is a great addition to the squad from Spurs.
The Saints should once again be hovering around the mid table mark for the season. Prediction 10th
Toon fans beginning to like Bruce
When Steve Bruce arrived in the North East there was inevitable moans and groans from Newcastle United fans. Bruce silenced his critics with a decent season for the Toon Army.
Bruce has done some decent business in the transfer market this summer. Bournemouth duo Callum Wilson and Ryan Fraser have made the move from the south coast. Jeff Hendrick is a solid addition on a free with Jamal Lewis from Norwich signed on a permanent transfer. Prediction 11th
Blades could struggle in second season
Chris Wilder did an outstanding job by keeping Sheffield United up last season. The Blades even made nonsense of their title odds by reaching the lofty heights of ninth.
Second season syndrome normally affects promoted sides, so will be interested to see how they handle the pressure.
Aaron Ramsdale’s signing from Bournemouth looks good business. The stopper has been signed as replacement for Dean Henderson who has returned to Manchester United. Prediction 12th
Sean Dyche performed miracles last season to make Burnley a top ten side. Big concern for Burnley this campaign looks like being the imminent loss of James Tarkowski. The central defender was a key player for the Clarets last term.
Dyche will once again have to work with a tight budget, but he is used to this handicap. Prediction 13th
Grealish the key to Villa’s chances
Assuming that Aston Villa can hold on to Jack Grealish, then expect Villa not to struggle this campaign. He is the man that makes this side tick. Losing him will be a massive blow to Villa and Dean Smith.
Smith has made a big signing this week in the shape of the much sought-after Ollie Watkins. The former Brentford striker will help Villa’s goal threat which was poor last season. The big question will be can Watkins deliver in the step up to the Premiership. Prediction 14th
Welcome return to the big time for Leeds
The welcome return of Leeds United to the Premiership is a welcome addition. Under the flamboyant manager Marcelo Bielsa this could be a season to remember for the Whites or one to forget.
The Yorkshire outfit have snapped up Spanish striker Rodrigo from Valencia for £30 million. Could prove to be a real bargain at that price. German defender Robin Kock is another addition to the squad.
The Lillywhites will be a joy to watch in the coming months with plenty of twists and turns. Prediction 15th
Graham Potter’s first season in charge at Brighton had its peaks and troughs, but the club secured their premiership survival.
Potter has picked up Adam Lallana on a free transfer from Liverpool. Dutch defender Joel Veltman has also been added along with former Leeds player Ben White. Prediction 16th
Are they really happy hammers in East London
West Ham have been flirting with danger at the wrong end of the table for a couple of seasons. There seems some discontent behind the scenes with Mark Noble recently showing his frustration.
The Hammers will once again rely heavily on the goals of Michail Antonio, who had a profitable return last campaign.
If the unhappy ship can turn the corner and get back to trying to be the happy Hammers then West Ham will survive. Prediction 17th
Palace, West Brom and Fulham look to have it all to do
If Crystal Palace lose their most influential player Wilfried Zaha, then they could be in trouble.
Roy Hodgon’s side had a wretched end to last season and will be looking to a good start this time around. Palace have made an eye-catching signing in former QPR player Eberechi Eze. The Eagles have also obtained the services of Michy Batshuayi back on loan. Prediction 18th
Slaven Bilic managed to get the Baggies promoted back to the Premiership, but this time around it will be a struggle.
Bilic has been quiet in the transfer market but is the type of manager who is always up for a challenge. Prediction 19th
When Fulham were last in the Premiership, they spent over £100 million but still got relegated.
Key to the fate of the Cottagers will hang with striker Alexsandar Mitrovic. His goals will be crucial if they can survive the dreaded drop.
Scott Parker is a good young up and coming manager but yet again this will be a season to forget. Prediction 20th