Premier League power rankings as Arsenal and Man Utd lead charge on Man City
Sixty-two days on from becoming European champions for the first time, Manchester City begin their latest defence of the Premier League by travelling to newly-promoted Burnley.
And already a sixth title in seven years for Pep Guardiola’s team feels not far off inevitable. But who of the chasing pack is shaping up to run them close?
Can Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal close the gap following such a strong improvement last season? Will Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United take a leap or can Liverpool, with a new midfield, put up another title challenge?
Mirror Football has gazed into its crystal ball and put all 20 contenders in order - even though the final three weeks of the transfer window has the potential to make drastic changes, in particular for those lower down the ladder.
Can anybody stop Pep Guardiola's Manchester City? (Getty Images)1. Manchester City
Can anyone stop this rolling stone? Pep Guardiola has warned his players it would be dangerous to relax following last season’s treble and his manic intensity will combat any risk of complacency. Captain Ilkay Gundogan and wing wizard Riyad Mahrez have moved on but the signing of Mateo Kovacic and arrival of central defender Josko Gvardiol negates those losses. The only way they do not win the title again is if an injury crisis or off-field drama takes hold.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
2. Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s team should again be the best of the rest. Signing Declan Rice and Kai Havertz is clever business and Jurrien Timber will strengthen a defence that lacked depth. The young core, fitness permitting, should make further improvements. The big question will be how they cope with the added intensity of a Champions League campaign but remaining in the top four seems a secure bet.
3. Manchester United
Expect more progress from Erik ten Hag’s squad as his methods become more ingrained but the ownership situation could still become a distraction. Andre Onana is an excellent goalkeeper, Mason Mount has a point to prove after the strange manner of his departure from Chelsea and it will be fascinating to see how young, inexperienced but talented striker Rasmus Hojlund deals with the hype following his £72m signing. They might even get the gap to City down to single digits.
Dominik Szoboszlai has joined a refreshed Liverpool midfield.4. Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s team will be more consistent despite a much refreshed midfield that is less experienced but is better equipped to suit Klopp’s desired game plan. Alexis Mac Allister has garnered plenty of attention in the Premier League thanks to his work at Brighton but fellow signing Dominik Szoboszlai could turn more heads. And what role will Trent Alexander-Arnold find himself in? The likes of Mo Salah should be kept off the Europa League treadmill but a Champions League return looks likely.
5. Chelsea
Reading between the lines of Mauricio Pochettino’s comments suggests there is already some frustration about the club’s chaotic approach to, well, everything. Exciting young players have arrived, piles of experience has departed and they are still lacking a proven No9, though Armando Broja can step up following his long-term injury. It will not be dull but they are unlikely to make City sweat and a Champions League return will depend on other contenders performing below expectations.
Eddie Howe may be secretly frustrated by Newcastle's transfer window to date. (PA)6. Newcastle United
While their owners throw billions at their Saudi Pro League, there has not been significant spending on Tyneside. And that will be a source of quiet frustration for Eddie Howe as he looks to combine a decent return to the Champions League with another top-four push. Right now he does not have resources comparable to the other contenders.
7. Aston Villa
Unai Emery won over many of his detractors last season, proving that the flat spell in charge of Arsenal was a blip in a lengthy successful career as an elite head coach. Now he must push on and the signing of Youri Tielemans on a free from Leicester is shrewd business. But the key to their success is Ollie Watkins picking up where he left off.
8. Tottenham Hotspur
Much depends on whether Harry Kane remains at the club amid Bayern Munich’s pursuit. But even if the England captain sticks around for another season it is hard to envision a situation where they can return to the Champions League. This is a club stuck in a rut and Ange Postecoglu, undoubtedly a clever manager, may find it is the tallest of orders.
Roberto De Zerbi must plan without Alexis Mac Allister, who has joined Liverpool. (Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)9. Brighton
A mild regression seems inevitable. Roberto de Zerbi worked wonders last season when replacing Graham Potter but can they withstand the loss of Mac Allister, Levi Colwill (who returned to Chelsea) and potentially Moises Caicedo? Factor in Europa League exhaustion and it appears set to be a more than respectable finish in upper mid-table.
10. Brentford
Ivan Toney’s absence for the first half of the season because of his betting ban is a blow, so too the expected departure of goalkeeper David Raya, but head coach Thomas Frank has the system and personnel to ensure the Bees consolidate their spot in the mid-zone.
11. Fulham
Marco Silva turning down the Saudi riches is a big boost but another top-flight finish may be just out of reach and Aleksandar Mitrovic looking for an exit route is alarming. If the rest of the core remains and Bernd Leno continues to play as if he has a point to prove to Arsenal they will be far too good to be dragged into trouble.
Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move
Should Crystal Palace lose Michael Olise, pictured, or Eberechi Eze, they could go from mid-table safety to a relegation battle. (Offside via Getty Images)12. Crystal Palace
Wilf Zaha has finally departed but rather than it being viewed as the end of an era, many fans believe a new and more exciting chapter is on the cards thanks to Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze - unless a big team makes an offer the frugal owners cannot refuse. Both young stars finished last season in dazzling form and should pick up where they left off. Yet strip them away and the squad looks very bare for Roy Hodgson.
13. Bournemouth
The appointment of Andoni Iraola to replace Gary O’Neil, who exceeded all expectations last season, is an intriguing one and the new owners’ financial commitment has led to some early transfer business including Justin Kluivert signing from Roma. Iraola will demand a high-pressing style. Expect comfortable mediocrity in the table and drooling from the social media tacticians.
14. Nottingham Forest
Steve Cooper achieved the primary aim of survival last season. Now they must consolidate and the key to that is improving their away form. Winning once on the road last season was not good enough and a repeat would be deeply problematic. Morgan Gibbs White and Brennan Johnson, who has several clubs flirting with him, will again be vital.
15. Burnley
Vincent Kompany redesigned how the Clarets play as they notched up 101 points on their way to top spot in the Championship and optimism is sky high at Turf Moor. James Trafford, the hero of England Under-21’s European Championship win, has signed from Manchester City and could be one of the standout players.
16. West Ham
Following the high of their Conference League triumph, the summer has brought a hard landing. Declan Rice’s inevitable departure boosted the coffers by £105m but the club have been slow to spend it and had a number of lowball bids knocked back. David Moyes looks light on options and again has Europe to contend with. Rancour from the fans is already appearing on the horizon.
17. Everton
In a financially precarious spot, Sean Dyche’s squad is unlikely to get the additions required to lift them away from a scrap. It is hard to see where the goals will come from unless Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s body finds a way not to betray him. The mood at Goodison is already dark.
Sean Dyche's Everton look as though they could struggle again (David Blunsden/Action Plus/REX/Shutterstock)18. Wolves
Julen Lopetegui aired his frustrations at the club’s sell-to-buy approach and the departure of Ruben Neves will hit them hard. Without reinforcements between now and September 1, an already goal-shy team looks destined to struggle. Seemingly the Spaniard has seen the writing on the wall as he has quit, with Gary O'Neil taking over.
19. Sheffield United
At the time of writing Paul Heckingbottom’s squad is weaker than the one which earned promotion because Senegal star Iliman Ndiaye has decided to join Marseille. A lack of investment in a squad packed with solid pros should mean they head straight back to the Championship.
20. Luton Town
In a sport ever more defined by money, Luton’s mere presence in the top flight is remarkable. To survive would be the biggest Premier League shock since Leicester City won the title in 2016. They will produce a couple of shock results along the way but accumulating close to 40 points seems impossible.
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