1. Liverpool

The Reds have had a relatively quiet transfer window with Sepp van den Berg, Harvey Elliott and Adrian their only signings at the time of writing. However, as European champions, Liverpool have got a taste of glory and that experience alone should spur them on to greater heights.

Jürgen Klopp has a knack for getting the best out of his players and the Reds now know their potential. Young players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson will surely feel more settled and Liverpool are tipped to claim a first league title in 30 years.

2. Manchester City

Manchester City have picked up 198 points and two Premier League titles in the last two seasons, meaning they begin as odds-on favourites for another title. However, what odds of 0.50 don’t capture is that it’s more difficult to keep finishing on top of the Premier League than it is to do so for the first time in a few years.

City became the first team to defend their title since Manchester United, who achieved the honour in 2008/09, but none in the Premier League era bar the Red Devils have won three times in a row.

Liverpool were breathing down City’s necks until the death in 2018/19 and it will be difficult for the Citizens to fend off a side which has grown in confidence and experience. Midfielder Rodri was a shrewd signing, but there is no substitute for the big-match temperament of departed centre-back Vincent Kompany.

3. Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham broke their transfer record when they signed midfielder Tanguy Ndombele for a reported £65million from Olympique Lyon. At the time of writing, they appear hell-bent on bringing in another big-name player.

Spurs have reportedly had a loan offer for Philippe Coutinho rejected and it appears they are also pursuing Giovani Lo Celso and Paulo Dybala. With their new stadium complete and the likes of Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris still on their books, the 2019 European runners-up could be poised for an even better season.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men could have been considered as viable title candidates were it not for off-field issues which appear to be holding them back. Kieran Trippier left for Atlético Madrid and claimed that “behind the scenes” problems led to his exit. The manager himself caused a stir when he admitted that he is not in charge of the North London club’s transfer plans.

Add that to the possible imminent departure of Christian Eriksen and you have a team which once again appears to have taken two steps forward and one back.

4. Manchester United

Like Tottenham, the Red Devils are in a somewhat uncertain position going into the new season. Ole Gunnar Solskjær got his reign as manager off to a dream start, but there were signs towards the end of last season that the early allure had worn off.

United have made useful off-season signings in Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, two English defenders with their best years seemingly still ahead of them. They should significantly improve a backline which leaked 54 league goals last season.

However, at the time of writing, Romelu Lukaku is apparently trying to force a move and Paul Pogba’s future remains unresolved. It appears United players aren’t all pulling in the same direction the way Liverpool and Man City squads seem to. 

Mike Phelan and Michael Carrick will be vital allies for Solskjær as he steers the Manchester United ship through murky waters. With the backing of a quality coaching staff, the Norwegian mentor is backed to lead the Red Devils back into the UEFA Champions League.

Brighton & Hove Albion

The Seagulls are tipped to struggle following the inexplicable sacking of long-serving manager Chris Hughton in May. Although Brighton only just survived the drop last season, Hughton deserves credit for leading them into the top flight and avoiding relegation twice in a row.

His replacement, Graham Potter, has no Premier League managerial experience and little to work with in terms of proven signings. Matt Clarke, Leandro Trossard, Taylor Richards, Adam Webster and Neal Maupay have been brought in during the transfer window at the time of writing.

There is no reason to believe the Seagulls have improved and they are set to learn their lesson the hard way after their unceremonious disposal of Hughton.

Norwich City

The Canaries have all the hallmarks of a team ill-prepared for the top tier of English football. They earned promotion not by totally bossing opponents, but by putting away their chances when it mattered. However, they struggled defensively in the Championship and the Premier League will only be tougher.

Sevilla’s Ibrahim Amadou was an impressive loan signing, but other than that, Daniel Farke’s men have made little progress towards finding an answer to their defensive difficulties, which led to them conceding 57 goals in 46 Championship games last season.

Sheffield United

The Blades have made new signings galore ranging from Phil Jagielka to Lys Mousset to Ravel Morrison. However, they have not added enough players who can inspire a dressing room when the chips are down.

Jagielka is Sheffield United through and through, having come up through the club’s youth structures before enjoying a successful stint at Everton. However, his best years are behind him and he does not have the winning history of a Gary Cahill or even a Laurent Koscielny.

Many among Sheffield United’s signings are gambles. Ravel Morrison is the prime example having been described by former manager Sam Allardyce as “the biggest waste of talent I ever worked with”.

Sheffield United’s transfer strategy appears to resemble that of Queens Park Rangers and Fulham before their relegations. We’ve seen this movie before and it usually doesn’t end well.