Premier League football returns this week with Manchester City the heavy favourites to retain their Premier League crown.
The Blues could become the first side to win four English top-flight titles in a row if they can finish top of the pile again. A lack of squad depth, a busy fixture schedule and the loss of key players this summer does offer opposition sides some slight hope, however.
Arsenal look like the nearest challengers and have strengthened their squad following a second-place finish last term, but Erik ten Hag has continued to stamp his authority at Old Trafford this summer, while Liverpool will hope their midfield shake up can propel the Reds to another title race.
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are something of an unknown ahead of the new season under new management, with Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa hovering just beneath and looking optimistically up at the fifth Champions League spot on offer.
Meanwhile, the relegation fight should be another tight affair, with the newly promoted sides among the favourites to face the drop, although the likes of Everton, Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers just above stayed up last term.
With everyone having their say about how the season could pan out, our football writer has given his verdict and predicted how the 2023/24 table will finish, including the title, European places and the three sides who will finish in the bottom three.
1. Luton Town (20th)
Lacking Premier League experience and a small wage budget, it’s difficult to see the newly promoted side beat the drop. Luton wouldn’t be the first underdog to stay up, should they manage it, but they’ll be in most people’s predicted drop zone.
2. Wolverhampton Wanderers (19th)
Wolves just seem like a mess at present and there are strong rumours claiming manager Julen Lopetegui could walk away. Assuming he does, the Midlands side would struggle to find a better replacement to take over a side shy of goals and lacking freshness after a summer of significant sales.
3. Everton (18th)
The Toffees have been sleepwalking towards relegation for a number of years, and this might just be the season they go. The recruitment this window has been alarming and there’s no guarantee Sean Dyche will still be in charge come May.
4. Sheffield United (17th)
The Blades are almost certain to be in the thick of the relegation scrap, but will hope the spirit shown to gain promotion can help them survive this season.