A lot be expected from Benjamin Sesko, as the Old Trafford faithful pray that he isn't like one the many who came before him recently. — Reuters
OUR Footnotes pundits have stuck their necks out and shared a top four that they believe will prevail this season.
Half of the six have gone with the champions Liverpool – the two Reds, Jagdev and Ivan, along with Man United’s Randeep.
The others have opted for Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City – Hariati, Adznam and Shaun, in that order.
It should be a fascinating season again, with a great deal of focus on the new and expensive players strutting their stuff.
Among these should be Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz (€130mil/RM640mil), Viktor Gyokeres (€105mil/RM517mil) and Martin Zubimendi (€70mil/RM345mil) of Arsenal, the Man United trio of Bryan Mbeumo (€95mil/RM468mil), Matheus Cunha (€90mil/RM443mil) and Benjamin Sesko (€80mil/RM394mil), and Chelsea’s Michael Olise (€85mil/RM418mil) and Levi Colwill (€75mil/RM369mil).
According to reports, the Premiership clubs have spent more than £2bil (RM11.42bil) this off-season and there will surely be more to come.
So here’s to a good season for all, and may the best team win.
Randeep
1. Liverpool
2. Arsenal
3. Man Utd
4. Man City
Liverpool will be favourites as they have bought well in the current transfer window. They are also odds on to strengthen their backline with the purchase of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. Under pressure Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will likely play bridesmaid again, while Man City have a new-look side that is expected to take time to gel. Man Utd look good for glory again as Ruben Amorim will expect nothing less from his team after last season’s disaster.
Shaun
1. Man City
2. Liverpool
3. Chelsea
4. Arsenal
Man City are a team too strong and talented not to bounce back from a season in which they won nothing – the first time in a number of years. Pep Guardiola has strengthened his squad in this transfer window and one would expect them to be a potent and powerful force once again. I’d be surprised if they don’t win the league again, and maybe add the Champions League for good measure.
Hariati
1. Arsenal
2. Man City
3. Liverpool
4. Chelsea
It’s naive to think that with a new proper striker, all of Arsenal’s problems will be solved. But darn, the optimism at the Emirates with the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres is infectious –there is a real belief that the Gunners will finally go all the way this season. And with all their key players returning fresh from injury, “like new signings” as Arsene Wenger used to say, it is just the boost Arsenal need in this make-or-break campaign for Mikel Arteta.
Adznam
1. Chelsea
2. Liverpool
3. Man City
4. Arsenal
With top signings Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens, along with settled stars like Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella, Chelsea are capable of competing for the English Premier League title this season. Added to that, with the confidence after winning the Club World Cup, the Blues are my pick to win the league this season.
Jagdev
1. Liverpool
2. Man City
3. Arsenal
4. Chelsea
As reigning champions, Liverpool could well repeat with the new additions they have made so far this season. But the journey will not be straightforward, as many players will need to mesh with the team and this may prove a stumbling block. Arne Slot has proven to be an astute manager and eyes now are looking at continental football as Liverpool are somewhat in a “transition” period, with changes to the playing squad, albeit top talent being added to the First XI. This is all part of solidifying the squad for future title challenges.
Ivan
1. Liverpool
2. Arsenal
3. Man City
4. Chelsea
Having brought in a host of fantastic players in the transfer window, Liverpool are expected to make a slow start, allowing the new players to gel with the old guard. But with huge talents like Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz in the team, they will help the club retain the Premier League title. Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah will lift No.21 come May.
