1 Arsenal
They were convincing champions last season, and summer signings appear to have made them stronger. And many of their rivals are going through a process of transition.
2 Chelsea
The club’s financial situation is troubling, and the squad still too big, but there were signs in pre-season of what Xabi Alonso was aiming at, and the lack of European football is a major advantage.
3 Aston Villa
Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa and Youri Tielemans have all gone and other major names could join them, while Amadou Onana’s injury is a blow, but recruitment so far looks good and they at least still have the same manager.
4 Manchester City
The Community Shield was less than impressive and there are doubts about Enzo Maresca but Erling Haaland plus the expected investment in the squad should assure a certain level.
5 Liverpool
Pre-season was a concern. The squad does not look balanced. The defence does not look right. There are a lot of injuries already. And how will Andoni Iraola adapt to European football and having two games a week?
6 Tottenham Hotspur
Their recruitment looks decent, if a little Spursy – large sums spent on players who are not quite proven at the very highest level – and with Roberto De Zerbi and no European football, a significant improvement on last season is likely.
7 Manchester United
How will Michael Carrick cope with European football and two games a week? And will United sign a left-back, or a midfielder to do the running for Youri Tielemans and Andrey Sanrtos, neither of whom are especially mobile?
8 Brentford
They’ve largely kept last season’s side together, upgraded Jordan Henderson with Mamadou Sangaré and added greater depth to the forward line with Calum Wilson and Jaidon Anthony.
9 Leeds
Leeds stayed up comfortably last season and have bolstered sensibly this time, with a clear upgrade in goal as James Trafford comes in.
10 Nottingham Forest
After the chaos of last season and the four managers, Oliver Glasner is perhaps a more solid, if spiky, choice. Morgan Gibbs-White looks like staying; the question is just whether Evangelos Marinakis does anything to undermine harmony.
11 Brighton
Jan Paul van Hecke and Danny Wekbeck will be losses, but Brighton are good at transition, although Europe could be disruptive.
12 Fulham
Alvaro Arbeloa gave planet of reasons to doubt him at Real Madrid, but not manager should ever be judged on their time at the Bernabéu. Much depends on whether the two former Madrid youth team players he has brought with him settle.
13 Newcastle United
The mood around Newcastle is of gloom, and there is the possible of utter failure, but Matthias Jaissle arrives with a good reputation and the squad is not as thin as many have suggested.
14 Everton
Signings have been limited but sensible, but the big question is whether Davud Moyes can shake off the cloud of frustration that dogged his side in the latter part of last season.
15 Sunderland
After a brilliant first season back, Sunderland now have to deal with expectation, the fact they will not surprise opponents and the demands of European football. Keeping hold of stars was important, but this is not yet a squad ready to deal with both Europa League and Premier League.
16 Bournemouth
The Cherries too might struggle managing both Europe and domestic football, and there have to be doubts as to whether Marco Rose can fill Andoni Iraola’s shoes.
17 Ipswich Town
Ipswich have recent Premier League experience and have made some intriguing signings and Gary O’Neil probably feels he has some unfinished business in the Premier League. But is this side physically strong enough?
18 Crystal Palace
They ended last season with a trophy, which helped cover over the dissatisfaction of the final months of the Oliver Glasner reign, but they’ll have Europa League football, have made little investment so far and might lose further players before the window shuts. Pierre Sage’s football should suit their counter-attacking instincts.
19 Coventry City
All three promoted sides face a major challenge to stay up. Coventry have added goalscoring power in Taiwo Awoniyi, but the squad still looks a little short, and much will depend on how Frank Lampard reacts to adversity.
20 Hull City
It was a major surprise Hull were promoted, not just in terms of apparent squad strength but xG, and it’s hard to see their spending being enough to keep them up.