Manchester City has won the Premier League title three times in a row and it wouldn't be a risky gamble to place a bet on them becoming champions again if Jack Grealish or Harry Kane are available by the close of the transfer window. Is it as clear-cut and straightforward as some good judges seem to think? City should shift its focus to the Champions League crown.The plot thickens behind Man City and the chasers enter the new campaign with realistic ambitions of knocking the champions off their perch.- ESPN+ viewers' guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more (U.S.)- Watch ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. Only)- Do you not have ESPN? Get instant accessChelsea defeated Pep Guardiola's team to win the Champions League final. Thomas Tuchel hopes that Romelu Lukaku, Inter Milan's goal-scoring machine, will join his team to help them add more power and goals to their already talented team. Manchester United, runners up last season, will be hopeful that Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho can help them win their first title since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013. Liverpool will be surrounded by Virgil Van Dijk and a full Anfield, so there is no reason to believe they can't reclaim their champagne form from two seasons ago.This promises to be a thrilling season with full stadiums, new VAR directives and less soft penalties. The record-breaking 125 spot kicks last season was almost comical as players tumbled to and fro on the turf with every gust of wind.Here are my thoughts club-by-club ahead of Friday's opening game. However, predictions at this stage should always be temperated by the fact other major transfer developments remain very possible with the window closing at August 31.Pep Guardiola and Man City won the title last season, and they have now added Jack Grealish. They are hard to catch. Michael Regan/Getty ImagesARSENALAlthough Ben White, a Brighton and England defender, was added for 50 million by the Gunners, it is not enough. After two consecutive eight-place finishes, more must be done. Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and other youngster will only get better. However, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang must regain his scoring form. Mikel Arteta, Mikel's manager, is still a mystery.ASTON VILLAHow will they deal with the loss Grealish, their talisman? This is the main question, despite Dean Smith spending a lot on Emi Buendia, Emi Buendia and Danny Ings to increase their attacking options. Ashley Young will also be back to provide much-needed experience. Villa will finish in the middle of the table to consolidate their Premier League status.BRENTFORDAlthough the West London club has been a lower-league team for so many years, they will now be the 50th Premier League team. Their Danish manager Thomas Frank believes that the squad's enterprising approach can bring about shocks. They will need Ivan Toney, their star striker from last season's 33 goals, to help them get into the top flight. After some painful near-misses in promotion, the Bees deserve their chance.BRIGHTONLast season was easy on the eyes, finishing 16th with 41 points. Although they will be hurt by the departure of Arsenal-bound White in mid-season, they have sufficient defensive cover in Dan Burn, Adam Webster, Lewis Dunk and Dan Burn. Yves Bissouma, one of the most popular midfielders in the league, is also a very attractive player. They would be able to get Tariq Lamptey, their rampaging wingback, fit.BURNLEYAlthough there hasn't been much transfer activity under ALK, they are smart enough know Sean Dyche's value and will not let go. After an uncharacteristically poor start, the Clarets finished 11 points clear of trouble and have enough fight and nous -- along with very good pros like Nick Pope, Ben Mee and James Tarkowski -- to keep them above the waterline again.Play 1:31 Leboeuf would love to see Lukaku at Chelsea Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf loves Romelu Lukaku, who is reportedly close to returning to Stamford Bridge.CHELSEAThis team is most likely to challenge title-winners Manchester City. They beat them with a flawless tactical display in the Champions League final. Although they are a talented team, they were only eighth in the Premier League's scoring charts last season. Romelu Lukaku is expected to arrive from Inter for approximately 98m, according to Inter's current situation. Although the Belgian is no longer the sloppy kid who failed to perform in his first stint at Stamford Bridge is another question.CRYSTAL PALACEThe Palace has seen a lot of changes this summer. As the club undergoes a major overhaul, Patrick Vieira replaces Roy Hodgson. A dozen players were close to their contract ends, but Wilfried Zaha, the star player, and Christian Benteke, the reborn Christian Benteke, remain. Importantly, Palace has added Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi, and the promising young playmaker Michael Olise. It's a tough test for Vieira.STREAM ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ Dan Thomas is joined with Craig Burley, Shaka Herlop and other experts to bring you the most recent highlights and discuss the major storylines. Stream on ESPN+ (U.S only).EVERTONCarlo Ancelotti left Real Madrid to join Rafa Benitez. Some Toffees fans won't forgive Rafa for calling Real Madrid a "small club" while he managed Liverpool over a decade ago. Will Rafa be able to win over his critics or will there be chaos at Goodison Park for a side that slipped into 10th last season? There has been nothing in the transfer market that suggests they could improve. Demarai Gray, a new signing, still needs to prove that he is capable of being a top-flight regular. However, Andros Townsend may get a fresh lease on life on Merseyside.LEEDS UNITEDMarcelo Bielsa's team, which has a remarkable return to the top flight and a ninth-place finish last year, is a great example of Marcelo Bielsa's turbo-charged team. If they don't get hit with "second season syndrome", they could even challenge the top six. Junior Firpo, a Barca native, has arrived for 13m.Play 2:05 Laurens is furious at the Fofana tackle Julien Laurens. Laurens explains why Villarreal's Fer Nio should not be playing football until Wesley Fofana returns from injury.LEICESTERPreseason's injury to Wesley Fofana (the Foxes' young and outstanding defender), is devastating. It may also leave them feeling a bit thin at the back. Even though they missed the top four, it was a successful season. Patson Daka and Boubakary Soumare are great additions for Brendan Rodgers' options. He still has all his big-hitters aboard, with Harvey Barnes returning from injury and James Justin moving along nicely.Will they be able to sustain themselves in the Europa League for a long time?LIVERPOOLIt would be interesting to see if the "old Liverpool", who won the title two years ago, is still there. They finished third in May after a terrible run in mid-season due to some serious injuries. They have a stronger look with the return of Virgil Van Dijk, and the 36m signing Ibrahima Konate. However, Curtis Jones will need to take over Gini Wijnaldum’s shoes after his departure from PSG. The preseason is also dominated by the shadow of Jordan Henderson's contract dispute.play 1:28 How will Grealish fit in Guardiola's Man City plans? Mark Ogden discusses the use of Jack Grealish by Pep Guardiola and asks if Man City really needs him.MANCHESTER CITYA shameful collection of riches. How will Pep Guardiola fit Grealish into his team? Any team would benefit from the England man's ability run with the ball and draw fouls, as well as setting up chances. His unique talents make him a valuable asset. Kane would be a great addition to City's attack. With Riyad Mahrez, Phil Foden, Rahem Sterling and Phil Foden fighting for their spots, with Bernardo Silva likely on his way out, City's attack will take on a terrifying look. Keep in mind, too, that Kevin De Bruyne only started 23 Premier League games last year and should be back at his spectacular best. City was champions last season by 12 points, but this year will prove more difficult.MANCHESTER UNITEDClub members have voted in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's confidence to extend his contract until 2024. They also provided funds for Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Raphael Varane. Marcus Rashford is out for two months due to a shoulder injury. Sancho will have the opportunity to showcase his extraordinary talents, while Harry Maguire and Varane look a winning combination at the back. United could be at the top of this table if Bruno Fernandes recovers from his poor Euros performance (he looked tired), though there is still uncertainty about Paul Pogba's contract, which expires in June 2022.play 1:43 What will Raphal Varane do with Man United's defenses? The ESPN FC team examines all factors that could affect Raphal Varane's performance with the Manchester United defense.NEWCASTLEDespite being in constant turmoil, they managed to finish 12th last year as Steve Bruce responded to his Toon critics. They must keep Callum Wilson healthy and secure the Arsenal deal for Joe Willock. Joe Willock's flurry goals was crucial at the end last season. They have been quiet so far in the transfer market.NORWICH CITYThey were promoted to the top flight the first time they asked, and are now Championship winners. Manager Daniel Farke was a constant supporter. Although they lost their main chance creator Buendia to Aston Villa, they managed to secure the loan of Chelsea's young midfielder Billy Gilmour. Although the Canaries are a bit more ambitious than they were in the Premier League's last visit, it seems like this club is in a relegation battle.play 1:03 How will Josh Sargent adjust to the Premier League? Sebastian Salazar and HerculezGomez discuss Josh Sargent's move to Norwich from Werder Bremen.SOUTHAMPTONSaints fans will be alarmed by the sudden sale of striker Danny Ings, to Aston Villa. Ryan Bertrand, a reliable left-back from Leicester City, has also been sold. There will likely be bids to become captain James Ward Prowse. The Saints could be a surprise force if they don't improve their squad by August 31.TOTTENHAMThere are many questions about the Kane case, and these are trying times for north London. Nuno Espirito Sante has had a difficult start to his new job, but Spurs have now added Bryan Gil (Sevilla winger) and Cristian Romero (47m defender). This is in addition to Toby Alderweireld's departure. They have to pay the price for finishing seventh in last season's Europa Conference League. Their prospects will depend on how they replace Kane, if he does go. Inter's Lautaro Martnez is being considered.WATFORDAs the Hornets make their return to the top flight, the young Club Brugge boy Emmanuel Dennis will be a big hit. Other new additions include Danny Rose, an ex-england left-back, and Ashley Fletcher, a Middlesbrough striker. Ismaila Sarr, a dangerous winger, is also still there. It could be a difficult winter at Vicarage Road.WEST HAMHow will they manage the week of Thursday-Sunday matches while they prepare for Europa League? Last season, it was a bold performance to finish sixth with an England team that included Declan Rice as the leader and Michail Antonio as the real threat men. They'd love to bring Jesse Lingard from Manchester United back after a productive loan and add a top defender such as Kurt Zouma from Chelsea or Marseille's Duje Caleta-Car. David Moyes is expected to be busy in August.WOLVESAfter two consecutive seventh-place finishes, last season was a wake up call. They slipped to 13th place with 45 points. Bruno Lage has replaced Nuno as Tottenham's new manager. Raul Jimenez, the top striker, is now fit after sustaining a terrible fractured skull in last season. Although there have been some low-key signings it could be another difficult year unless Pedro Neto (if he stays), and Adama Traore (if they leave) can provide an effective supply line to Jimenez. The fans at Molineux could be excited by Barca's Winger Francisco Trincao.
