Premier League 2024-25: Season Preview and Key Storylines
Liverpool Start as Champions and Favorites
Liverpool begin their title defense on Friday night when they welcome Bournemouth to Anfield. The Reds won last season’s Premier League crown with four games to spare and have made some big changes over the summer.
New Manager, New Style Arne Slot has replaced Jurgen Klopp in the Liverpool dugout. The Dutch coach is bringing a different approach – moving away from Klopp’s intense pressing game to a more patient, possession-based style.
Summer Signings Liverpool have been busy in the transfer market:
- Florian Wirtz – Creative midfielder who adds flair to their attack
- Hugo Ekitike – Young striker to boost their forward line
- Jeremie Frimpong – Pacey right-back for attacking threat
- Milos Kerkez – Left-back option for defensive cover
Mohamed Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk remain key players for the Reds.
The Big Question Can Liverpool’s new-look defense handle the pressure of defending their title? Slot knows it won’t be easy.
“There are so many competitors who can also win the league here. To win it once is already very special,” the manager said. “This year it is probably going to be harder than before.”
Manchester City Eye Comeback
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City finished third last season – 13 points behind Liverpool. They travel to Wolves on Saturday looking to bounce back.
Rodri’s Return The big news is Ballon d’Or winner Rodri returning from his serious knee injury that hurt City’s campaign last year. However, he’s still not fully fit after picking up a knock at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Guardiola admits his star midfielder won’t be “really, really fit” until after the September international break.
Arsenal vs Manchester United – Battle of the Rebuilds
Sunday’s big match sees Arsenal visit Old Trafford to face Manchester United. Both teams have made major changes this summer.
Arsenal’s Additions The Gunners finished second for the third straight season and have strengthened to finally win the title:
- Martin Zubimendi – Defensive midfielder for better balance
- Christian Norgaard – Box-to-box midfielder for depth
- Viktor Gyökeres – Striker to solve their goalscoring problems
United’s New Look After finishing 15th last season, United have a new manager in Ruben Amorim and a completely new attack:
- Benjamin Sesko – Clinical striker
- Matheus Cunha – Versatile forward
- Bryan Mbeumo – Winger with pace and skill
The Red Devils are targeting a top-four finish and return to European football.
Key Question Can Amorim quickly turn his new squad into title contenders, or will this be another tough transition season?
Promoted Teams Face Premier League Test
Three teams have earned promotion and will get their first taste of top-flight football this weekend:
- Saturday: Sunderland vs West Ham United
- Saturday: Burnley vs Tottenham Hotspur
- Monday: Leeds United vs Everton
All three promoted sides will be hoping to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
What to Expect This Season
With Liverpool starting as champions but facing new tactical challenges, City looking to bounce back, Arsenal desperate to go one better, and United in complete rebuild mode, the 2024-25 Premier League season promises to be one of the most competitive yet.
The title race could go down to the wire once again.