Can you believe that it’s nearly time for yet another Premier League Season? Manchester City are looking to become the first team in top-flight English Football history to win 4 successive league titles, but they will know that there are going to be plenty of teams that want to knock them off their perch. There are also 8 teams playing in Europe this season after their efforts last year and those 8 don’t include either Chelsea or Tottenham who have brand new managers heading into the campaign. The Premier League also welcomes back Championship Champions Burnley and Sheffield United whilst Luton Town are set to make their Premier League debut in a matter of weeks. There are plenty more storylines surrounding all 20 teams in this year’s field and that’s why it’s time for me to do my preview of the 2023/2024 Premier League Season.
Arsenal
Arsenal enter the 2023/24 Premier League Season the happiest they’ve been in a while. After 6 years where Arsenal couldn’t even finish in the top 4, the Gunners bounced back brilliantly last year to finish 2nd in the table and secure Champions League football for this coming season. The big question surrounding Arsenal coming into this season is whether they can build from last year and end this season as Premier League Champions for the first time since the 2003/04 season. When it comes to improving their team, the Gunners have signed talented German footballer Kai Havertz for £65m, English Midfielder Declan Rice for £105m as well as Jurrien Timber for £38m from Ajax. Whilst Havertz scored the goal that won Chelsea the Champions League in 2021, it didn’t really work out for the German in a Blues shirt as well as it probably should’ve so it’s important that he hits the ground running in North London. Declan Rice is a talented Midfielder who proved a lot at West Ham whilst Timber won the “Eredivisie Player of the Season Award” in 2022. In terms of people that have left, Granit Xhaka is the big name as he leaves the Emirates after 7 seasons to join Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of £21.4m. When it comes to their squad, Arsenal have a bunch of talented players, whether that be Aaron Ramsdale and William Saliba in the defensive area of the pitch, or Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus going forward. Arsenal are a very strong team, particularly considering how young their players are and they’ll definitely hope that they’ll be able to go one step better than last year this time around.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa enter this season off the back of their best season since the 2009/10 campaign. Experienced and talented manager Unai Emery took over the helms of Aston Villa around October last year and he did it with great success as he guided Villa to 7th place and a spot in this year’s UEFA Europa Conference League. The big question surrounding Aston Villa coming into this season is whether they can build or sustain their spot in the European places, particularly considering that they are also going to have to focus on trying to go far in Europe. When it comes to improving their team, Villa have signed Spanish Centre-Back Pau Torres from Villarreal for £33m, Youri Tielemans for free from recently relegated Leicester, and Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen. Pau Torres is a really good centre-half who previously won the Europa League under Emery when the two were at Villarreal together whilst Your Tielemans is a hell of a signing considering he’s cost the club nothing and Moussa Diaby is also a talented Winger who previously played for Emery at PSG. In terms of people that have left, Ashley Young is the standout name as he featured regularly for Villa during his time at the club. When it comes to their squad, Aston Villa have good depth in every position and their star players include Emiliano Martinez, Douglas Luiz, Emiliano Buendia, Leon Bailey, and Ollie Watkins. When you combine their squad with the talent of Unai Emery, there’s no reason why Aston Villa can’t go on to have another really strong season.
Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth enter the 2023/24 Season with brand-new manager Andoni Iraola at the helm. Bournemouth had a really good season last year to finish 15th and stay in the Premier League, but a shock sacking for Gary O’Neil has resulted in former Rayo Vallecano manager Iraola taking charge. The big question surrounding Bournemouth heading into this season is whether they have what it takes to remain in the Premier League for another year. When it comes to improving their team, the Cherries have signed Justin Kluivert from Roma for £9.5m, Milos Kerkez from AZ Alkmaar and they’ve also completed the signing of Hamed Traore from Sassuolo for £20m after spending the second half of last season on Loan at the Cherries. Kluivert is a talented winger who’s been on Loan for years so he’ll be glad to be at a new club permanently, Kerkez looks to be a decent Full-Back whilst Traore will hope to feature more for Bournemouth in his first full season at the club. In terms of people that have left, Jefferson Lerma leaving for free is probably the biggest name that’s left the club. When it comes to their squad, their star players include Philip Billing, Marcus Tavernier, and Dominic Solanke. Whilst Bournemouth’s squad is weaker on the outside than a lot of other teams in the Premier League, the Cherries have always been a team that overperforms and they’ll hope that’s the case this year. It’s also worth mentioning that this is going to be their first full season under new owners as they took over in December last year.
Brentford
Brentford are coming into this season off the back of two incredible years in the Premier League. After finishing 13th in their first-ever season in the Premier League, the Bees climbed even further last year to finish in an incredible 9th place and they were only 2 points off qualifying for European Football. The big question surrounding Brentford heading into this season is how well are they going to do without their main man Ivan Toney who’s suspended until January. When it comes to improving their team, the Bees have signed Nathan Collins from Wolves for a club-record £23m, Mark Flekken from Freiburg for £11m and they’ve completed the signing of Striker Kevin Schade for £20m after the German spent the second half of last year on Loan at the club. Nathan Collins was a solid defender at Wolves so they’ll hope he’ll improve their defence, Mark Flekken comes in as backup for Goalkeeper David Raya whilst Brentford need Kevin Schade to improve and fill the gap left by Ivan Toney. In terms of people that have left, Pontus Jansson is definitely going to be missed as he’s been the Club Captain since the season Brentford got Promoted into the PL. When it comes to their squad, Brentford are solid all over the pitch and David Raya and Bryan Mbeumo are particually good. It’s also worth mentioning that whilst they might not have the strongest squad in the league, Brentford have been one of the best teams in the league last two years and Ivan Toney will be fired up when he returns for the second half of the season.
Brighton
Brighton are coming into this season off the back of their greatest-ever campaign. Brighton and Hove Albion started well under Graham Potter and then flew under Roberto De Zerbi last season as the Seagulls finished 6th in the table which was the club’s highest-ever finish in the top flight and secured European Football for the first time in their history in the process. The big question surrounding Brighton heading into this season is whether they can maintain their place in the Top 6 of the Premier League going forward. When it comes to improving their team, the Seagulls have signed Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen from RSC Anderlecht for £16.3m, Midfielders Mahmoud Dahoud and James Milner from Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool respectively, and Joao Pedro for an undisclosed fee from Watford. Verbruggen is a good young keeper whilst it’s going to be interesting to see how Dahoud gets on considering he’s only ever for clubs in Germany. James Milner will bring the team a lot of experience which could prove crucial (particularly in Europe) whilst Joao Pedro has a lot to prove after 4 decent, yet uninspiring seasons at Watford. In terms of people that have left, Alexis Mac Allister is the big name as the former World Cup Winner joined Liverpool for £35m. When it comes to their squad, Brighton’s team is mostly young players and some of the best include Kaoru Mitoma, Moises Caicedo, Julio Enciso, and Evan Ferguson. However, the Seagulls also have older players like Lewis Dunk, Pascal Gross, and Danny Welbeck who have all proven their worth. Given how well Brighton have been playing the last couple of seasons and the fact that this is Roberto De Zerbi’s first summer transfer window as Brighton and Hove Albion boss, there’s no reason why the Seagulls can’t continue to sore this campaign.
Burnley
After just 1 season, Burnley are back in the Premier League. Vincent Kompany took over Burnley when they’d recently got relegated and were struggling for players. He then proceeded to turn the club around before Burnley ended the season as the Champions of the Championship with 101 Points (they also only lost 3 games). The big question surrounding Burnley heading into this season is what are they are going to be able to achieve in the Premier League. When it comes to improving their team, the Clarets have brought in Dara O’Shea from West Bromwich Albion, Zeki Amdouni from FC Basel, James Trafford from Manchester City, Nathan Redmond from Besiktas and they’ve also completed the permanent signings of Jordan Beyer and Michael Obafemi (the two played on Loan at Burnley last season). Dara O’Shea’s been a solid defender at West Brom for a few years so he’s a decent signing whilst Zeki Amdouni scored plenty of goals for Basel in both the Swiss Super League and the Europa Conference League. James Trafford impressed whilst on Loan at Bolton and he also didn’t concede a single goal in this year’s U21 European Championships (England won it as well) whilst Nathan Redmond will bring a lot of experience to the club which could be hugely beneficial. In terms of the people that have left, Ashley Barnes is probably the biggest name even though he wasn’t a crucial part of the Burnley team that won the Championship last season. When it comes to their squad, Burnley’s team is pretty solid in all areas of the pitch, but Luke McNally and Josh Brownhill are probably the standouts. Whilst it’s unclear how well Burnley will do in their first season back in the Premier League, last season’s Championship winning campaign should be enough of a reason for people to believe that they could match the likes of Wolves, Leeds, Sheffield United, and Fulham who’ve all gone on to be top 10 clubs in their first seasons after Promotion.
Chelsea
Mauricio Pochettino returns to the Premier League to try to right the ship at Chelsea. It’s fair to say that last season was one of Chelsea’s worst campaigns in a very, very long time as they finished 12th in the table, were closer to the relegation zone than Europe, and had 3 managers over the course of 10 months. The big question surrounding Chelsea heading into this season is what the heck are they going to do this year! When it comes to improving their team, the Blues have signed Nicolas Jackson for £30.1m from Villarreal and Christopher Nkunku for £52m from RB Leipzig. Jackson is a really talented young forward whilst Nkunku was the joint-highest scorer in the Bundesliga last season so on paper, Chelsea have done a good job. In terms of the people that have left, 9 players that were featured regularly last season have left including N’Golo Kante, Kai Havertz, Cesar Azpillicueta, and Mason Mount. When it comes to their squad, Chelsea still have a really stacked squad full of talented players including Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell, Enzo Fernandez and Mykhailo Mudryk. Given they’ve got another new manager, a talented squad, and no European Football, Chelsea have no excuses not to deliver this season.
Crystal Palace
After a really positive end to last season, Roy Hodgson stays on as Crystal Palace manager for the 2023/24 Premier League Season! Crystal Palace picked up 18 points in the final 10 games of last season as Roy Hodgson turned the ship around and guided Palace to an 11th-place finish. The big question surrounding Crystal Palace heading into this season is whether or not Palace can build from the end of last season and try and finish in the top half of the table for the first since 2015. When it comes to improving their team, the Eagles have brought in Jefferson Lerma on a free transfer. Lerma has been a solid and consistent performer for Bournemouth in the last 5 years so this is a pretty good signing by Palace, especially when you consider he cost nothing. In terms of people that have left, Wilfried Zaha is definitely the biggest name as he leaves to go to Galatasaray after nearly 10 years with the Eagles. When it comes to their squad, Palace is pretty decent throughout the team, but their star players include Marc Guehi, Tyrick Mitchell, Eberechi Eze, and Michael Olise. Realistically, there shouldn’t be any reason for Crystal Palace to worry about relegation this year, and instead, they should focus on trying to make the top half of the table come the end of May (next year).
Everton
Everton are entering this season under a lot of pressure after two really poor seasons in a row. Sean Dyche replaced Frank Lampard at the end of January last season and he just about guided Everton to Premier League safety on the last day of the 2022/23 Season. The big question surrounding Everton heading into this season isn’t even a question, it’s a statement that reads “Everton need to do better!” When it comes to improving their team, the Toffees have signed Ashley Young on a free transfer and they’ve also signed Arnaut Danjuma on a season-long Loan. Young is an incredibly experienced player so that could definitely help Everton on and off the pitch, but whether it will bring them the added quality they need, we’ll just have to wait and see whilst Danjuma has shown glimpses of quality in the past, particually with Bournemouth and Villarreal. In terms of people that have left, Yerry Mina and Ellis Simms are arguably the biggest names. When it comes to their squad, it’s not the strongest, but James Tarkowski, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Dwight McNeil, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are all good footballers. This really does feel like a massive year in Everton Football Club’s history.
Fulham
For the first time since 2017, Fulham enter a season in the same league that they were in in the previous campaign. After years of being a “Yo-yo club” Fulham had one of their best seasons in a long time as they managed to achieve a top half finish in the top flight for the first time since the 2011/12 Season. The big question surrounding Fulham heading into this season is are they going to build from last year’s excellent efforts, or was last season just a one-off. When it comes to improving their team, the Cottagers have signed no one so that helps! In terms of people that have left, Neeskens Kebano is probably the standout name as he leaves after 7 years at the club. When it comes to their squad, Fulham are a decent team and their standout players include Bernd Leno, Tosin Adarabioyo, Joao Palhinha, Willian, and Aleksandar Mitrovic. Marco Silva is also a really good manager so I’m definitely intrigued to see how Fulham get on this campaign.
Liverpool
After a disappointing 2022/23 Season, Liverpool are looking to get themselves right back into the title fight. Liverpool were not at the levels that people had come to expect of them last season and they only managed to finish 5th, their lowest finish since the 2015/16 Season. The big question surrounding Liverpool heading into this season is are they capable of getting back to the level that they were playing at a few years ago? When it comes to improving their team, the Reds have spent £35m to sign Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and £60m to sign Dominik Szoboslai from RB Leipzig. Alexis Mac Allister broke out as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League at Brighton last year (he also won the World Cup) whilst I’ve been a fan of Szoboslai for a while so Liverpool have definitely improved their team with these signings. In terms of people that have left, Roberto Firmino is definetly the biggest name as he was a major threat whenever he put on a Liverpool shirt, but the Reds have also lost James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. When it comes to their squad, Liverpool still have one of the strongest in the league and they have World-Class players like Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho, and Mohamed Salah. This is definitely a big year for both Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp as they will need to show why they deserve to be seen as one of the biggest clubs in both England and the World.
Luton
For the first time in their history, Luton Town are in the Premier League! Just 10 years after Luton found themselves in the Conference Premier, a 6-5 win on Penalties in the Championship Playoff Final against Coventry was enough to take them back to the top flight for the first time since the 1991/92 Season (the final season before the Premier League). The big question surrounding Luton heading into this season is have they got enough quality to stay in the Prem going forward? When it comes to improving their team, the Hatters have brought in Mads Andersen, Tahith Chong, Chiedozie Ogbene, and Marvelous Nakamba whilst they’ve also brought in Issa Kabore on Loan from Manchester City. Andersen played for Barnsley in League 1 last season, wingers Chong and Ogbene looked pretty decent in the Championship, Nakamba helped Luton get promoted whilst on Loan at the club in the second half of last season and Kabore featured quite a bit whilst on Loan at Marseille last campaign. In terms of people that have left, Defender Sonny Bradley will probably be missed the most after spending 5 seasons with the Hatters whilst Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath has gone back to his parent club. When it comes to their squad, Luton will have to rely on the likes of Tom Lockyer, Elijah Adebayo, and Carlton Morris to keep them competitive. Whilst Luton may look a bit out of depth in this league on paper, the same was also said about the likes of Brentford, Sheffield United and Bournemouth. With a good manager in Rob Edwards, good home support at the always cosy Kenilworth Road and a harmonious squad, don’t right Luton Town as Relegation certainties, yet.
Manchester City
Off the back of a historic treble, Manchester City are aiming to become the first team in English top-flight history to win 4 League titles in a row. Man City were superb in the second half of last season and it resulted in them winning their third Premier League title in a row as well as the FA Cup and the Champions League for the first time in the club's history. The big question surrounding Manchester City heading into this season is was last season’s results the cherry on top of what has been a very successful cake, or is the era of City dominance only just beginning? When it comes to improving their team, City have signed Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea for £30m. Kovacic has a history of winning big competitions with big clubs so he should fit in at the Etihad quite well. In terms of people that have left, Club Captain Ilkay Gundogan is the main name as he’s departed to FC Barcelona. When it comes to their squad, City are still one of the most stacked teams in the world and the likes of Ruben Dias, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland are all some of the best footballers on the planet right now. Pep Guardiola is also looking to win 4 League titles in a row for the first time in his career and it’s fair to say that all of the other teams in the league are going to find it hard to stop this relentless Manchester City side.
Manchester United
Manchester United are arguably entering this season the most confident they’ve been since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club. Man United had a positive first season under Erik Ten Hag as they finished third in the league and won the Carabao Cup (they also got to the FA Cup Final). The big question surrounding Manchester United heading into this season is whether they can build from last year’s efforts and attempt to challenge for the Premier League title this year. When it comes to improving their team, United have spent £60m to buy Mason Mount from Chelsea whilst they’ve also signed Inter Milan Goalkeeper Andre Onana for around £47m. Mason Mount has a lot to prove this season after a tough final season at Chelsea whilst Andre Onana looks to be one of the signings of the Transfer Window so far given how well he did at both Ajax and Inter Milan. In terms of people that have left, David De Gea is definitely the most significant name as the Spanish Goalkeeper leaves after playing 545 games for the club! When it comes to their squad, it’s fair to say that Man United’s team is pretty strong and their standout players include Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Marcus Rashford. If Manchester United continue to do good business in the transfer window and improve from last year, they could well score their highest points tally since Alex Ferguson left back in 2013.
Newcastle
For the first time in 20 years, Newcastle United will play Premier League Football alongside Champions League Football! Newcastle were absolutely superb last year (particually in the first half of the season) and they fully merited a Top 4 finish. The big question surrounding Newcastle heading into this season is will they continue to get better, or have they already peaked? When it comes to improving their team, the Magpies have signed Sandro Tonali from A.C. Milan for £55m and Harvey Barnes from Leicester for £39m. I have to say, I think the signing of Sandro Tonali is an inspired piece of business. I’ve been a fan of Tonali for a while and I can only see Newcastle improving with him in the team whilst Harvey Barnes played pretty well for Leicester last year. In terms of people that have left, Chris Wood is arguably the biggest name as he moves permanently to Nottingham Forest after spending the second half of last season on loan there. When it comes to their squad, Newcastle are pretty strong and their star players include Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, and Callum Wilson. When you consider how well Newcastle did last year as well as how good of a manager Eddie Howe is and the brilliance of the signing of Sandro Tonali, there’s no reason as to why Newcastle can’t fight to stay in the Top 4 this campaign.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest fans will be hoping to see more from their team this season now that all of their players know one another. After signing over 20 players last campaign, Nottingham Forest did just enough to stay in the league with a positive run near the end of the season. The big question surrounding Nottingham Forest heading into this season is how are they going to fair in their second season back in the top flight. When it comes to improving their team, Forest have permanently signed Chris Wood from Newcastle after the striker’s Loan spell in the second half of last season as well as Ola Aina. Aina is a 26-year-old Right-Back who used to be a part of the Chelsea Academy. In terms of people that have left, Jesse Lingard and Andre Ayew are the two biggest names whilst Goalkeepers Dean Henderson and Keylor Navas have both returned to their parent clubs. When it comes to their squad, Notts Forest definetly has one of the weakest squads in the league, but Neco Williams is a good player whilst Morgan Gibbs-White, Brennan Johnson and Taiwo Awoniyi are all match winners. Realistically, Nottingham Forest should only get better considering how nobody knew one another this time last year.
Sheffield United
Sheffield United fans will arguably be as loud as ever this season after having to watch from home the last time their team was in the Premier League. Sheffield United had a fantastic season last year as they earnt themselves 91 points and a place in the Premier League as a result. The big question surrounding Sheffield United heading into this season is have they got enough quality to avoid what happened the last time they were in the top flight? When it comes to improving their team, the Blades have signed Anis Ben Slimane from Brondby, Benie Traore from BK Hacken and they’ve also brought in Yasser Larouci on Loan from Troyes. Slimane was a part of the Brondby team that became Danish Champions in 2021, Traore was a part of the BK Hacken team that won their first-ever Swedish title (he’s also the current Top Goalscorer in the Allsvenskan) whilst Larouci was at Liverpool in his early footballing days. In terms of people that have left, Club Legend Billy Sharp is the biggest name whilst both James McAtee and Tommy Doyle have returned to Manchester City after being on Loan at the club last season. When it comes to their squad, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Oliver Norwood, Sander Berge, and Illiman Ndiaye will be crucial to United’s success this season. Whilst it might seem difficult for Sheffield United to stay up this season, just remember what they did the last time they returned to the Premier League.
Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspurs enter the 2023/24 Season without European Football for the first time since the 2009/10 Season. Tottenham really struggled last year and it resulted in Antonio Conte leaving the club and Spurs having their worst season for nearly 20 years. The big question surrounding Tottenham heading into this season is are they going to do any better this year now that Ange Postecoglou is in charge. When it comes to improving their team, Spurs have brought in James Maddison from Leicester for £40m, Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli for £17.2m and they’ve also signed Manor Solomon for free. Despite how poor Leicester City were last year, James Maddison still performed really well so he’s a great addition to the squad, Goalkeeper Vicario comes in as a potential replacement for Hugo Lloris whilst Manor Solomon is looking to impress after a decent Loan spell at Fulham last year. In terms of people that have left, Lucas Moura is by far the biggest name as he departs after 6 years with the club. When it comes to their squad, Spurs look pretty strong and the likes of Cristian Romero, Ivan Perisic, Heung-Min Son, and Harry Kane are all World Class. There’s no doubt that Tottenham have to do much better this season, particularly as they aren’t even playing in Europe.
West Ham
West Ham United enter this season with high confidence after an amazing UEFA Europa Conference League victory. However, whilst West Ham’s achievement in Europe was spectacular, you also can’t ignore the fact that West Ham weren’t very good in the Premier League last season. The big question surrounding West Ham heading into this season is are they going to improve in the league, or are they going to continue to struggle due to European distractions? When it comes to improving their team, the Hammers have literally only signed 17-year-old Sean Moore. In terms of people that have left, Club Captain and star player Declan Rice is by far the biggest name as Rice has moved to Arsenal for £105m (Manuel Lanzini has also left the club). When it comes to their squad, West Ham are struggling a little, but they still have talented players in Thilo Kehrer, Tomas Soucek, Lucas Paqueta, and Jarrod Bowen. I’m really not sure what to make of West Ham coming into this season, so it’ll be interesting to see what David Moyes is able to do.
Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers enter this season looking for a new identity. Wolves could only manage 13th last season, but I’m sure they would’ve taken that considering they were bottom of the league when Julen Lopetegui took charge. The big question surrounding Wolves heading into this season is how are they going to cope without Ruben Neves? When it comes to improving their team, Wolves have completed the permanent signings of Matheus Cunha and Boubacar Traore (both were on Loan at the club last season) and they’ve also brought Matt Doherty back. I’m not sure that’s the most inspiring signing. In terms of people that have left, Club Captain Conor Coady has gone to Leicester whilst last year’s Captain and star-man Ruben Neves has also left to go to Saudi Arabia. Nathan Collins and Diego Costa have also left the club (Collins has gone to Brentford) whilst Joao Moutinho and Adama Traore (two stars under Nuno) have also left the Molineux. When it comes to their squad, Wolves are lacking quality, with Max Kilman, Matheus Nunes, Pablo Sarabia, and Daniel Podence being their best players. Whilst Julen Lopetegui is a really good manager, he might struggle with Wolverhampton Wanderers this season if they aren’t able to bring the right players in.
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