As we approach the start of the 2024/25 Premier League season, the ‘Big Six’ clubs in England’s top flight all have a crucial nine months on their hands for different reasons.
While some are competing with defending champions Manchester City for the title, others need some big results to look more favourable amongst football bets following some inconsistent seasons.
In this article, we take a look at the Premier League’s established ‘Big Six’ and assess what they will be looking to achieve ahead of the new season. Read on to find out more.
Chelsea
For the fourth time under the ownership of Todd Boehly, Chelsea have a new manager going into the season – appointing Enzo Maresca after he won the Championship with Leicester City.
The Italian is very inexperienced, especially arriving at a club with high expectations, and it will be interesting to see if he is given time to implement his style on a club with very good squad depth and high ambitions.
Chelsea’s best bet for success could be in Europe, as they feature in the UEFA Europa Conference League, and while the continent’s tertiary competition is hardly as prestigious as the Champions League or Premier League title, it’s a solid building block to boost the confidence of a young side.
Tottenham Hotspur
After looking like they could potentially challenge for the title in the early weeks of last season, Tottenham Hotspur inevitably came crashing back down to reality as they sat on the periphery of the top four in Ange Postecoglou’s first year.
The Australian has instilled a winning culture in north London and while injuries prevented Spurs from playing in the Champions League this term, that will be the goal heading into this campaign.
Tottenham have been busy in the transfer market, and if they can keep their best players fit, they will be hoping to break into the top four while continuing to chase an elusive piece of silverware.
Manchester United
Erik ten Hag will remain as Manchester United boss next season, despite many believing the Dutchman’s time at Old Trafford had come to an end, following the worst finish in Premier League history for the Red Devils.
United won the FA Cup with a 2-0 win over City, buying Ten Hag some time this season. He will be hoping his third full year in charge will result in some better performances and a bid for another trophy.
Realistically, United are a while away from winning the title, but building on the early foundations Ten Hag has laid is better than starting from scratch as the club pursue a third trophy in their cabinet in as many years.
Liverpool
Jürgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool leaves a lot of pressure on the shoulders of Arne Slot, with the charismatic German a tough act to follow after eight seasons in charge of the Reds.
For Slot, the goal will be to ultimately secure a place in the top four, but Liverpool have a squad capable of challenging for the title if they can build momentum.
A tough opening day visit to Portman Road against newly promoted Ipswich Town will be a litmus test for the side’s resilience, and if more additions arrive at Anfield, then they could be onto something special in Slot’s debut season.
Arsenal
Arsenal will be hoping their third straight challenge for the Premier League title finally ends with them lifting the trophy, 20 years on from their invincible season.
The Gunners had ran City close in consecutive years, ultimately falling short both times. However, this is a side that has shown it can mature and control games, and with a couple of reinforcements it is a group that would be worthy champions, with 84 and 89 points in the last two years.
Gabriel and William Saliba represent the best centre-back partnership in the league, and if the attack can convert chances supported by a defence that conceded the fewest goals last season, it could finally be time for Mikel Arteta to win the title.
Manchester City
It looks as if the upcoming season will be the last for Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The Spaniard has won seven of the last eight league titles and will want to bow out from his time in England with more silverware in the cabinet.
City started the season ropey last time out, dropping vital points and looking disjointed, but are virtually unstoppable when they start to click. Even with the potential departures of Ederson and Kevin De Bruyne, they have more than enough quality to win another Premier League title.
