5 key talking points ahead of the new Premier League season

5 key talking points ahead of the new Premier League season

The new Premier League campaign kicks off again with Manchester City aiming to retain their dominance, while promoted clubs Wolves, Cardiff and Fulham will all be out to hold their own.

Here, Press Association Sport looks at some key talking points ahead of the opening round of top-flight fixtures.

World Cup hangover

Football may not have come home this summer, but just how quickly the likes of England captain Harry Kane and the rest of the Premier League’s World Cup stars can focus on club matters again remains to be seen. Burnout will be a worry, certainly over the winter months, and after lifting the greatest prize of them all in Moscow on July 15, an opening-day trip to Newcastle might not provide much inspiration for Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

City slickers

Pep Guardiola’s men swept everyone aside last season on the way to amassing 100 points in their record-breaking Premier League campaign. While City might not hit such heights again this season, the bar has been set and it is up to their title rivals to offer a sustained challenge. Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho will hope his squad – despite claiming to not have made enough signings during the transfer window – can raise their game and look to quieten down the noisy neighbours.

Will the Reds cash in?

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker was one of several big-money signings by Liverpool during the summer transfer window. (Niall Carson/PA)

In Unai we trust

New Arsenal head coach Unai Emery.
New Arsenal head coach Unai Emery faces a tough opening to the Premier League season. (Niall Carson/PA)

New kids on the block

Battling to get out of the Sky Bet Championship was hard enough, but Wolves, Cardiff and Fulham will all have to raise their game to yet another level when taking on the elite. All have bolstered their squads, and should expect to again in January, but whatever the next 38 games bring, you can bet the fans cannot wait for kick-off.

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