LONDON, Aug. 8 -- The 2019-20 English Premier League (EPL) season kicks off on Friday and teams have a lot to live up to after supplying all four European finalists last season. But Europe aside, most clubs will focus on the daily "bread and butter" of the EPL, with some aiming to survive and others focused on glory.
Manchester City are again the side to beat as Pep Guardiola's men look for a third consecutive league title. City's only major summer signing is Rodrigo Hernandez from Atletico Madrid, but the Spanish international will give much-needed cover in central midfield.
Meanwhile, Benjamin Mendy's recovery from injury will give Guardiola more options at left back, and Phil Foden's continued development promises to be one of the most exciting things about the coming season.
Liverpool have also been quiet in the transfer market with Jurgen Klopp insisting there is no need to sign just for the sake of it and his side's performance against Manchester City (especially in the second half) in the Community Shield shows that the European champions will push the league title holders all the way.
Everyone else in the EPL is playing "catch-up" and there is a lot of catching up to do considering that Chelsea finished third last season a massive 25 points behind Liverpool.
Chelsea's cause has not been helped by a FIFA transfer ban and the departure of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid means their squad looks weaker on paper.
The club was able to bring in Christian Pulisic, who was signed in January, and the arrival of Frank Lampard as coach as well as the return of young players Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham from loans spells has brought a certain optimism to the club, although it remains to be seen how Lampard will perform in only his second season as a coach.
Tottenham have signed midfielder Tanguy Ndombele to add more fire to midfield, although their season will probably depend on Harry Kane scoring goals and in keeping Christian Erikson, who is linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Last season saw Spurs tire in the run at the end of the season as the commitments of juggling European and domestic games took their toll and the squad doesn't look much deeper this time around.
Arsenal, with Unai Emery in his second campaign, broke the club record to sign Nicolas Pepe, while the addition of Dani Ceballos from Real Madrid looks to be a smart move if the Spaniard can adapt to live in England. However, Arsenal's season will depend on their improving in defense and in strikers Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette continuing their prolific attacking form.
The pressure is on at Old Trafford where Manchester United have no option other than improve on last season, which ended with a run of eight defeats in 12 matches.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keeps his job and has had pre-season to work with his team which has been strengthened by the world record signing of central defender Harry Maguire, as well as winger David James and right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Midfield could still be an issue for United, after Ander Herrera's departure and with Paul Pogba still apparently suffering itchy feet. A tricky start to the season which sees United kick off the campaign at home to Chelsea before visiting Wolves could set the tone for what lies ahead.
Elsewhere, Wolves will look to build on their excellent return to the top flight, while Everton will hope that Marco Silva's second season will see them continue to push towards the top-six.
Brenden Rodgers' Leicester City promise to be entertaining, although they may miss Maguire's influence in defense, while West Ham United could also push into the top half under the experienced guidance of Manuel Pellegrini.
The battle to avoid relegation will probably include the newly-promoted sides, although Aston Villa have spent big in an effort to try to make their return last more than a year and Sheffield United and Norwich played sharp and tidy football last season in the Championship.
Newcastle United fans must also be worried after Rafael Benitez departed and Steve Bruce took the post. Bruce has a fine record in the Championship, but his record in the EPL is average to say the least. As a local boy Bruce will have the fans on his side, but the animosity towards club owner Mike Ashley could poison the atmosphere at St James' Park if Newcastle get off to a slow start.
Elsewhere, Brighton and Hove Albion will need to put the second half of last season behind them, while Crystal Palace could struggle if they lose Wilfred Zaha as well as Wan-Bissaka.
Would you let your baby sleep in a box? 你愿意让自己的宝宝在盒子里睡觉吗?
The good of gardening 园艺疗法益心养神
Bye bye Big Ben's bongs 与大本钟的钟声暂时告别
The future of English 未来的英语语言变化
Online Shopping 网上购物-英语点津
威廉王子2016年首个英国全国反欺凌日视频致辞
Summer in Britain 英国夏季的节日和活动
Wardrobe dilemma 面对衣橱的困惑
Pull something out of the hat 突施妙计
Are you ready for your exam? 考试,你准备好了吗?
Closing the doors on paradise 为生态修复关闭旅游天堂岛屿
The daily commute 每天上下班
Are you addicted to your phone? 你是不是玩手机上瘾了?
Bust a gut 拼了命地工作
Mobiles at the movies 在电影院里玩手机
To make a mountain out of a molehill 小题大做
奥巴马总统在911事件十五周年纪念日活动上的演讲
The problem with big brains 聪明大脑所带来的问题
How to live longer 怎么才能长寿
How safe is your bed? 你的床安全吗?
How to become a billionaire 如何成为亿万富翁
Sweat it out – in a bath! 泡热水澡等于做运动
Why do we laugh? 为什么我们会笑?
In defence of shyness 为害羞的人辩护
Can a lie-in make you healthier? 睡懒觉能让你更健康?
Old-school 老一套,老派
Brain training 如何训练大脑?
Need glasses? Try kale instead. 视力不好吃羽衣甘蓝试试
A matter of waste 废物回收一两事
Loss of biodiversity affects human society 生物多样性减少给人类社会带来影响
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