City’s revenge, Liverpool’s defence and Arsenal’s last chance

THE Community Shield is over.

Congratulations to Crystal Palace for winning the curtain raiser of this Premier League season. Definitely one of the more entertaining Community Shield in a long time.

Four more sleeps and the Premier League is back! Cancel your plans with your partner.

Check all wedding invitations against the fixture list because this season is going to be better than ever.

Apologies for the optimism, but this year is going to be one of the best! With what happened last season and the summer’s transfer activity, expect a fierce battle for the throne.

*Manchester City are looking to bounce back.

*Liverpool want to defend their crown.

*Arsenal hope not to finish second again.

*Chelsea are buoyed by winning the FIFA Club World Cup.

*Tottenham will want to build on their first trophy in years.

*As for Manchester United, they’re just aiming for a top 10 finish after last season’s 15th-place disappointment.

Below are my predictions for the upcoming season and its reasoning. These are based on current confirmed transfers and do not factor in potential deadline-day signings.

CHAMPIONS: Manchester City

Would you bet against Pep Guardiola to snatch the title back after a trophyless season? Not since his debut year (2016-2017) has Guardiola ended a campaign without silverware. City have strengthened from front to back, and the X-factor remains Rodri – the reigning Ballon d’Or winner.

With him controlling the midfield, City are tough to beat. My money is firmly on the blue half of Manchester to take the crown.

RUNNERS-UP: Liverpool

No issues in attack, but at the back? That’s the concern. With just one fit centreback in Virgil van Dijk, it’s hard to see how Liverpool can sustain a title defence.

Liverpool are one Jordan Pickford’s tackle away from fighting for a Champions League spot instead of the title. Ibrahima Konate’s injury record is spotty, and Joe Gomez can’t be relied upon. Liverpool will score plenty, but they will leak goals too. And as they say: defence wins championships.

THIRD: Arsenal

Look on the bright side, at least it’s not four second-place finishes in a row. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Arsenal still struggle to break down low blocks despite “Phase 200” of Mikel Arteta’s master plan. Viktor Gyokeres may solve part of the puzzle, but it won’t be enough.

They might win a domestic cup, but that won’t save Arteta’s job.

FOURTH: Chelsea

Inconsistency will be Chelsea’s undoing. Enzo Maresca’s men will show flashes of brilliance, but not enough over 38 games.

The team lack a true leader on the pitch and can’t rely on Cole Palmer to bail them out every weekend.

If Maresca adjusts like he did during the summer, a surprise push is possible but I wouldn’t bet on it.

FIFTH: Manchester United

No European football? You’d think United could focus and push for the top four. Think again.

The squad haven’t been strengthened outside the creative department. Rasmus Hojlund is still not convincing as the lead striker, but that could change with the arrival of Benjamin Sesko.

Could the new front three be the difference maker? The midfield remains unbalanced. Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, and Casemiro’s fitness issues are big red flags. Ruben Amorim will need a miracle if United want to qualify for the Champions League. Perhaps fifth place would be enough.

United could compete if they sign Carlos Noom Quomah Baleba also known as ‘Baleba’ to give the midfield some legs. Perhaps Baleba could be the difference maker for United this season.

SIXTH: Tottenham Hotspur

A bit of a wildcard here since Spurs finished 17th last season, but winning a trophy changes the entire dynamic.

With Thomas Frank at the helm, expect better discipline, tactical flexibility, and a team-first mentality.

With Son Heung-min gone, Spurs will depend on collective output rather than a superstar. It could be a refreshing change.

SEVENTH: Newcastle

This was supposed to be the season Eddie Howe launched Newcastle into another orbit. The transfer window uncertainty, however, and Alexander Isak’s rumoured exit are major distractions.

Unless the club resolve their internal issues in the next two weeks, they may fall short of Champions League qualification or could see Aston Villa take their place higher up the table. The Villains might be very quiet in the transfer window, but never bet against Unai Emery. He knows how to bounce back after a disappointing season.

Potential relegation watch

Don’t sleep on Brentford. Losing a manager like Thomas Frank could spell trouble. Newly promoted clubs will always be in the mix, but Brentford’s drop-off could surprise a few. Let’s see how these predictions hold up at the end of the season. Until then – let the Games begin.