The consensus is that Arsenal will retain their Premier League crown.
Mikel Arteta’s team is the most stable of all the expected title contenders.
After winning their first title in 22 years last season, the Gunners have added Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa and Christos Tzolis to their stacked squad.
By the time they kicked off their title defence, they already had silverware, having beaten Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield.
Arsenal dispatched Coventry City at the Emirates by the same scoreline. It could have been more.
“Yes, they are clear favourites,” Clinton McDubus, a top football analyst and podcaster, tells DAILY POST.
“In fact, this should be a straightforward title for them.
“They have the best squad, the most settled team and the most balanced team.
“They are also the hardest team to beat and have been in title races for the past four seasons.
“When you consider that Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool all have new managers who will need time to get their teams to gel, it becomes clearer.
“None of the three look ready to compete, along with Manchester United,” he stated.
United were supposed to be one of the challengers for the title.
But Michael Carrick’s men suffered a shock 2-0 defeat at newly promoted Hull City on Saturday.
Was this loss to the Tigers a blip or a manifestation of symptoms?
“Definitely a manifestation of symptoms.
“The fact that both goals came from set pieces is a particular worry that needs addressing, but so is the lack of ideas against an organised Hull defence.
“The lack of intensity was also a factor, but that can be more easily addressed.
“Carrick has a lot of work left to do if they are to have a great season,” McDubus said.
On Sunday, two other contenders, Manchester City and Liverpool, will begin their campaigns.
City welcome Bournemouth, who ended their title challenge last term, while Liverpool take on Newcastle United.
The duo, along with Chelsea, could provide stiffer opposition to Arsenal than Manchester United.
McDubus said: “It looks like it. I think all three look more likely to threaten Arsenal than Manchester United, despite all having new managers.
“It’s hard to really say just how good they will be this early because we don’t have enough to work with.
“Manchester City’s performance against Arsenal, however, showed why we shouldn’t expect too much from them under Maresca.
“We already saw his flaws at Chelsea, and they were on show yet again. He doesn’t seem capable of maintaining the standards Pep set.”
What other shock results can we expect this weekend?
“I have a sneaky feeling we might see a surprise result at the Etihad. I can’t confidently back Liverpool to win against Newcastle either,” McDubus said.
EPL: Arsenal set pace for Man City, Chelsea in title race as Man Utd falter