Cardiff focus on Camarasa
Maurizio Sarri, their 11th in the Roman Abramovich era, while Liverpool’s massive spending – about £260million in the past two windows – could finally end the club’s 28-year wait to bring the title back to Anfield.
Will the lift of playing in their spanking new stadium give Tottenham – who have yet to make a summer signing – the momentum to make the to improve a long-standing knee problem. The Argentinian certainly started the season with a bang, notching a brace at Wembley on Sunday to bring up his double century for City.
Romelu Lukaku started last season on fire at Old Trafford but needs better service and a better understanding with Alexis Sanchez if he is to challenge for the prize.
GOLDEN GLOVE
THE race for the Golden Glove will be even more competitive leap from nearly-men to title winners, or have they hit the buffers under manager Mauricio Pochettino?
Can Wolves, Fulham and Cardiff match Newcastle, Brighton and Huddersfield by ensuring the three newly promoted clubs stay in the top flight for the second season running?
Here, RICHARD TANNER looks at the big issues: than usual after the arrival of the two most expensive goalkeepers in the world.
Liverpool’s purchase of Brazil No1 Alisson from Roma for a world-record fee of £67m was soon followed by Chelsea’s decision to trigger the £72m clause in the contract of Athletic Bilbao’s Kepa Arrizabalaga, right, as a replacement for Real Madrid-bound Courtois.
In the past, it has taken time for foreign goalkeepers to adjust to the demands of English football. But Ederson hit the ground running following his move from Benfica to Manchester City last summer and both Alisson and Kepa will be expected to justify their huge fees right from the opening kick-off.
Along with Ederson, they will offer a stiff challenge to David De Gea, who won the Golden Glove last season and is recognised as the Premier League’s top stopper.
Throw in World Cup winner Hugo Lloris, England hero Jordan Pickford and a rejuvenated Joe Hart – who will be determined to make a point at Burnley – and we are set for a fascinating battle to be king of the shut-outs. Thibaut
CUP COMPETITIONS
EVEN though they are not the chief priority for the top-six clubs, whose main targets are always the Premier League and Champions League, recent history shows the domestic cup competitions are usually still won by one of the big guns because their squads are so strong. City have already declared they want to win the lot and, with their quality and depth, it is difficult to argue against the possibility. But Liverpool boss Klopp needs to put some silverware in the Anfield trophy cabinet after losing three successive finals – in the League Cup, Europa League and Champions League. A bigger squad will now allow him to field stronger teams in the cup competitions. After some nearmisses, Mauricio Pochettino also needs to make the next step at Tottenham and win a trophy. So Liverpool for the FA Cup, Tottenham for the League Cup. CARDIFF are hoping to seal a late deal for Real Betis midfielder Victor Camarasa.
Bluebirds manager Neil Warnock is scrambling to add midfield cover to his squad before today’s 5pm deadline.
Reports in Spain suggest Cardiff are leading the chase for his services after a bid from Celta Vigo was turned down earlier in the window.
The 24-year-old, above, is happy in Seville but could be limited to a supporting role this season after the arrivals of World Cup star Takashi Inui and Spanish playmaker Sergio Canales.
Bournemouth midfielder Harry Arter is also back on the radar after Liverpool’s Marko Grujic refused a loan return to the Cardiff City Stadium. Ireland international Arter is available after Eddie Howe strengthened his midfield options by bringing in Jefferson Lerma for a £25m club record fee. But newly promoted Cardiff will have to go head to head with Premier League rivals Newcastle for his signature, with Middlesborough and Stoke also interested. Derby’s Tom Huddlestone is another option as Warnock aims to get his business done. JACK GREALISH will not try to force his way out of Aston Villa after his big-money move to Tottenham hit the rocks.
The 22-year-old, right, is disappointed Villa look to have slammed the door on a £25m transfer but is not expected to follow Thibaut Courtois’ example at Chelsea.
Championship side Villa insist Grealish is not for sale but a bid of nearer £30m could prompt a rethink.