With nine new managers taking charge across the Premier League this season, BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty has released his annual predictions for how all 20 clubs will fare, tipping Arsenal to defend the title they won last term for the first time in 22 years.
McNulty describes backing Mikel Arteta's side to retain the crown as "the easiest prediction of them all," pointing to their strength in depth and the confidence gained from becoming champions. He highlighted the impressive displays of Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis in Arsenal's Community Shield win over Manchester City as evidence of their growing quality.
Manchester City are tipped for second under new boss Enzo Maresca, who succeeds Pep Guardiola following the departures of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and John Stones. Despite the Community Shield defeat and a transitional feel at the Etihad, McNulty notes City have added Elliot Anderson for £116m and could add Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, while insisting no side with Erling Haaland can be discounted from winning trophies.
Liverpool, beginning life without Mohamed Salah under new manager Andoni Iraola, are predicted to finish third, with Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and academy graduate Rio Ngumoha giving cause for optimism. Chelsea are the surprise package in fourth, with McNulty backing Xabi Alonso to build something meaningful around new arrivals Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix, plus experienced additions Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck.
Manchester United are expected to build on last season's top-three finish under Michael Carrick, with Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos bringing added quality, though a title challenge is not envisioned. Aston Villa, despite losing key players including Tielemans and Rogers, are tipped for sixth as Unai Emery continues his reputation for getting the best from his squads, aided by Johan Manzambi's arrival from Freiburg.
Tottenham, who survived a chaotic 17th-placed finish last season under three different managers, are predicted a major improvement under Roberto de Zerbi following heavy investment in Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Andrew Robertson. Nottingham Forest, now under a fourth manager in as many campaigns in Oliver Glasner, are expected to stabilise at ninth after reinvesting the £116m fee received for Anderson.
Brighton, Brentford and Crystal Palace are all tipped for solid mid-table campaigns, with Palace bringing in Pierre Sage after Oliver Glasner's departure. Newcastle face a turbulent season under new manager Matthias Jaissle following the exits of Eddie Howe, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, with McNulty predicting a below-par 16th-place finish.
Everton, Bournemouth and Leeds occupy the lower-mid table in McNulty's forecast, with Everton manager David Moyes quoted as saying his side are "far off from where we want to be" and wanting to do "a lot more business" in the transfer market. Bournemouth are tipped to drop off after Iraola's exit to Liverpool, despite new arrivals including Antonio Silva and Juanlu Sanchez.
Sunderland, last season's surprise Europa League qualifiers under Regis le Bris, are predicted a reality check after a quiet transfer window, though retaining Granit Xhaka amid Chelsea interest was seen as a major coup. Fulham under new boss Alvaro Arbeloa are tipped for stability, while promoted sides Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Hull City fill out the bottom three, with McNulty praising their ambition in the transfer market despite predicting difficult campaigns. Ipswich have reportedly spent around £150m on 12 major signings since promotion, while Hull have completed 11 new signings including record acquisitions Konstantinos Tzolakis and Nobel Mendy.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.