The new Premier League season is just about here. Expert Alex Keble dives into the latest trends and gives us a glimpse of what to expect from the upcoming campaign.
Can Arteta become the fourth manager to defend the title?
In the league's 34-year history, only three managers have won the Premier League back-to-back: Pep Guardiola, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Jose Mourinho.
Defending the title remains one of the toughest challenges in modern football, mainly due to the fierce competition. Yet, Mikel Arteta might believe fortune has given him a unique opportunity.
The key theme of the 2026/27 season is change. Five clubs from the "Big Six" are essentially embarking on new projects, with a record nine new head coaches getting ready for the start of the campaign.
Amidst this whirlwind, Arsenal stands steady. They boast a stable squad, vast experience, and a refined tactical approach — now, they are true league elite, finally shedding the weight of expectations from their long-awaited title triumph.
Conversely, Michael Carrick at Manchester United and Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham are kicking off their first full seasons. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City have entirely new bosses.
This could give Arsenal an edge, particularly against the City side. With Pep Guardiola's departure, the way is paved for the Londoners to establish a period of dominance.
How will Manchester City cope with Guardiola's departure?
Manchester City finds itself at a crossroads. This season may prove one of the most pivotal in their modern history.
Enzo Maresca has the daunting task of stepping in for a legend. Two scenarios seem plausible.
Either Maresca becomes the new Arne Slot, ensuring continuity at Liverpool post-Jurgen Klopp, or he faces a fate similar to Unai Emery and David Moyes, who struggled through transitions at Arsenal and Manchester United.
The club has taken a different approach. After years of building an identity around Guardiola, they have appointed his protégé.
Maresca fully shares the ideas of his mentor, but it remains unclear whether such sweeping changes in the dressing room (along with the departures of Bernardo Silva and John Stones) will signal a decline for the eight-time champions.
Will Alonso become the next great manager in the Premier League at Chelsea?
From a neutral standpoint, the signing of Xabi Alonso has been the most thrilling. His incredible unbeaten season with Bayer Leverkusen has turned heads.
The Spaniard arrives in England shortly after the exits of Klopp and Guardiola. He has every chance to become the next tactical genius of the league.
A flying start looks possible; Chelsea is not burdened with European fixtures. This advantage propelled Antonio Conte to the title in his debut season of 2016/17.
Joining the ranks of Conte, Mourinho, and Carlo Ancelotti as champions in their debut season is a realistic target for Alonso.
Midweek matches will be dedicated to tactics. The Londoners’ squad has gained experience with signings like Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson, the first over-30s to join during the BlueCo era.
Will new managers bring back attacking football?
Last season, some fans were critical of the league's over-reliance on set-pieces.
The expected goals (xG) from open play sharply declined. However, with the managerial shake-up, we should expect a return to entertaining attacking football in the 2023/24 season.
De Zerbi promotes fierce pressing and vibrant attacks at Tottenham. Andoni Iraola signifies a return to "heavy metal" football at Liverpool.
Alonso’s teams have always scored plenty, while new Bournemouth boss Marco Rose adheres to an aggressive German style. Pierre Sage at Crystal Palace is focusing on speedy counter-attacks.
Will Manchester United challenge for the title?
Michael Carrick took charge at Manchester United in January and immediately led the team to victory against Manchester City.
In his 17 matches in charge, the Manchester side amassed the most points in the league (39), surpassing Arsenal and City.
If Carrick continues in this vein, the club could compete for their first championship since 2013. United’s recent form offers significant cause for optimism.
A year for returning stars?
The changes at clubs suggest a fresh start for many players. Phil Foden and Cole Palmer are hoping to bounce back from disappointing seasons.
Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount are battling for places at United. Harvey Elliott, Omar Marmoush, and Andy Robertson are all eager to reclaim their positions.
Levi Colwill and Alexander Isak, who have missed significant time through injuries, stand out as forgotten stars ready to make a resounding impact.
Global changes at Aston Villa and Newcastle
This summer has seen stability dissolve in these clubs. At Newcastle, Eddie Howe has replaced Matthias Jaissle, with Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, and Sandro Tonali all leaving.
They’ve been replaced by new talents: Lukas Gornichek, Bazumana Toure, Alaji Bamba, Sean Steur, and Even Jauwen.
Over at Villa, Unai Emery remains, but he has lost Yuri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers, and Lucas Digne. In return, Alejandro Garnacho, Johan Manzambi, and Joao Gomes have come in.
Will European competitions be a blessing or a curse?
Nine English clubs have qualified for Europe. Brighton will make their debut in the Conference League, while Bournemouth and Sunderland will compete in the Europa League.
This relatively clear schedule might aid clubs like Leeds and Brentford in pushing for top spots while their rivals are occupied on Thursday nights.
A successful summer for the mid-table teams also highlights the league's strength. Fulham has brought in Alvaro Arbeloa, while Nottingham Forest has recruited Oliver Glasner. Everton has strengthened with Hayden Hackney, Christian Nergo, and Brennan Johnson.
Newly-promoted Coventry City, Ipswich Town, and Hull City have also had very active transfer windows.
Expect this Premier League season to be even stronger, more competitive, and entertaining than the last.
