Having won six of the last seven Premier League titles, Manchester City stands as the most dominant force in the league and arguably in European football. Their consistent performances underscore their dominance, although their victories have often been closely contested. In 2019 and 2022, Liverpool missed the title by just one point, highlighting the competitive nature at the top of the table.

City’s nearly unbroken rule over the past seven seasons sets the stage for another exciting campaign. With Pep Guardiola’s squad aiming for a historic fifth consecutive title, challengers like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea are gearing up to dethrone the champions. This season promises to be another closely fought competition, with teams strengthening their squads and strategies to break City’s stranglehold on the title.

Title Contenders

Manchester City

Manchester City enters the season as the team to beat, aiming for a historic fifth consecutive title, a feat never before achieved in the English men’s top flight. They are favorites with odds around +110. Erling Haaland, City’s key player, had a relatively modest season in 2023/24, scoring 27 goals in 31 Premier League games, a dip from the 36 he netted in 35 matches during his debut season.

Kevin De Bruyne remains City’s primary playmaker, averaging 4.33 chances created per 90 minutes last season. Despite injury setbacks, he recorded 10 assists, the third-most in the league.

Guardiola’s rotation policy sees Haaland as a constant starter when fit, supported by Phil Foden on the right and De Bruyne through the middle. The final attacking spot is a competitive position, with Bernardo Silva, Jeremy Doku, and Jack Grealish vying for inclusion.

Arsenal

Arsenal, with odds of +187, is a strong contender this season. Despite finishing second to Manchester City in the last two campaigns, fans’ frustration may grow if they don’t clinch their first league title in 21 years. Last season, the Gunners amassed 89 points, just two short of City and a tally that would have won the title in all but 11 38-game seasons. This point total was only one point fewer than the legendary 2003/04 Invincibles.

Arteta’s squad remains solid, with Bukayo Saka leading the charge after his most prolific season yet, scoring 16 league goals and 20 overall. Saka’s impressive Euro 2024 campaign bolstered his reputation. Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard are also key goal threats, with 13 and 12 Premier League goals last season. Although Arsenal aimed to sign a new No.9, their reported target, Benjamin Sesko, extended his contract at RB Leipzig, leaving the Gunners reliant on their current attacking lineup.

Liverpool

Liverpool enters the 2024/25 Premier League season with new management, aiming to maintain the high standards set by Jürgen Klopp. Klopp ended an illustrious period at Anfield after eight full seasons, during which Liverpool finished in the top four seven times and won the Premier League in 2020. His successor, Arne Slot, comes confidently from an impressive stint at Feyenoord.

The Reds are yet to make their first summer signing but have been linked with players like Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, and Benfica’s João Neves. Mohamed Salah remains their most crucial player, with 155 goals in 250 appearances. However, last season was less prolific for Salah, as he scored 18 goals, marking only the third time he failed to reach the 20-goal mark.

Liverpool’s odds stand at +700, reflecting their potential to challenge for the title if they adapt well to Slot’s management and any new signings make an impact.

Chelsea

Chelsea will again start a new era as the 2024/25 Premier League begins. The Blues are on their fourth permanent manager since BlueCo took over in 2022 after dismissing Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Mauricio Pochettino. Expectations remain high despite heavy criticism for their struggles last season and significant transfer spending.

Chelsea’s odds are longer at +2000. They have shown improvements towards the end of the last campaign, sparking hopes of challenging for Champions League spots. The focus on younger players continues, with three new arrivals under 21. However, experienced signings Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City and Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham are expected to feature prominently.

Key departures include Thiago Silva to Fluminense, Ian Maatsen to Aston Villa, and Omari Hutchinson to Ipswich. Chelsea’s top Premier League Golden Boot contender is Nicolas Jackson, who scored 41 goals last season with a 65.08% shooting accuracy.

Teams Facing Relegation

At the other end of the table, several teams are battling to avoid relegation. Newly promoted Ipswich Town faces the steepest odds at +150000 to win the title, highlighting the challenge ahead. Other teams like Bournemouth (+35000) and Nottingham Forest (+100000) are also predicted to struggle this season according to PrizePicks.

Final Words

The 2024-2025 Premier League season promises another thrilling battle between Manchester City and their challengers. City remains the favorite, aiming for an unprecedented fifth consecutive title, with Haaland and De Bruyne key to their dominance. Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea all have strong squads and the potential to disrupt City’s reign. Dark horses like Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur will also vie for top positions.