Five of the traditional "big six" clubs start the season with new managers. Manchester City replace Pep Guardiola with Enzo Maresca, Chelsea appoint Xabi Alonso, and Liverpool bring in Andoni Iraola. Only Mikel Arteta at Arsenal remains from the start of last season.

Arsenal's title defence is threatened by William Saliba's extended absence with a back injury. The defender made 50 appearances last season and Arsenal's win rate drops from 68.7% with him to 47.6% without. They face a tricky start against Aston Villa and Chelsea.

European football workload varies significantly. Chelsea and Tottenham have no European commitments while Manchester United and eight others do. United signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans to cope, but Spurs had 27 players injured last season.

Chelsea and Tottenham's massive transfer spending could make them dark horses. Chelsea made Morgan Rogers the most expensive British player at £117m, while Spurs spent a club-record £237m including £100m for Sandro Tonali and £85m for Mateus Fernandes.