The last EPL season was one of the most dramatic yet, with stories being written almost every week throughout the whole division. Next season looks like it will deliver more of the same. Some people may be wanting a break from football, or sports in general, and for those there is plenty to fill the void.
For others though, being a sports fan is an all year-round pursuit. To cater for those, betting sites, including Betway Satta, allow customers to keep up with all the current football and sports betting, throughout the season and close season.
The summer is usually given over to the international scene, but the dealings in the transfer window will be just as fascinating as they will dictate what happens in the next months and years. So, what were the biggest stories of last season, and how will they develop in the 2023/24 season?
Manchester City – Treble Winners
Manchester City were imperious, domestically and in Europe. Chasing Arsenal down the way they did, would have been a hard watch for not just fans of the Gunners, but those associated with every other Premier League club. They put so much pressure on the teams around them, that few if any can cope. It was a season where they finally got over the line in the Champions League. The final itself may have been a tight affair, but the way they dealt with Real Madrid in the semi-final, it was hard to see another team lift it. Next season, Madrid will be looking to reconquer the competition they see as their own, and will be making additions with that goal in mind.
Last season saw almost a reinvention of the way City play, largely down to the fact they had Haaland leading the line. It will be intriguing to see which way they go next season, doubling down on their new approach, or reverting back to the way Guardiola has played before, with an emphasis on the midfield.
The Battle for the Top Four
Manchester City aside, who you would think are top four certainties there are as many as eight other teams who will think they have a very real chance of getting a Champions League spot next season. Arsenal will hope that their second place was not a one off. Arteta is looking to add depth to his squad, the lack of which cost him dear last season. Declan Rice looks like he will join, a move which will show the North London club’s intent on regaining their place at the summit of English football.
Manchester United are another side that will look to kick on from their 2022/23 season. The first year under ten Hag was a success. They ended the season playing with a cohesion that hasn’t been seen in the red half of Manchester for some time. As well as a FA Cup final appearance and third place, they also won the League Cup, securing their first silverware for six years.
Liverpool had another disappointing season, but the way they finished, powering into a Europa League spot will give Klopp and their fans confidence they can push on next season. Newcastle will also expect to be in the conversation. They got a top four place which would have been the target at the start of the season, and boss Eddie Howe will be looking to bring in some big money signings to not only compete in the Champions League but to be able to push City.
Chelsea can’t endure as bad a season as last time out. Pochettino knows the league, and his number one priority will be to get the West London side back into the top four. The side looked impotent and unbalanced last season, but there is little denying there is talent in the team, and with just a couple of the right additions they are likely to be in with a shout.
Another London side who will be hoping their new manager will be able to turn their fortunes around is Tottenham. A lot will depend on what happens with Harry Kane.
Then there are the likes of Brighton, Aston Villa, even Brentford, who keep defying the odds, and showing the top eight isn’t the closed shop it once was. Who is to say that one of those can’t make a genuine attempt at a Champions League place?