The 33rd season of Premier League football is upon us and unless you are a Manchester City fan it seems that any fan of football will be hoping that City do not win a fifth title in a row. The Premier League has always been rich with ever changing title winners, albeit the same four to five teams with odd shocks in between. In Europe we have been more accustomed to seeing the same old winners. In Italy it was Juventus, in Spain take your pick from Real Madrid or Barcelona, for France look no further than PSG of course and in Germany the title usually goes to Bayern Munich, just don't tell Harry Kane that. So in England even when your side finishes in 10th place or just escapes the clutches of relegation you turn to just how strong your league is, and with many different winners, the Premier League rightly flies that flag and proudly so. However the worry is that City are dominating too much. History says so of course and no English side has ever won four titles in a row in the top flight until last season when City achieved this feat, so a 5th? Forget it, most football fans will want to see someone different.
However will that be the case? City still look like the strongest side but perhaps some key players have looked tired this year. Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri have had busy seasons and Phil Foden looked fatigued for England at the Euro's. Erling Haaland's Norway did not qualify for the summer tournament and so he should be fresh but Haaland did rightly point out that playing upwards of 70 games a year is no good for players' health. The amount of games having to be played each season is a real worry but for now the powers that be in FIFA and UEFA have been silent on this, as they need more competitions to plug. One has to wonder if this years European Championships suffered as a consequence. Only Spain looked befitting of the title in the end, but as players tried their best many looked simply unfit and on a technical level this seemed to be a poor competition once you take out the fabulous Spanish side. Technical is what City are all about, and all it takes is a slow start in such a tough league to always be playing catch up. For City Pep Guardiola has said that he will announce his plans next February, but many believe that this season could be Pep's last in the league. There is that fine line between a legendary manager and one who overstays his welcome and that will rest heavy on Guardiola's mind.
There is the case of Arsenal who of course in the past two seasons have been improving and pushing City to the title. But each time Mikel Arteta's side have come up short. It used to be plain inexperience then some naiveness took hold, last season perhaps it was only one game when they lost at home to Aston Villa in the title run in. Again this is a league of fine margins, but Arsenal will surely be up there once again. Liverpool will be an interesting watch under new manager Arne Slot. There is so much love for Jurgen Klopp who shocked everyone by announcing his departure earlier in the year. Slot seems like the right man to take over, but some will feel he is untested at the highest level. Slot has a lot to ponder and while a lot of rumours have taken place the Reds are yet to sign anyone this summer. One of their brightest stars Mohamed Salah has been fading in recent seasons and his body language has suggested a move away, but for now he remains. Chelsea have spent over £100m which feels par for the course for them even given their huge squad. It still seems puzzling why Mauricio Pochettino lost his job given how he had turned around the teams fortunes in the final two months of last season. New manager Enzo Maresca has a huge job on his hands and all eyes will be on him.
Manchester United, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Newcastle should all have interesting seasons. These are clubs with decent budgets and a lot of ambition and if any of them were to finish in the top four it may not be a huge surprise. United were expected to part ways with Erik ten Hag at the end of last season but had a change of heart after they won the FA Cup, but his future will be under scrutiny from the word go. Unai Emery did a fantastic job for Villa who will be playing in the Champions League this season. Tottenham and Newcastle will be looking to improve on last season. Eddie Howe got a pass last season as the Magpies took a step backwards but their injury list could have filled a novel and it remained that way for the entire season. It is worth mentioning West Ham who after letting David Moyes go have spent well over £100m on players. The club has the potential for a top seven finish so there will be pressure on new manager Julen Lopetegui. Everton despite their ongoing financial worries have been able to sell players and at present have spent upwards of £40m as they try and bolster their squad. Lately for Sean Dyche's side success has been judged by being able to survive with a few games to go and no fans will be complaining of a mid table finish this season. Indeed this will be a special moment for the club who after 133 years will depart Goodison Park this season.
To win the Premier League: Manchester City 2.50, Arsenal 3.00, Liverpool 8.00, Chelsea 21.00, Manchester United 29.00
© Copyright topfootballtipster.com 2019
