A mere 48 days after the previous campaign ended, the season kicks off on Saturday when Fulham host Arsenal at Craven Cottage
Only 48 days after the 2019/20 campaign ended in July, the 20 clubs renew battle once more as Fulham kick off the 2020/21 season at home to Arsenal from 12:30 BST.
Can Liverpool successfully defend a Premier League title at the first time of asking? On only eight occasions in the 28 seasons of the competition have the Premier League champions lifted the Trophy again the following season.
“We’ve got a brilliant campaign to look forward to,” says Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters. “It’s going to be tight at the top. History has shown it is difficult to win a title back-to-back.”
Leading the chase of the champions will be last season’s runners-up Manchester City.
But Pep Guardiola’s men are likely to be swiftly followed by a Manchester United side revitalised by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and a Chelsea team to whom some big names have been added over the summer.
Germany’s Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, playmaker Hakim Ziyech and defenders Ben Chilwell and Thiago Silva have been brought in by Frank Lampard, who is hoping to become the first person to win a Premier League title as both a player and a head coach.
Can Leicester City repeat the top-four challenge that was masterminded last season by Brendan Rodgers and spearheaded by the Golden Boot winner Jamie Vardy?
And will Jose Mourinho and Mikel Arteta be able to return their sides to the UEFA Champions League places in their first full seasons at Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal respectively?
Leeds lead promoted trio
The three promoted clubs are led by the return from a 16-year absence by Leeds United, guided by their esteemed head coach Marcelo Bielsa.
Fulham and West Bromwich Albion will be hoping to emulate the success that Sheffield United achieved last season with a top-10 finish on their return to the top flight.
As well as Chelsea’s acquisitions there are many exciting international stars among the new faces in the Premier League this season, including 2014 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez at Everton, Spain forward Rodrigo at Leeds and Donny van de Beek at Man Utd.
Emerging English talent
Alongside the international talent emerging, young English talent will also be on display.
After a season where the number of homegrown players starting in the Premier League rose from the previous campaign, can the likes of Curtis Jones, Bukayo Saka, Mason Greenwood and Dwight McNeil kick on from their impressive 2019/20 displays?
Absent fans ‘missing ingredient’
Of course, “the key missing ingredient” is the fans in stadiums, says Masters, whose No 1 priority is getting supporters back in grounds.
The Chief Executive appreciates greatly the continued support for the Premier League has around the world.
“You fans stuck with us through the 100-day break and we are grateful for that, ” said Richard Masters, Premier League CEO
“I’d like to thank everyone for sticking with us,” Masters says. “It’s been a difficult time and what you have seen on television has not been what you are used to.
“You stuck with us through the 100-day break and we are grateful for that.”
Amid the uncertainty caused by the pandemic, with just 253 days before the end of the season on Sunday 23 May, Masters is sure of one thing.
“I am certain that this Premier League season will deliver its usual thrills and spills.”
This article was previously published on Premier League