Manchester United kick off the new Premier League season by hosting Fulham on Friday before neighbours City begin their title defence against Chelsea on Sunday.
Liverpool’s new Dutch coach, Arne Slot, who succeeded German Jurgen Klopp, is looking to make a good start when the Reds visit newly promoted Ipswich.
Arsenal, who are looking for their first title since 2004, will look to continue their steady progress when they host Wolverhampton on Saturday.
Manchester United’s victory over its neighbour City in the FA Cup final saved the future of Dutch coach Erik ten Hag as head coach of the Red Devils.
The Dutch coach received significant support from new British backer Jim Ratcliffe, who is responsible for football operations at the club, as his contract was renewed until 2026.
United have strengthened their ranks by signing French defender Lenny Yoro, his compatriot striker Joshua Circe, Dutchman Matthijs de Ligt and Moroccan Noussair Mazraoui in deals that cost around $192 million (£150 million).
But after finishing eighth last season, United’s worst ever finish, Ten Hag needs to make a strong start to the new campaign to dispel any doubts about him.
Fulham won at Old Trafford for the first time in 20 years last February.
If he can repeat this result on Friday, United fans will have a real fear of repeating last season’s disappointment.
Coach Slot is expecting a cautious start to his coaching career in the English Premier League when Liverpool visit Ipswich, who have returned to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.
The Reds did not make any signings during the summer transfer window but enjoyed a positive run of results during the pre-season with wins over Arsenal, United and Sevilla.
A win at Portman Road would be a morale boost for Liverpool fans who are no doubt anxious after the end of Klopp’s fruitful era.
Therefore, Slot will be looking to secure quick wins, taking advantage of a relatively comfortable run of fixtures before the international window breaks in October.
Chelsea’s new Italian coach Enzo Maresca faces a baptism of fire against his former club.
Maresca was part of Guardiola’s coaching staff before taking over at Leicester and leading them to promotion to the Premier League last season.
The Italian coach inherits an unstable and chaotic situation at Stamford Bridge, where the first team squad includes more than 50 senior players, with questions over the future of many of them.
There is no doubt that the unstable technical condition of the Blues was evident during the preparation period through the loss to City during its American camp with a score of 2-4.
In contrast, Guardiola made minor changes to the squad that won the title last year.
Brazilian winger Savinho is City’s only new signing, with Argentine striker Julian Alvarez leaving to join Atletico Madrid this week.
England trio Kyle Walker, John Stones and Phil Foden, as well as Spain midfielder Rodri, also returned to training this week after playing in the Euro 2024 final but are unlikely to feature against Chelsea.
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