Not since 2009 has a team won the English Premier League for three seasons in a row.
That was back when Manchester United dominated English football but now, ‘noisy’ neighbours Manchester City threaten to replicate that kind of dynasty.
Politics aside, City are one of the best teams our top flight has ever seen, so it is credit to Liverpool that they finished just one point shy of the champions and 25 points clear of the rest – it’s hard not to imagine a repeat battle between the Premier League Champions and the Champions of Europe.
Pep Guardiola’s side are the 4/6 favourites to retain their title and are expected to again be busy in the transfer window; one priority will be a replacement for Vincent Kompany, who left to manage Anderlecht the day after their FA Cup win
Their goalscoring record last season was a frightening 95 goals in 38 league games, but their strong defensive abilities should not be ignored – why not have a look on gamblerspro.com where you can see all the latest bookies offers.
After losing just one game and amassing 97 points, Liverpool must wonder just what they must do to win the Premier League; they have a very strong squad and if they can get a bit more out of Naby Keita next season, they could prove good value at 13/5 with Unibet to dethrone City.
Chelsea will be wishing they could sign players; whoever their replacement for Juventus-bound Maurizio Sarri is, they will have to develop the talent in their Development Squad very well due to their transfer ban.
Frank Lampard could be a good fit, given that they will have to commit themselves to a project rather than spend their way to success as they have hitherto this point done under Roman Abramovich.
In terms of next season, they are very much outsiders at a massive 25/1 at Betway to become champions.
Tottenham finished fourth in the Premier League last season and reached the Champions League final, which is absolutely to their credit.
However, they lost five of their last six away league games last season, which perhaps indicates that they will need to improve the quality of their recruitment to add more depth.
You can get 16/1 at Bet365 on them to be champions – much hinges on the quality of replacement for Christian Eriksen, who looks very likely to leave.
Arsenal just missed out on a Champions League place and despite a strong attack, there is plenty of work for Unai Emery to do in the transfer window. Their defence needs major surgery and there’s Aaron Ramsey to replace, possibly Mesut Ozil too. A top four finish is possible, but they look a long way away from a title challenge, hence them being 30/1 at Betfair to be champions.
The same applies to Manchester United, who are 25/1 at William Hill to win the Premier League. They had a disappointing 2018/19 season and look set for a hectic transfer window.
The pressure is going to be on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to deliver a return to the Champions League and a poor start to the season might even cost him his job.
As for relegation, Sheffield United are favourites and understandably so with off-field disputes potentially hindering Blade-by-birth boss Chris Wilder.
Norwich City have a more settled structure and are right not to veer away from their savvy recruitment structure now they have more income, while Aston Villa’s financial muscle means they are arguably best-equipped of the three promoted clubs – despite finishing lowest in the Championship.
Brighton & Hove Albion struggled in the second half of the season but Graham Potter proved an outstanding developer of individuals at Swansea and will look to implement a more possession-based style of play.
Burnley posted the second-worst shot data in the Premier League last season and they could struggle, especially with Southampton – 16th in 2018-19 – showing potential to challenge for a top half berth under Ralph Hassenhuttl.
Whatever happens, it’ll be as fascinating as ever.