Liverpool has not returned to Back as champions since the 1980s. Arsenal chases their first Premier League crown in 21 years. Manchester City has won six of the last eight. Chelsea are champions of the world.
All four believe they can win this season – and they all spent big to make it happen. But it can be their right wings that hold the key.
Three of the last four PFA player of the year winners have been right -wingers. The top four of last season all had a talisman who tore it up that flank. This season, the right wing is perhaps the most valuable piece of grass in English football.
Salah's most difficult test so far
Mohamed Salah has just posted the highest target involvement of his career in Liverpool – 47 goals and assists combined. But repeat it? That is a different story.
Afcon will fall apart from at least five league matches, and history suggests that the real challenge is coming after the tournament. In his last two AFCON seasons, Salah's Post -return Form and faded the title of Liverpool -they were great when he left in 2024, nine points behind the finish.
Arne Slot's headache not only fills the boots of Salah in January – it immediately houses him when he is back.
Saka's time to shine
Bukayo Saka has been the heartbeat of Arsenal on the right flank – but last season that heartbeat stuttered. A hamstring injury cut its minutes, barely surprisingly considering the pure charge he has worn. From August 2021 to December 2024, no more Premier League performances made.
Before that injury, Saka had his most productive season for goal involvement per 90 minutes. Now that Noni Madueke arrives to share the load, Arsenal hopes that they can keep him sharp.
He never has 25 targets at the top of a competition season. Salah has hit Liverpool 27 or more every year. But on just 23, Saka still has time – and the ceiling that corresponds to the figures from the Egyptian.
Foden's determining role
Phil Foden was the PFA player of the year in 2023/24, but the last term saw him drift. Used over multiple roles, he lost the rhythm that made him unplayable.
With Kevin De Bruyne Weg, City Foden needs to possess the creative hub. That may mean that more starts in his favorite positions – but also the pressure to produce every week. New signing Rayan Cherki will take minutes, which means that Foden has to hit the ground.
Palmer's consistency –
Cole Palmer illuminated 2023/24 with a competition-high 33 targeted involvement and was at the top of the competition during his first 10 games in the past term.
His volume remained high, but his bargain limited as last season wore and became central and predictable. If Palmer adds variation and keeping sharpness in the early season, it is impossible to say which records he could break.
Four clubs. Four judges with the right flank. Four potential title deciders. The Premier League crown may simply be won or lost.