The Premier League is upon us, a week earlier than usual. And this season promises to be one of the most exciting and closely fought seasons in a long time. Chelsea are still a formidable force, Manchester City have strengthened while Arsenal look a more improved side, particularly with the addition of a top class goalkeeper in Petr Cech.
And if Manchester United can secure another striker and a top quality centre half, very few would rule out Louis van Gaal’s side. Liverpool are also maybe in with a outside chance, with James Milner, Nathaniel Clyne and Christian Benteke all top draw signings who can make an instant impact.
Even at the bottom half of the table, we could see another scrap till the very end, with several clubs likely to be involved in the relegation battle.
A modified offside rule, exciting new players, a newly imposed ban on diving – all in all, the 2015-16 Premier League season promises to be a cracker.
Featured writer Pratik Sarkar looks ahead to the forthcoming Premier League campaign and tells you what to expect from the most exciting league in the world.
Title Winners – Manchester City.
Chelsea are hugely dependent on Diego Costa knocking in those goals in huge numbers and Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard providing for him, and that could be the Blues’ undoing if Costa doesn’t match last season’s form.
Arsenal have added a world class goalkeeper in Petr Cech to their ranks, but without a top quality 25 goals-a-season front man, the Gunners could find it difficult to mount a strong title challenge.
Manchester United will have to sign one or two other players and play out of their skins to be in the reckoning come May.
City look the strongest at the moment, but it would take an injury free Sergio Aguero and a much sharper Yaya Toure to drive the Citizens to the crown this time around.
Relegation Battle – Watford, Norwich, Leicester. No Nigel, no party. But Aston Villa could have a few problems too if they fail to find a decent replacement for Benteke.
Player of the season – Sergio Aguero. If he remains fit, that is. The most prolific striker in Britain right now should thrive with service from David Silva, Raheem Sterling and a reinvigorated Yaya Toure.
Although Harry Kane remains an outside shot. He is not going to fade way after a wonder season, that’s for sure.
Signing of the season – I am going to stick my neck out and say Morgan Schneiderlin could be vital for Manchester United this season. Also, Matteo Darmian should provide defensive stability at right back and is an upgrade on Rafael and Antonio Valencia.
Surprise of the season – Bournemouth would surprise a lot of people. Eddie Howe likes his team to play a stylish brand of football and they should enjoy a stress-free inauguration into the Premier League.
Young players to watch out for – Memphis Depay, Jordi Clasie, John Stones and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain in that order. Remember the Ox is only 21 and could prove to be a key player for Arsenal, given he avoids injuries.
Most excited about – Louis van Gaal 2.0 at Manchester United. Given all the money to spend in the transfer market, there should be no excuse for United to fail to challenge for honors this season. Also, it will be interesting to see how Bastian Schweinsteiger shapes up in a new phase in his career.
Manuel Pellegrini has a season to prove he is worthy of the City job, given that Pep Guardiola is out of contract next summer and a club with the financial muscle of City wouldn’t like two ordinary seasons
Also, there is Bournemouth’s exciting football to look forward to, and Harry Kane has another season to prove he isn’t a fluke.