Reds likely to stay champs

The most exciting start in years of a new Premier League kicks off in England this weekend with football fans intrigued to see who will end up kings of the most competitive league in the world.

Liverpool romped to Prem triumph last season in Arne Slot’s debut reign at Anfield, mainly because all the contenders were in flux. Mohamed Salah won’t have to be at his imperious best every week for the Reds to score bundles given the new supporting cast, which could also feature Alexander Isak by the time the window shuts at the end of August. Even without the Swede they look likely to repeat. Their only weakness seems lack of depth in defence and the impact Diogo Jota’s death will have on the squad. His passing may spur the players on even more to win a title for him and in his memory. If Liverpool sign Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi, retaining the title looks assured. The Reds face Bournemouth at home on Friday. 

Likeliest contenders will be newly crowned Club World champs Chelsea. The Blues youngsters matured dramatically around Easter after their title challenge last season waned from Christmas onwards. They finished with a flourish to gain a Champions League spot and had a fantastic summer, securing the Conference League and then smashing European champions Paris St-Germain for the Club World Cup title. Enzo Maresca has amassed a huge young and talented Blues squad and the fact that he can field two teams of equal ability bodes well. Superstar Cole Palmer will benefit from the arrival of the likes of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian who have all impressed already in a handful of games. The Blues face FA Cup and Community Shield winners Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Manchester City splurging in the last two transfer windows means the latest team is drastically changed from the one that won a historic fourth straight title in 23/24. It will still be full of quality though, and perhaps the most attacking, high-pressing version of a Pep side. City are away to Wolves on Saturday.

Arsenal, league runners-up for the last three seasons, have finally signed a striker that could lift them to that elusive title. Viktor Gyokeres was brought in after a ridiculously successful spell at Sporting Lisbon (97 goals in 102 appearances), and should he live up to expectations, he could make long-frustrated Gooners finally happy. Arsenal travel to Manchester United on Sunday. United are in transition and if Ruben Amorim can continue to instil the discipline he is imposing at Old Trafford, they will finish much better than last season’s dismal 15th place.