26/27 preview series

A very forgettable season is what many West Londoners would describe last year’s one as, one which slowly yet agonisingly seemed to get worse with each gameweek that passed. From finding themselves 2nd in the league during late November, things quickly spiralled downwards after Maresca’s departure on New Years Day, until after the final game, Chelsea sat 10th in the Premier League table, evidently taking steps backward rather than forward. However, the glass-half-full perspective would beg to differ. With a new and innovative gaffer running the dugout, and a lack of European football, the Blues can focus their attention solely on domestic affairs, without the need to fret about injuries or squad rotation. So, fear not Chelsea fans, as come the end of this piece, even the pessimists out there should awaken to the true promise this forthcoming season has in store, where if approached correctly and methodically, the disastrous seasons of the recent past could all be made up for.

After successfully getting their hands on the Premier League trophy last year, which had previously avoided them for a good 22 years, The Arsenal now have the opportunity to rid themselves of the stigma that has haunted them during Arteta’s reign and instead transcend into the next calibre of footballing dynasties. Heartbreak in the Champions League final will have only stoked the fire inside Mikel’s men, fuelled by the prospect of revenge, a replenished and predatory side will be eager and raring to put right what was so gut-wrenchingly ripped from them during the 25/26 campaign. With the departure of Pep Guardiola, a weakened Manchester City seem vulnerable, will surely not be themselves and may offer limited challenge to the title. This never-seen before chance to etch their names into the footballing history books sits invitingly right in front of them, but the question is, will The Gunners take it?

Down on the southern coastline of England, over the past couple of campaigns, Bournemouth have undoubtedly cemented themselves as the modern day example of a well-run football club, that all other teams should aspire to replicate. Despite being arguably the ‘smallest’ club in the premiership, they still continue to display their world class scouting networks and genius recruitment of tacticos, capable of playing some of the world’s most well-drilled teams in England, and possibly now Europe, off the pitch. With this, they are surely on track for another year of overachieving and unprecedented progression?