Manchester United have strengthened their defence with the addition of Matthijs de Ligt. — Photo courtesy of Manchester United FC

Paul Kennedy

Halleluiah and praise the Lord. After what seems an eternity, domestic football is back.

If anyone wants me on a Saturday or Sunday evening between now and May 25, 2025, I’m busy. Leave a message.

Around about this time 12 months ago in the pages of this newspaper, I congratulated Manchester City and Pep Guardiola on winning the Premier League and that was before a ball had even been kicked.

This season though, I’m not so sure it will be such a foregone conclusion.

Sure, City are favourites, that’s a gimme, but there are few factors to take into account before the season starts.

The main one, of course, is the charges they face for alleged financial irregularities and this week it was announced the trial will begin in October, with a verdict expected early next year.

If found guilty, it could mean a points deduction, which would seriously dent Pep’s hopes of winning five Premier Leagues in a row.

Now while I agree that if it is proved that City did cheat, they should be punished, I really wouldn’t want to win the league above them just because of any deduction imposed.

Arsenal last season came close to challenging City, and I expect an even better push from Mikel Arteta’s team this time around.

Liverpool, who finished third, will be a team in transition. No more Jurgen Klopp of course, and new manager Arne Slot needs time to settle, build his team in his own style and get used to Premier League football.

But that, I think, could play into Liverpool’s hands.

There’ll be no pressure on Slot. Liverpool fans are renowned for being patient and supporting their manager.

There could be a surprise challenge from a new-look Liverpool, especially if they can bring in a number six before the transfer window closes.

As for the rest, only time will tell.

Manchester United have spent big. They were very unlucky to lose new central defender Leny Yoro who was injured pre-season.

They’ve added more power at the heart of their defence with the signing of Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich for just short of US$50 million, but I think that’s a big gamble.

Dutchman de Ligt has been sold by both Juventus and Bayern who both thought he was surplus to requirements. Maybe Erik ten Hag sees something different. We’ll just have to wait and see.

If City don’t get a points deduction, then they of course will be the team to beat. Arsenal and Liverpool won’t be far behind.

As for the final top four spot, take your pick. Aston Villa, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United are all in with a shout.

Now, let the games begin. — VNS