Premier League football is back on Friday when Manchester United host Fulham in the top flight curtain-raiser, and Manchester City’s rivals are already scheming how they can stop the Sky Blues winning a record fifth league title on the bounce.
The early Premier League 2024 betting odds back Pep Guardiola’s all-stars at a SBOTOP price of 2.10, with Arsenal their most likely challengers at 2.75. And the Sky Blues have already picked up a piece of silverware, winning the Community Shield against Manchester United on Sunday.
So who, among the chasing pack is ready to go, ready to take on and beat the reigning champions? Let’s take a look at some of the pre-season action and look for clues ahead of the opening weekend.
Arsenal
Runners up for the last two campaigns the Gunners once again have City in their sights and there is a steely determination around the Emirates. Mikel Arteta’s side won three, drew one and lost one of their pre-season friendlies, a 2-1 setback against Liverpool, while finishing off with wins over Bayer Leverkusen and Olympique Lyonnais. High and energetic pressing caused the Bundesliga champions endless problems as the Gunners ran out 4-1 winners before beating Lyon 2-0.
Warm up wins are all very well and Arteta knows that Premier League 2024 results are all that count; and the Gunners start with a home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, when defender Riccardo Calafiori is in line to make his Arsenal debut.
Liverpool
As well as beating Arsenal, Arne Slot’s Reds also saw off Real Betis, Manchester United, and Sevilla in an impressive pre-season. The third favourites for the title slapped Sevilla 4-1 on Sunday as Colombian striker Luis Diaz scored twice, while Diogo Jota and youth star Trey Nyoni were also on the score sheet.
This is a big season for Diaz who missed much of last term following the kidnapping of his father in his homeland but, now with his worries over, the wide man will be a big player for the Reds this season. An opening day fixture away to newly promoted Ipswich Town is a tricky start but one which should bring Slot an opening victory.
Aston Villa
The 2023/24 surprise package are in the Champions League this season after a fourth place finish and Aston Villa will be there and thereabouts again in the top seven race. Manager Unai Emery is a natural motivator and a master tactician and he has added wingback Ian Maatsen and midfielder Amadou Onana to his squad for a combined £87m.
Pre-season has been tricky with just one win from the last five games and defeats to Borussia Dortmund and Red Bull Leipzig were a stark reminder of the challenges in elite European football. Emery won’t be too worried and he has seen enough from his group, particularly in the form of livewire Morgan Rogers, to suggest the Villains are ready for an opening day ‘Battle of the Clarets’ away to West Ham United.
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe is under pressure to return the Magpies to top four contention and, after a patchy start to their pre-season they have finished up with wins over Girona and Brest, scoring five goals and conceding none. Howe has managed to keep star forwards Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak at the club, so far, and, without the distraction of European football, the Magpies have a big chance to make a mark in the Premier League, starting with a home match against another promoted club, Southampton.
Watch out for wingback Lewis Hall who has made a £28m switch from Chelsea and he will see this as a chance to prove his worth in a top seven club, and Hall can learn from veteran Kieran Trippier who is still one of the best crossers in the game.
Fulham
Emile Smith Rowe’s arrival at Craven Cottage has caused a wave of excitement to spread around West London following his switch from Arsenal. And he has scored twice in two pre-season games to stake his claim for a starting spot in Marco Silva’s side. The Cottagers are in that curtain-raiser against Manchester United and they have had a decent pre-season, beating Portuguese giants Benfica and TSG Hoffenheim, while losing by the odd goal in three to Sevilla.
Smith Rowe scored against both Sevilla and Hoffenheim and he has every chance to thrive with Fulham who play a similar possession based style to the Gunners; and, with creative players such as former Gunner Alex Iwobi and the excellent wingback Antonee Robinson alongside him, the 24 year old will feel at home at the Cottage.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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