The Premier League once again showcased why it was one of the elite competitions in European football last season, with three teams all capable of winning the title in the last few weeks of the campaign. While Manchester City, the favourite for the trophy in sports betting, ultimately won the league for the fourth time in a row, the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool showed they could compete and challenge Pep Guardiola all the way.
At the other end of the table, the relegation battle was equally as interesting, with Luton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United ultimately facing the drop. However, the unpredictability of England’s top flight means all the newly promoted sides from the Championship have a fighting chance of ensuring their survival.
The Premier League is renowned for its shock victories and surprise packages. With that in mind, we take a look at four teams who could turn heads in their direction ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Everton
For the last couple of years, Everton had dealt with the pressure of being relegation candidates, but after surviving both occasions, they looked to solidify under Sean Dyche. Despite a points deduction, the Toffees finished 15th last season, and they could have breached the top 10 had they not been docked following a string of good results.
Indeed, Everton beat Liverpool and ran Arsenal close in their final few games, and in what is their last season at Goodison Park, there is every chance that their rugged defence and dangerous attack could cause the big sides plenty of problems next season.
Tottenham Hotspur
Ange Postecoglou’s first season at Tottenham Hotspur was a mixed bag. The Australian maintained the club’s attacking style, bringing a feel-good-factor back to north London following some underwhelming results and the loss of Harry Kane. However, they were unable to secure Champions League football, even after a fast start that saw them lead the title race in the opening weeks.
Spurs have a young squad full of potential and if they can avoid any big injuries – both James Maddison and Micky van de Ven out of action for large parts – they could be a surprise package.
West Ham United
For the first time since 2017, West Ham United will have a new manager in the dugout after Julen Lopetegui replaced David Moyes at the London Stadium. The Spaniard brings fresh ideas to a side bereft of entertainment, although the stability that Moyes had established in east London could prove to be the difference maker in the challenging parts of the season.
Lopetegui impressed with his first stint in the Premier League as Wolverhampton Wanderers manager and if he can instil that same attacking momentum into a superior West Ham side, the Irons could once again return to European football.
Chelsea
Since Todd Boehly took over at Chelsea, things have gone from bad to worse for the five-time Premier League winners. The Blues lacked vision and endured a managerial merry-go-round with Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino. Enzo Maresca becomes the third permanent appointment in as many years, but the Italian looks like he could finally be the coach that brings the good times back to Stamford Bridge.
This Chelsea side lack experience but Maresca’s ruthless approach – one that earned Leicester City promotion as Championship winners – could be exactly what the young group needs, especially after Thiago Silva left the club at the end of last season.
Not too many transfers will be needed to finish the Chelsea puzzle. The addition of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall adds a winning mentality to the midfield, but this is a side that has taken points off Liverpool and Manchester City – it just needs that consistency to balance Europa Conference League commitments with the Premier League.
