London, Aug 15 (PTI) The 2025-26 Premier League season is set to kick off with reigning champions Liverpool facing Bournemouth at Anfield.
Anticipation at Anfield =====================
Liverpool is gearing up to defend their league title for the first time since the mid-1980s, but they do so amidst a somber backdrop.
It promises to be an emotional evening on Friday as Anfield hosts a match for the first time since the untimely passing of Diogo Jota.
The forward, who donned Liverpool's colors for five seasons, and his brother Andre Silva were tragically killed in a car accident in Spain last month.
The Liverpool community continues to mourn Jota’s loss, and it remains uncertain how the team will fare this season.
"The first time we arrive for a session, the first time we play a game, the first time after 20 minutes (Jota wore No. 20) they sing his song — all these things are difficult," Liverpool manager Arne Slot shared.
A moment's silence will be observed at all Premier League matches in the opening round in memory of Jota and his brother.
Players will don black armbands, while clubs will have messaging and imagery to display on large screens.
City Eyes Redemption ==================
Pep Guardiola has never endured two consecutive seasons without securing a league title.
Motivating him and Manchester City this season is the attempt to reclaim their position at the top, after finishing third last season - despite winning the previous four Premier League titles.
City also faces ongoing challenges, with more than 100 charges of alleged financial misconduct from the Premier League in 2023.
The case, adjudicated by an independent commission last year, still awaits a verdict.
Arsenal's New Frontman ===================
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who was often questioned about signing a striker last season, has finally acquired his man.
Viktor Gyokeres, who lit up the scene at Sporting Lisbon with 97 goals in 102 games, has joined the Gunners.
With the added signing of elite holding midfielder Martin Zubimendi, expectations are high for Arteta to deliver Arsenal's first league title since 2004.
Gyokeres, a 27-year-old Swedish striker, faces pressure to make an impact, especially after an unremarkable stint at Brighton.
Heavy Investments in Play ======================
This season, Premier League clubs have pushed the envelope on spending.
Nearly $3 billion has been splurged on player acquisitions since the last season ended— and the summer transfer window remains open for over two weeks.
Liverpool tops the spending charts, investing approximately $350 million in players such as German playmaker Florian Wirtz, French striker Hugo Ekitike, and full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.
This total may soar further if they secure Newcastle’s unsettled striker Alexander Isak soon.
Chelsea has also splurged a substantial $330 million, adding strikers Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.
Manchester United and Arsenal each spent around $260 million, with United reconstructing their attack with Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and Bryan Mbeumo.
Promotion and Relegation Challenges ============================
Staying competitive in the Premier League is increasingly daunting for promoted clubs.
The last two seasons saw all three newly-promoted teams face demotion by the year's end.
This season, the spotlight is on Leeds, Burnley, and Sunderland.
Sunderland's return to the Premier League is garnering interest, especially with their background story featured in the Netflix documentary 'Sunderland 'Til I Die', which chronicled their challenges in the lower leagues since their 2017 relegation.
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