Fresh managers, fresh players, renewed hopes, and new dreams as clubs gear up for another long season. Here are the 10 things to look out for as a new EPL season begins.
1.) Transfers put pressure on Ten Hag
Erik ten Hag inches closer to fielding an all-former-Ajax backline following the arrivals of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. With André Onana and Lisandro Martínez already in place, his influence on transfers is evident. However, this also means fewer excuses if the defense falters. While most new Premier League players need time to adjust, how much leeway will they get given the urgent need for a strong start? They are familiar with Ten Hag’s style, but whether they can function as a cohesive unit remains uncertain. Fulham’s win at Old Trafford last season proves they can do it again, potentially putting United on the back foot early. With tough matches against Brighton and Liverpool looming, the new defense must gel quickly, or the pressure will mount.
2.) Managers adapt to new environments
Two of the most intriguing new managers meet at Portman Road. Kieran McKenna, linked with numerous high-profile jobs, renewed his contract with Ipswich, while Arne Slot took on the challenge of replacing Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool. Both coaches are now in the Premier League, a significant step up from the Championship and Eredivisie. McKenna aims to maintain the style that earned Ipswich two promotions, though he knows adjustments are necessary for the Premier League. Slot inherits a strong team that finished third last season, and although he made his mark during pre-season, those victories are no guarantee of future success.
3.) Calafiori poised to become a fan favorite
Riccardo Calafiori’s first 25 minutes as an Arsenal player suggest he could quickly become a fan favorite. The 23-year-old received a warm reception when he replaced Oleksandr Zinchenko in Arsenal’s final pre-season match against Lyon. Mikel Arteta expressed his delight with the fans’ reaction, highlighting the instant connection between Calafiori and the supporters. If the defender makes an appearance at the Emirates on Saturday, expect an even louder welcome.
4.) Goodison Park’s farewell season begins
Goodison Park opens its doors for its final season after 132 years, as Fabian Hürzeler makes his competitive debut as Brighton’s manager. At 31, Hürzeler is the Premier League’s youngest permanent manager and another bold appointment by Brighton. He guided St Pauli to Bundesliga promotion and had an impressive pre-season with Brighton, scoring 14 goals and conceding just three. As Everton prepares for their final season at Goodison, the club will pay tribute to former striker Kevin Campbell at their next home game against Bournemouth.
5.) Howe faces challenges at a weakened Newcastle
Newcastle’s squad preparing to face Southampton appears weaker than the one that dominated Aston Villa 5-1 on last season’s opening day. Sandro Tonali’s return from suspension will help, but Sven Botman’s knee injury sidelines him until the new year, and Callum Wilson is once again injured. Eddie Howe had hoped to strengthen his squad with Marc Guéhi, but Crystal Palace is holding firm on the transfer fee. Meanwhile, Miguel Almirón’s failed move to Charlotte FC has limited Newcastle’s summer budget. Howe’s relationship with the new sporting director, Paul Mitchell, is still developing, and how this season unfolds will be closely watched by FA executives, as Howe might become a future candidate for the England job.
6.) Iraola adjusts to life without Solanke
Andoni Iraola begins his tenure at Bournemouth without Dominic Solanke. The club is expected to sign Porto’s Evanilson soon, but in the meantime, backup striker Enes Ünal is injured. Iraola is forced to find a plan C for the trip to Nottingham, experimenting with midfielder Philip Billing as a central striker during the final pre-season match against Girona. While Billing found the net, his goal was disallowed, and Iraola still has much to consider before Bournemouth’s opener.
7.) Emery and Villa face a balancing act
Unai Emery has done a remarkable job at Aston Villa, but this season presents a new challenge: balancing domestic success with the demands of the Champions League. The club has invested heavily in players like Amadou Onana and Ian Maatsen, yet concerns remain. Villa’s defense lacks physicality, their midfield creativity is limited, and an injury to Ollie Watkins could leave them short up front. Emery is known for maximizing his team’s strengths while concealing weaknesses, but opponents are now familiar with Villa’s tactics. West Ham’s counter-attacking style could pose a significant threat to Villa’s high defensive line.
8.) Can Crystal Palace thrive without Olise?
Crystal Palace appointed Oliver Glasner in February, and their impressive run of form saw them finish the season with six wins in seven games. However, Michael Olise’s departure to Bayern Munich, and the potential exits of Marc Guéhi and Eberechi Eze, put the spotlight on Jean-Philippe Mateta. The striker has been prolific under Glasner, scoring 13 goals in 13 games, but his ability to continue this form remains uncertain. Palace’s success this season may hinge on whether Mateta can maintain his momentum.
9.) Maresca wary of another City drubbing
Enzo Maresca faces his first competitive match as Chelsea’s manager, but he has already experienced defeat against Manchester City in a pre-season friendly. Chelsea’s performance in Ohio was lackluster, with defensive errors gifting three goals to Erling Haaland. Despite a disappointing pre-season, Maresca must quickly adapt his tactics for the Premier League. Starting the season at home against the reigning champions is a daunting task, and a heavy loss could set Chelsea back significantly.
10.) Postecoglou looks to build on early success
Spurs made a strong start under Ange Postecoglou last season, earning 26 points from their first 10 games. However, performances were inconsistent, and a drop-off in form followed. Questions remain about whether Postecoglou’s high defensive line and attacking philosophy suit the squad. Injuries to key players, including James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur, further complicated matters. With new signings like Dominic Solanke and Archie Gray, Spurs need to start well this season, or pressure on Postecoglou will quickly mount.
