The 2021/22 Premier League kicks off on four weeks time folks. Well, four weeks on Friday night to be precise as Manchester City begin the defence of their title.
The 2021 also-rans are jockeying for position and working hard in the transfer market to strengthen their squads while this teams lower down the food chain and the newly supported clubs do their business as quietly and cutely as they can.
The Sky Blues cantered to the title last season and the early Premier League 2021 betting odds suggest they should make it four titles in five years, though it would not have been so easy last season but for injuries to a key rival.
Liverpool’s defence — who was decimated by injury last term — is on the road to recovery with head coach Jurgen Klopp delighted by the progress of long term injuries Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, who are both progressing nicely according to the Reds boss.
Wing-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who missed out on the Euros, picking up a knock in the run up to the tournament is also doing well.
The three players are working on their fitness at Liverpool’s pre-season camp in Austria and Liverpool fans can hope to see the in action before too long.
So what else is happening in the Premier League 2021 news?
Heroes return
Well, after a summer of International football in which England came within a penalty shootout of ending 55 years of hurt, the players who delighted the nation for almost the entire competition are on their way back to their clubs.
Kalvin Phillips’ return to pre-season training with Leeds will earn a heroes welcome after he starred in the Three Lions campaign, winning a man-of-the-match award in the victory over Croatia and being a first pick throughout the competition.
Manchester United are expected to confirm the transfer of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund over the next few days and he’ll be a fan-favourite at Old Trafford for sure, while England captain Harry Kane returns to Spurs with his future still uncertain.
Nuno’s arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has done little to attract support in the betting markets with Spurs at odds of 41.00 here at SBOTOP to win the title.
They are cut adrift from the two Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Liverpool. And that won’t please Kane who has consistently won or challenged for the Golden Boot over the past few seasons.
He’s desperate to win silverware. And if England had won the penalty shootout against Italy, I wonder whether Spurs would have had a more contented player on their hands.
Deals done
There’s bound to be a flurry of business over the next few weeks, but a few eye-catching transfers have already been completed.
Leeds have confirmed the signing of midfield ace Jack Harrison from Manchester City while also capturing 24-year-old full-back Junior Firpo in a £13-M switch from Barcelona.
Liverpool have signed 22-year-old Ibrahima Konate in a £36-M move from RB Leipzig and the centre-back will be good competition and support for the returning duo.
Aston Villa have signed Norwich’s best player Emi Buendia for a cool £38-M while Burnley have attracted the highly rated 20-year-old centre-back Nathan Collins, completing a £12-M deal with Championship club Stoke City.
Opening Fixtures
So less than a month away, the 2021/22 season kicks off on Friday 13th August when newcomers Brentford make their first ever appearance in the Premier League as Arsenal are the visitors to the Brentford Community Stadium.
A London derby is all their fans could ask for and the Bees will be eyeing an opening night success as the opening round of fixtures usually throws up a surprise or two.
The tie of the round is at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium where Spurs host Manchester City. The hosts will be hoping Harry Kane is still a Spurs player after he said he’d make a decision on his future after the Euros.
Manchester City are reported to have a £100-M big rejected but the player could force a move if he feels strongly enough to do so, and Tottenham may have to cash in.
Elsewhere, Manchester United host Leeds United in the cross Pennine grudge match. The Whites surprised everyone with their success last term and they will go to Old Trafford without fear. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer knows he needs some success this season and might well target the cup competitions.
New boys Norwich City have a cracking opener against Liverpool and, having bounced back at the first attempt, the Canaries have more experience than two years ago when they played nice football but were too easily picked off.
There’s a mouthwatering Midlands derby at the King Power Stadium where Leicester City host Wolves, while the third promoted team in Watford have a home game against Aston Villa.
The Villains will hope they can keep hold of talisman Jack Grealish but he has a queue of big clubs clamouring for his signature.
Other fixtures:
Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
Burnley vs Brighton
Everton vs Southampton
West Ham vs Newcastle
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
