The focus for most football fans is on Germany for the next few weeks as Euro 2024 fever grips Europe.
After another gruelling and action-packed Premier League campaign, the thrill of international tournament football will be a welcomed break.
However, it will not be long before the focus switches to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign as Manchester City go in search of a fifth-straight title.
Outright Winner
Pep Guardiola's side just did enough to beat Arsenal in the race for the title last season, as they beat the Gunners by two points.
The two sides both won 28 of their 38 games, but City only lost three matches, and it was enough to win a fourth league title in a row.
The Citizens are favourites to defend their crown, which is no surprise, with Guardiola still at the helm. Despite winning four titles in a row, City will need to invest in their squad and improve their ranks, but it should be another two-way fight at the top between them and Arsenal.
Arsenal may need to pursue a world-class striker in order to improve their fortunes, but they look well-prepared for another title charge.
Liverpool finished third last season, but that was under former manager Jurgen Klopp. Arne Slot is now at the helm, but it will be tough for him to compete for a title in his first campaign at Anfield.
Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United all endured underwhelming campaigns last season, but a title charge is unlikely for all three clubs at this stage.
Top 4 Finish
The race for the top four should be fascinating this season, and it will arguably be better than the title race. As many as eight teams will feel they have a realistic chance of qualifying for the Champions League, and the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal are already considered "nailed on" for that.
Liverpool fans would probably take a top-four finish in Slot's first campaign, while Unai Emery and his Aston Villa squad will be up against it as they try to maintain their top-four spot while also playing in Europe's elite competition.
The former Sevilla boss will need to introduce several new signings to his squad to help them handle the burden of the extra fixtures.
Chelsea also have a new boss in Enzo Maresca, and the former Leicester manager will need to get a grip on the dressing room and handle the pressure that comes with managing a big club.
The Blues finished the season strongly, so if Maresca can build on Mauricio Pochettino's work, they will be in the top-four picture.
Ange Postecoglou started well at Spurs, but his team struggled once the injuries took hold. The same can be said of Newcastle and Manchester United, and the transfer window will go a long way in helping to set the scene for the new season ahead.
Relegation
Sadly, Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United suffered relegation last season, but fans of Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton will be hoping their teams can avoid the drop.
Leicester are the favourites to return to the Championship, with the Foxes waiting to hear if they will be hit by a points deduction before a ball is even kicked next season.
After a stunning campaign in the second tier, Ipswich are next in the market to be relegated, and the Tractor Boys are not used to disappointment after back-to-back promotions.
Kieran McKenna turned down several jobs to stay at Portman Road, but he has a huge challenge on his hands with Ipswich.
Even though they avoided relegation last season after multiple points deductions, Everton are also considered one of the main contenders for the drop. Sean Dyche will look to work his magic yet again, but the Toffees need some new bodies through the door at Goodison Park to improve their squad.
Southampton secured a narrow 1-0 win over Leeds United to win the Championship play-off final, and Russell Martin will feel his side is already well-equipped to avoid the drop.
In Adam Armstrong and Che Adams, he has two strikers that have proven they can compete at a high level.
Nottingham Forest are also in the mix to be relegated, while the likes of Wolves, Brentford and Fulham are all considered outsiders in the market.
Top scorers
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has won the last two Golden Boots, and it would be a shock to see him not win a third in a row.
Only Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer have won three in a row, while only Henry has won the Golden Boot on four occasions.
Playing for City under Guardiola is certainly a huge advantage for Haaland, but if he stays fit, his form has shown he is practically nailed on to score at least 20 goals a season.
Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer enjoyed an incredible debut campaign for the Blues, while Alexander Isak's 21 goals went under the radar for the Magpies.
Ollie Watkins, Dominic Solanke and Phil Foden all netted 19 goals each, while Mohamed Salah and Heung-min Son should also be in the mix next season.
Any new incoming transfers could certainly have their say, but the Golden Boot is Haaland's to lose at present.
