The Premier League is back, with the 2025/26 season promising a thrilling spectacle of football. As teams gear up for the challenges ahead, here's a look at some key storylines and aspects to watch.

Title Contenders and Key Transfers

Liverpool, the reigning champions, enter the season as favorites, but face risks with their rebuilt squad under Arne Slot. They have made some notable additions, including Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported £116 million. Other significant transfers include Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt and Jeremie Frimpong, also joining Liverpool.

Arsenal, keen to end their title drought, have strengthened their squad with Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon and Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. Manchester City, despite losing Rodri to injury early in the season, will aim to bounce back and remain a dominant force. Chelsea, after their Club World Cup success, will look to challenge for the title, with new signings like Estevao from Palmeiras expected to make an impact. Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim, are under pressure to perform after a disappointing previous season. They've signed players like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, hoping to revitalize their attack.

New Faces and Managerial Changes

Several new signings across the league are generating excitement. Besides Wirtz and Gyökeres, other notable transfers include Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United and potentially Alexander Isak to Liverpool. Thomas Frank has taken over as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, bringing a new era to the club.

The Relegation Battle

The promoted teams – Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland – face a tough challenge to stay in the Premier League. History is against them, as the last six promoted teams were immediately relegated. Some pundits are predicting all three will go down. Beyond the promoted clubs, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford are also seen as potential relegation candidates, having lost key players and their manager, respectively.

Storylines to Follow

• Liverpool's Title Defense: Can Arne Slot maintain Liverpool's dominance and integrate new signings effectively?
• Arsenal's Title Pursuit: Will the additions to their attack finally help Arsenal break their title drought?
• Manchester United's Rebuild: Can Ruben Amorim turn things around and guide United back into the top four?
• Everton's New Stadium: How will the move to Bramley-Moore Dock impact the club and the Merseyside derby?
• Sunderland's Return: Can Sunderland establish themselves back in the top flight after a long absence?
• Semi-Automated Offside Technology: The first full season with this technology in use promises more accurate and faster offside decisions.
• Puma Match Ball: Puma replaces Nike as the official match ball supplier.

Predictions and Bold Takes

Predictions for the top four vary, but Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea are often mentioned. Some bold predictions include Sunderland being relegated and Florian Wirtz becoming the Premier League's best signing. The Golden Boot race is expected to be competitive, with Erling Haaland facing challenges from players like Viktor Gyökeres.

The 2025/26 Premier League season is shaping up to be an exciting and unpredictable campaign, filled with new signings, managerial changes, and plenty of drama.