The Premier League season is set to commence on Friday, with defending champions Arsenal kicking off what is anticipated to be one of the most unpredictable campaigns in recent memory. This marks Arsenal's return as defending champions for the first time in 22 years, coinciding with Pep Guardiola's departure from Manchester City after a decade of dominance.
Mikel Arteta is now the longest-serving Premier League manager, providing a sense of stability at Arsenal that contrasts with significant upheaval across the top-flight. Nine Premier League clubs have appointed new managers over the summer, while Michael Carrick and Roberto De Zerbi are beginning their first full seasons at Manchester United and Tottenham, respectively. New managerial faces also include Andoni Iraola at Liverpool and Xabi Alonso at Chelsea.
The promoted teams for this season are Coventry City, Ipswich Town, and Hull City, who replaced relegated West Ham, Burnley, and Wolves. These new arrivals will be looking to emulate Sunderland, who qualified for Europe in their first season back in the top-flight last term.