Just one month has passed since Manchester City beat Internazionale in the Champions League final, but attention is already turning towards next season.
The first round of fixtures get underway on August 11, with newly promoted Burnley hosting treble winners City in a Friday night kick-off. New managers will also be in the dugout during the opening weekend, with Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea hosting Liverpool and Pochettino's former club Spurs travelling to Brentford for Ange Postecoglou's first game in charge.
All 20 Premier League clubs are likely to dip into the transfer market in the coming weeks. For now, though, Mirror Football has looked at how they might to line up in their openers.
First, a note on the XIs below: we have avoided speculative deals, and only included transfers which are already done or close to being completed. Without further ado, then, here's what could be in store when English football's top competition gets back underway.
Arsenal
Ramsdale; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Odegaard, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Arsenal have already completed their first deal of the summer, with Kai Havertz joining from Chelsea. Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber are due to follow, while there have also been new contracts agreed with key men including Bukayo Saka and William Saliba.
![](https://i2-prod.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article30433201.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_Tottenham-Hotspur-v-Arsenal-FC-Premier-League.jpg)
Rice and Havertz should step in for Thomas Partey and the departed Granit Xhaka in the big changes from last term. The versatile Timber isn't a lock to start at right-back, but may end up getting the nod over Ben White
Aston Villa
Martinez; Cash, Torres, Diego Carlos, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans, Luiz; Buendia, Watkins, Bailey
Villa have been dealt a couple of injury blows in the lead-up to the new campaign. Alex Moreno might not be at full fitness as he continues his recovery, while Jacob Ramsey limped out of England's European under-21 campaign.
One man back from injury is Diego Carlos, who returned late last season, and he could be partnered by Pau Torres with the Spaniard on the verge of signing. Youri Tielemans has also signed, on a free from Leicester, and has a chance to slot straight in to Unai Emery's midfield three.
Bournemouth
![](https://i2-prod.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article30433195.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_AFC-Bournemouth-v-Manchester-City-Premier-League.jpg)
Neto; Smith, Senesi, Zabarnyi, Kelly; Cook, Billing, Traore; Ouattara, Solanke, Kluivert
Bournemouth quietly went about splashing the cash to boost their squad last term, and have continued this summer. Hamed Junior Traore's loan has been made permanent, with Justin Kluivert also joining.
Both could feature on opening weekend along with Illya Zabarnyi, who was eased in after his big-money January move. There may yet be further deals, with a replacement for long-serving midfielder Jefferson Lerma likely to arrive.
Brentford
Raya; Hickey, Collins, Mee, Henry; Norgaard, Jensen, Janelt; Mbeumo, Schade, Wissa
With David Raya now looking likely to stay, attention turns to Brentford's attack. Ivan Toney's suspension means the Bees may yet look for a new face, but they impressed late last season with a more fluid approach and Kevin Schade could grow into a first-team regular.
![](https://i2-prod.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article30433216.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_Greece-Ireland-Euro-2024-Soccer-23167705712288.jpg)
The stand-out new signing is Nathan Collins, who may be a long-term successor to Ben Mee but is capable of partnering the veteran for at least a year. Fellow new face Romeo Beckham, however, is seen more as one for the future.
Brighton
Verbruggen; Veltman, Webster, Dunk, Estupinan; Dahoud, Milner; Joao Pedro, March, Mitoma; Ferguson
Brighton's goalkeeper situation needed resolving going into the new season, and the arrival of Bart Verbruggen appears to be the solution. The youngster will still have competition, with Jason Steele and Robert Sanchez both still around at the time of writing, but Verbruggen has already shown his top-flight quality in Belgium.
Moises Caicedo is expected to be sold for a hefty fee, though his next move is far from certain, but it could be new man Mahmoud Dahoud plus one of James Milner and Adam Lallana in the middle on opening weekend. Joao Pedro's arrival also offers more options up front, where Roberto De Zerbi could use one of a number of combinations.
Burnley
Trafford; Roberts, Beyer, Al-Dakhil, Maatsen; Cork, Cullen, Brownhill; Benson, Rodriguez, Zaroury
![](https://i2-prod.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article30433198.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_England-U21-v-Spain-U21-Euro-Under-21-Championship-Final-Adjarabet-Arena.jpg)
James Trafford appears on the verge of a move from Manchester City, but there are questions in front of him. Efforts have been made to bring Ian Maatsen back to Turf Moor, while January signings Ameen Al-Dakhil and Hjalmar Ekdal will be battling it out for a spot next to Jordan Beyer after the German's move became permanent.
Wout Weghorst is back from his year out on loan, but the Dutchman isn't expected to lead the line. Vincent Kompany will likely strengthen in attack, with a return for forward Nathan Tella among a number of possible additions, but for the time being Jay Rodriguez could be the main man.
Chelsea
Kepa; James, Fofana, Silva, Chilwell; Fernandez, Gallagher; Madueke, Sterling, Mudryk; Nkunku
Chelsea's biggest question comes in midfield, with a number of first-teamers leaving this summer. New boss Pochettino has a choice of trusting youth or dipping into the transfer market, with both possible.
![](https://i2-prod.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article30433203.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_FBL-EURO-QUALIFIER-FRA-PRESSER.jpg)
Defensive picks are made easier by Benoit Badiashile likely not returning from injury in time, while we expect only one of new pair Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson to start from the get-go. Pochettino appears keen to keen Raheem Sterling and Mykhaylo Mudryk in his set-up, but a lot can still change.
Crystal Palace
Johnstone; Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Lerma, Doucoure; Ayew, Eze, Schlupp; Edouard
Wilfried Zaha's likely exit is something Palace anticipated, but Michael Olise's injury is not. The young talent suffered a hamstring issue while playing for France's under-21 side, and is unlikely to be ready come August.
![](https://i2-prod.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article30433211.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_Crystal-Palace-v-AFC-Bournemouth-Premier-League-Selhurst-Park.jpg)
Jefferson Lerma is a tidy addition, with James McArthur and Luka Milivojevic moving on, but the squad looks a little thin. Expect more new faces now Roy Hodgson has been confirmed as manager for another year.
Everton
Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, Keane, Holgate, Mykolenko; Garner, Doucoure, Onana, McNeil; Calvert-Lewin
Everton's financial situation leaves them in a tough spot, and that's before looking at injuries. They'll hope Seamus Coleman is fit to return after missing the end of the last campaign, though it might be Nathan Patterson starting the opener.
The departures of Yerry Mina and Conor Coady could see Sean Dyche move away from the three centre-back system used at times last term, though Jarrad Branthwaite could yet rival the other starters after an impressive loan. A move to a back four would make room for an extra starting midfielder, though there is interest in current starter Amadou Onana, while further forward a lot will rest on the fitness of Dominic Calvert-Lewin after the sale of youngster Ellis Simms.
Fulham
![](https://i2-prod.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article30433222.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_Manchester-United-v-Fulham-FC-Premier-League.jpg)
Leno; Tete, Tosin, Ream, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha, Cairney; Wilson, Mitrovic, Willian
Captain Tim Ream is getting on in years, but he showed last season that he should have another year at this level in him. Elsewhere in the back-line, a new deal for Antonee Robinson is great news for Marco Silva.
With Andreas Pereira an injury doubt, Tom Cairney may begin in the starting XI, while progress has been made on a new deal to keep Willian at the club. A lot will hinge on Joao Palhinha, who has attracted interest from the likes of West Ham but who Fulham will want to keep around.
Liverpool
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
![](https://i2-prod.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article30433223.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_Liverpool-Unveil-New-Signing-Alexis-Mac-Allister.jpg)
Based on Liverpool's use of Trent Alexander-Arnold in last season's run-in, we can probably view his position as more of a hybrid one than a straightforward right-back role. With that in mind, it could be an either-or situation when it comes to the selection of Alexis Mac Allister and Thiago.
Mac Allister's fellow new arrival Dominik Szoboszlai may find himself used in a front three at times, but we have him in midfield for the opener while a spot for Fabinho gives Stefan Bajcetic more time to return from injury. Up front, Darwin Nunez may get the chance against Chelsea's defence after returning sooner than European international stars Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota.
Luton
Kaminski; Drameh, Osho, Lockyer, Andersen, Doughty; Nakamba, Mpanzu, Campbell; Adebayo, Morris
![](https://i2-prod.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article30433215.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_Luton-Town-v-Middlesbrough-EFL-Sky-Bet-Championship-Football-Kenilworth-Road-Luton-UK-24-Apr.jpg)
As was the case with previous play-off winners Nottingham Forest 12 months ago, there are plenty of question marks over a Luton squad whose promotion was aided by loanees. Still, two of them - Cody Drameh and Marvelous Nakamba - could yet return.
With Ethan Horvath not expected to rejoin the Hatters, Blackburn's Thomas Kaminski appears to be the main goalkeeper target. New signing Mads Andersen has a chance to earn an instant place in a competitive back line, but fellow signing Chiedozie Ogbene may find himself used from the bench early on.
Manchester City
Ederson; Stones, Akanji, Dias, Ake; Rodri, Kovacic, Foden, Mahrez, Grealish; Haaland
![](https://i2-prod.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article30433209.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/2_GettyImages-1259130985.jpg)
Manchester City have already lost Ilkay Gundogan this summer, while questions remain over Bernardo Silva's future. This situation, coupled with Kevin De Bruyne potentially being unavailable through injury, impacts Pep Guardiola's options.
City will have decisions to make on their returning under-21 stars, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Tommy Doyle both impressing on loan last term. Pep Guardiola may leave some time before making those calls, though.
Manchester United
Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Mount; Rashford
We expect some of Man Utd's issues to be resolved by the start of the season, but if last season is anything to go by it might take longer than hoped. With uncertainty over a takeover on top of everything else, there are more questions than answers.
![](https://i2-prod.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article30433219.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_Manchester-United-UNveil-New-Signing-Mason-Mount.jpg)
A deal for Mason Mount has been wrapped up, of course, with a new goalkeeper - most likely Andre Onana - set to replace David de Gea. It's a different story up front, though, which may prompt manager Erik ten Hag to move Marcus Rashford into the middle for the time being.
Newcastle
Pope; Trippier, Botman, Schar, Burn; Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Isak
Newcastle are expected to dip into the transfer market after reaching the Champions League. For now, though, Sandro Tonali is the only new addition.
Callum Wilson's impressive early-season record may prompt Eddie Howe to start both him and Alexander Isak from the get-go. Anthony Gordon has impressed for England's under-21s, though, and will be pushing for more minutes than he managed last term.
![](https://i2-prod.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article30433226.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_New-Newcastle-United-Signing-Sandro-Tonali.jpg)
Nottingham Forest
Horvath; Aurier, Worrall, Felipe, Niakhate, Williams; Danilo, Freuler; Gibbs-White, Awoniyi, Johnson
After making use of loanees Dean Henderson and Keylor Navas last season, Forest are yet again at a crossroads in goal. One of Henderson and Navas could yet return, but for now it's a choice between the returning Ethan Horvath and veteran Wayne Hennessey.
Another man who could return after impressing on loan is Renan Lodi, but Neco Williams could move to his less favoured left side if no deal is in place. Further forward, a lot will hinge on Morgan Gibbs-White as the England under-21 star looks to build on an impressive 2023 so far.
Sheffield United
Foderingham; Ahmedhodzic, Egan, Robinson; Baldock, Norwood, Berge, Ben Slimane, Lowe; Ndiaye, McBurnie
![](https://i2-prod.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article30433193.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_Sheffield-United-v-Blackburn-Rovers-Emirates-FA-Cup-Quarter-Final.jpg)
Manchester City's plans could well have a knock-on effect on Sheffield United. Tommy Doyle and James McAtee impressed on loan last term, but it remains to be seen what happens with the pair.
Anis Ben Slimane is being tipped to join from Brondby, and the Tunisia international could help bolster a midfield which hasn't changed too much from the Blades' last Premier League spell. If last year's loanees don't return, though, further moves will be needed.
Tottenham
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Dier, Davies, Udogie; Bissouma, Hojbjerg; Son, Maddison, Kane
The Spurs lineup could look very different if Harry Kane moves on. He's still there as we write this, though, so he is in our XI, including a relatively depleted midfield as Spurs wait to welcome Rodrigo Bentancur back from injury.
![](https://i2-prod.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article30433204.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_Bologna-FC-v-Udinese-Calcio-Serie-A.jpg)
If Ange Postecoglou decides to emulate Antonio Conte's wing-back system, Destiny Udogie may well slot right in, though it could force James Maddison into a wider starting role. Maddison's fellow new arrival Guglielmo Vicario should replace Hugo Lloris, while Clement Lenglet could yet return permanently and claim a centre-back berth.
West Ham
Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Cresswell; Soucek, Paqueta; Bowen, Fornals, Benrahma; Antonio
While goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski has agreed an extension to his deal, the former Poland international is 38 now. It might be time for him to make way for Alphonse Areola, who impressed in the Hammers' unbeaten run to Europa Conference League glory.
![](https://i2-prod.irishmirror.ie/incoming/article30433214.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_AZ-Alkmaar-v-West-Ham-United-UEFA-Europa-Conference-League-Semi-Final-Second-Leg-AFAS-Stadiu.jpg)
The loss of Declan Rice is expected to bring investment, but for now all we can do is look at who's available. It could be the case that Pablo Fornals starts the campaign in a more central role, while David Moyes might also opt to begin the campaign with two up top after Gianluca Scamacca's return from surgery.
Wolves
Sa; Semedo, Kilman, Dawson, Bueno; Lemina, Nunes, Gomes; Neto, Jimenez, Cunha
Wolves have been selling before buying, but the £70m raised from the sales of Ruben Neves and Nathan Collins should be reinvested - at least in part. Neves' exit means Joao Gomes should get more minutes, while Craig Dawson can continue at the back after impressing after his January arrival.
The new season will provide an opportunity for fans to see Sasa Kalajdzic after the striker suffered a long-term injury last season. He might not be risked from day one, though allowing Raul Jimenez to continue up front.