The 2021/22 Premier League season kicks off on Friday with promoted Brentford hosting Arsenal .
The Bees will be making their Premier League bow and are the 50th club to play in the top tier now in its 30th season .
Manchester City begin their title defence away to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday while European champions Chelsea take on London rivals Crystal Palace.
Manchester United welcome Leeds United to Old Trafford, Community Shield winners Leicester City face Wolves, Aston Villa are away to new boys Watford and Southampton travel to Everton.
Burnley v Brighton and Newcastle United v West Ham United complete Matchday 1.
Our writers have compiled their predictions for what's in store this campaign.
Andy Mitten - European Football Correspondent Champions: Manchester City
Top four: Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool
Relegated: Watford, Crystal Palace, Norwich City
Top scorer: Edinson Cavani
Surprise package: Brentford
Player of the season: Kevin de Bruyne
MANCHESTER UNITED RATINGS: David de Gea - 7. First pre-season appearance and set to be United’s number one when the league starts. Saved by the crossbar in the second half and a couple of nervy moments in the first where Everton should have done better.
Aaron Wan Bissaka - 7. Very advanced to the point that he could be level with his attackers. Fine against an Everton team who were 3-0 down with less than a third of the game gone, perhaps not against better opponents.
Victor Lindelof - 7. Easy afternoon for the Swede.
Harry Maguire - 8. Super 15th minute header for United’s second. He got into space and placed his header well. His manager wants more goals from him and, rather than seeing the ball going over his head, get on the end of the ball. He was happy today.
Luke Shaw - 7. Fine corner to assist Maguire’s goal. Looking as good as in the Euros.
Nemanja Matic - 9. Really impressed in the first half. Steady, strong and killed Everton getting forward with his through balls. Broke play up, kept ball well under pressure and didn’t lose the ball.
Donny van de Beek - 7. Promising. Vocal and always offering encouragement. Big season for him, but will he get sufficient chances? Only played 45 minutes
Mason Greenwood - 8. Was in the right place to take a seventh minute chance well after a mistake between the Everton goalkeeper and defender.
Bruno Fernandes - 8. Magnificent 28th minute free-kick which went over the wall and past Pickford. He’d also taken an 11th minute shot which went straight at the goalkeeper – who struggled to hold it. Always tried to push forward, linked well with those around him and always looked at goal. Which is exactly why United signed him.
Daniel James - 7. A busy bee as ever. Needs more end product, but part of a convincing first half display.
Anthony Martial - 6. Played as a nine and, given how long he’s been out injured, not surprisingly lacked sharpness of the mind when linking up with others. Been training well, worked hard and tried to do the right thing. Shame it didn’t come off for him.
SUBSTITUTES: Paul Pogba - 7 (for Matic at HT). Entered a game where there had been too many changes. One of the six players who had not played a minute for United pre-season because of the Euros or Covid.
Fred - 7 (for Van de Beek at HT). 7 Fantastic cross for Dalot’s goal in front of the biggest crowd at Old Trafford since March 2020.
Andreas Pereira - 6. Replaced Fernandes after 59. Couldn’t match the wonder goal in the previous friendly.
Axel Tuanzebe - 6. On for Lindelof after 59. Everton appealed for a penalty after they thought he’d fouled a player. There was no VAR about to dispute it.
Diogo Dalot - 6. On for Shaw after 59. Scored at Old Trafford, which is something he’ll always be able to say. It came via a 91st minute header which he ducked down to head over Pickford. Clever.
Scott McTominay - 7. More pre-season minutes after a good week of training in Scotland. Had a niggling injury and his manager hopes that he’ll have no after effects from his injuries.
Juan Mata - On for Martial. 7 He’s still got it. Some fine balls forward in a rain soaked but hugely convincing 4-0 win against Everton.
Steve Luckings - Deputy Sports Editor Champions: Manchester City
Top four: Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool
Relegated: Brentford, Norwich City, Watford
Top scorer: Romelu Lukaku
Surprise package: Bryan Gil
Player of the season: Jack Grealish
Manchester City's new signing Jack Grealish poses with fans outside the Etihad Stadium on Monday, August 9.
Jack Grealish throws a ball to Manchester City fans outside the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City's new signing Jack Grealish.
Jack Grealish with a young fan at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City fans at the Etihad Stadium.
Jack Grealish poses with Manchester City fans.
Manchester City's new signing Jack Grealish at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City's new £100m signing Jack Grealish.
Jack Grealish at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City fans welcome new signing Jack Grealish.
Jack Grealish at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City fans wait for the arrival of Jack Grealish.
Jack Grealish waves to Manchester City fans outside the Etihad Stadium.
Jack Grealish with fans at the Etihad Stadium.
Jack Grealish waves to Manchester City fans.
Richard Jolly - Premier League Correspondent Champions: Manchester City
Top four: Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United
Relegated: Brentford, Southampton, Norwich
Top scorer: Mohamed Salah
Surprise package: A Grealish-free Aston Villa
Player of the season: Kevin de Bruyne
Manchester City's Liam Delap, left, battles with Bournemouth's Jack Simpson during the League Cup third round.
Yan Couto in action during a training session at Manchester City Football Academy.
Ben Knight of Manchester City U21s in possession.
Luke Mbete on the ball during a Premier League 2 match against Chelsea.
Romeo Lavia of Manchester City.
James McAtee of Manchester City scores during a Premier League 2 match against Tottenham Hotspur.
Dominic Hart - Sports Editor Champions: Chelsea
Top four: Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool
Relegated: Crystal Palace, Brentford, Newcastle United
Top scorer: Romelu Lukaku
Surprise package: Watford
Player of the season: Romelu Lukaku
CHELSEA RATINGS: Edouard Mendy – 7. Had to be alert to block Dia in the first half. Spared humiliation after Gerard Moreno hit the post after he slipped when playing out a goal kick. Made way for Arrizabalaga before the shoot out
Kurt Zouma – 7. Had a chance for a rare goal after an appetising cross by Ziyech at a free kick, but blazed over at full stretch. Rarely troubled at the back before he made way for Christensen.
Trevoh Chalobah – 8. Showed nerves as he missed his first kick in the opening play of the game, but settled admirably. Made an athletic interception from a cross in the second half, as part of a bright defensive display.
Antonio Rudiger – 6. Seemed in a grumpy mood from the start, and was booked for his follow through in a hefty tackle that floored Yeremi. Wayward pass led to Villarreal’s leveller. Powered his penalty home.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 6. Wasteful at set pieces, and unnecessarily gave away a corner early on. Huffed and puffed going forward, without much joy.
N’Golo Kante – 8. Here. There. Everywhere. As usual. Also went close with a shot as Chelsea dominated the early exchanges.
Mateo Kovacic – 6. Made a sloppy start. Tightened up as Chelsea assumed control of possession, but started to lapse again after the interval – only to find yet more energy in extra time
Marcos Alonso – 6. Had his foot stamped on by Gerard Moreno early on, but still showed up well in the early throes. Put Havertz in space to set up the first goal. Influence waned as the game wore on. Slipped, but still scored his penalty
Hakim Ziyech – 7. Richly merited his 27th minute goal as he had been a threat from the off, but was forced off before half time with a shoulder injury
Kai Havertz – 7. The German forward crossed for Ziyech to score the opener, and warmed to his task well after a quiet start. Had the ffirst penalty of the shoot out saved.
Timo Werner – 5. A new season, but the same old Timo Werner on this evidence. Had some chances, but still looks light on confidence.
SUBS: Christian Pulisic – 6. On for the injured Ziyech before half time, but did not exert the same influence as the man he replaced. Missed a good chance in extra time. Recovered to bury his penalty.
Jorginho – 7. Took the captain’s armband when he came on for Kante, only to later pass it on to Azpilicueta. Mishit a shot that could have won the game, with time ticking down. Coolness personified from the spot.
Mason Mount – 6. Looked keen to make his mark when he was brought on late on, but was understandably short of his best after the truncated pre-season. Made no mistake with his penalty.
Andreas Christensen – 6. Little troubled after coming on for Zouma in the second half, even if Villarreal did equalise on his watch.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6. His introduction helped ease the workload on the outstanding Chalobah. Took a shameful dive looking for a penalty in extra time. Buried his penalty.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 8. Brought on exclusively for penalties. Saved the second and seventh to win it for Chelsea.
VILLARREAL RATINGS: Sergio Asenjo – 9. Made an excellent save from a Werner volley after the Villareal defence were absent at a corner, in a busy first half. It was the first of many. Did not deserve to be on the losing team.
Juan Foyth – 7. His driving run and throughball nearly helped Villarreal back on level terms, but Dia’s shot was well saved by Mendy. Not always convincing in defence, but better when he moved into midfield. Scored his spot kick.
Raul Albiol – 7. Had an air shot with a volley at a corner which was the Spanish side’s first chance, but was a formidable presence at the back. Saw the crucial penalty saved.
Pau Torres – 7. An extraordinary feat of endurance to play 120 minutes, having been to both the Euros and the Olympics, and had not had a break.
Alfonso Pedraza – 6. The first player withdrawn, early in the second half, as he struggled to make his mark.
Manu Trigueros – 6. Botched a great opportunity after Villarreal had a free kick to the right of Chelsea’s box.
Etienne Capoue – 6. Looked laboured, with a heavily strapped right leg and after a knock in the second half.
Alberto Moreno – 7. Often loose in possession in a wayward first half display by the Spanish side. Crashed a thunderous volley against the Chelsea cross bar, and was a threat in the second half.
Yeremi Pino – 7. His chances to attack were often stymied by having to defend Alonso breaks, and he was lucky to bounce back after Rudiger’s robust challenge. Industrious throughout, though.
Gerard Moreno – 9. Constructive in attack for others, and struck a post after being presented with a free run on goal from a slip by Mendy. Took his goal majestically. Hit his penalty in off the post in the shoot out.
Boulaye Dia – 8. Thwarted by Mendy after he was put through by Foyth. His adroit backheel set up Gerard Moreno for the equaliser
SUBS: Pervis Estupinan – 6. Shot straight at Mendy when well placed to level, after he came on for Pedraza. Coolly slotted his spot kick in the shoot out.
Mario Gaspar – 7. Brought about a reshuffle when he came on at right back, and added a freshness to his side.
Moi Gomez – 6. Worked hard to stem Chelsea’s attack in extra time, and got under Mount’s skin in the process. Squeezed his penalty past Kepa.
Manu Morlanes – 6. Played his part in the group effort as it was all hands to the pump by the end.
Daniel Raba – 6. Tenaciously went about his work in extra time after being brought on before the end of the 90 minutes. Booked for felling Pulisic. Struck the penalty that took it to sudden death.
Aissa Mandi – 6. The Algerian had little chance to make an impression after being brought on at the start of the additional 30 minutes. Made Kepa’s job easy with his soft penalty
Ian Hawkey - European Football Correspondent Champions: Manchester City
Top four: Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool
Relegated: Brentford, Newcastle United, Norwich City
Top scorer: Romelu Lukaku
Surprise package: Bryan Gil
Player of the season: Bruno Fernandes
Striker Kelechi Iheanacho lifts the Community Shield trophy after Leicester City defeated Manchester City at the Wembley Stadium on Saturday, August 7, 2021.
Leicester City's Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates scoring the winner in the Community Shield match against Manchester City at the Wembley Stadium.
Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers applauds fans after winning the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola with Riyad Mahrez after the Community Shield match at Wembley Stadium.
English midfielder Jack Grealish made his Manchester City debut on Saturday.
Leicester City's striker Kelechi Iheanacho scores the winner.
Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates with teammates after scoring against Manchester City.
Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City is fouled by Nathan Ake of Manchester City.
Manchester City's Jack Grealish in action with Leicester City's Marc Albrighton.
Gareth Cox - Assistant Sports Editor Champions: Manchester United
Top four: Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool
Relegated: Burnley, Brentford and Norwich
Top scorer: Mohamed Salah
Surprise package: Ivan Toney
Player of the season: Jadon Sancho
Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho, centre, celebrates with Erling Braut Haaland, right, after scoring against Bayer Leverkusen in February - only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR. AFP
Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho scores the winner against Freiburg . Getty
Jadon Sancho celebrates scoring against Freiburg. Reuters
Jadon Sancho has won 11 caps for England, scoring two goals. PA
Jadon Sancho and Erling Braut Haaland. AP
Jadon Sancho shoots on goal against Freiburg. AP
England's Jadon Sancho, left, celebrates with Harry Kane after scoring their fourth goal against Kosovo in Euro 2020 qualifying. Reuters
Jadon Sancho gets to grips with Alassane Plea of Borussia Moenchengladbach in their Bundesliga match in March. Getty
Jadon Sancho scoring against Freiburg. AP
A dejected Jadon Sancho after Juan Bernat celebrates scoring for Paris St Germain in their Champions League match in France in February. Reuters
Jadon Sancho in action for England against Bulgaria last October. PA
Jadon Sancho after a close call against Freiburg. Reuters
Jadon Sancho in his Manchester City days in 2016. PA
Paul Radley - Sports Reporter Champions: Manchester City
Top four: Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool
Relegated: Burnley, Norwich City, Brentford
Top scorer: Romelu Lukaku
Surprise package: Dane Scarlett
Player of the season: Kevin de Bruyne
THE 20 MOST EXPENSIVE PLAYERS: 1). Romelu Lukaku (€327.56m): Anderlecht to Chelsea €15m / Chelsea to Everton (loan) €3.5m / Chelsea to Everton €35.36m / Everton to Manchester United €84.7m / Manchester United to Inter Milan €74m / Inter Milan to Chelsea €115m
2). Neymar (€310.20m): Santos to Barcelona €88.2m / Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain €222m
3) .Cristiano Ronaldo (€230m): Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United €19m / Manchester United to Real Madrid €94m / Real Madrid to Juventus €117m
4). Alvaro Morata (€189m): Real Madrid to Juventus €20m / Juventus to Real Madrid €30m / Real Madrid to Chelsea €66m / Chelsea to Atletico Madrid (loan) €18m / Chelsea to Atletico Madrid €35m / Atletico Madrid to Juventus (loan) €20m
5). Angel Di Maria (€179.00m): Rosario to Benfica €8m / Benfica to Real Madrid €33m / Real Madrid to Manchester United €75m / Manchester United to Paris Saint-Germain €63m
6). Antoine Griezmann (€174m): Real Sociedad to Atletico Madrid €54m / Atletico Madrid to Barcelona €120m
7). Ousmane Dembele (€170m): Stade Rennais to Borussia Dortmund €35m / Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona €135m
8). Zlatan Ibrahimovic (€169.10m): Malmo to Ajax €7.8m / Ajax to Juventus €16m / Juventus to Inter Milan €24.8m / Inter Milan to Barcelona €69.5m / Barcelona to AC Milan (loan) €6m / Barcelona to AC Milan €24m / AC Milan to Paris Saint-Germain €21m
9). Philippe Coutinho (€160.3m): Vasco to Inter Milan €3.8m / Inter Milan to Liverpool €13m / Liverpool to Barcelona €135m / Barcelona to Bayern Munich (loan) €8.5m
10). Gonzalo Higuain (€159m): River Plate to Real Madrid €12m / Real Madrid to Napoli €39m / Napoli to Juventus €90m / Juventus to AC Milan (loan) €10.2m / Juventus to Chelsea (loan) €7.8m
11). Eden Hazard (€150m): Lille to Chelsea €35m / Chelsea to Real Madrid €115m
12). Kylian Mbappe (€145m): Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain €145m
13). James Rodriguez (€140.63m): Envigado to Banfield €280k / Banfield to Porto €7.35m / Porto to Monaco €45m / Monaco to Real Madrid €75m / Real Madrid to Bayern Munich (loan) €13m
14). Joao Felix (€127.2m): Benfica to Atletico Madrid €127.2m
15). Hernan Crespo (€126.94m): River Plate to Parma €4.13m / Parma to Lazio €56.81m / Lazio to Inter Milan €40m / Inter Milan to Chelsea €26m
16). Paulinho (€126.86m): GO Audax to Coimbra-MG €635k / Coimbra-MG to Corinthians €5m / Corinthians to Tottenham €19.73m / Tottenham to Guangzhou Evergrande €14.00m / Guangzhou Evergrande to Barcelona €40m / Barcelona to Guangzhou Evergrande (loan) €5.5m / Barcelona to Guangzhou Evergrande €42m
17). Nicolas Anelka (€123.85m): Paris Saint-Germain to Arsenal €760k / Arsenal to Real Madrid €35m / Real Madrid to Paris Saint-Germain €34.5m / Paris Saint-Germain to Liverpool (loan) €1.4m / Paris Saint-Germain to Manchester City €15m / Manchester City to Fenerbahce €7.19m / Fenerbahce to Bolton €12m / Bolton to Chelsea €18m
18). Luis Suarez (€123.52m): Nacional to Groningen €800k / Groningen to Ajax €7.5m / Ajax to Liverpool €26.5m / Liverpool to Barcelona €81.72m / Barcelona to Atletico Madrid €7m
19). Juan Sebastian Veron (€121m): Estudiantes to Boca Juniors €1.20m / Boca Juniors to Sampdoria €5.7m / Sampdoria to Parma €17.5m / Parma to Lazio €30m / Lazio to Manchester United €42.6m / Manchester United to Chelsea €21.80m / Chelsea to Estudiantes €2.2m
20). Joao Cancelo (€120.40m): Benfica to Valencia €15m / Valencia to Juventus €40.4m / Juventus to Manchester City €65m
Jon Turner - Assistant Sports Editor Champions: Manchester City
Top four: Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool
Relegated: Norwich, Watford, Crystal Palace
Top scorer: Mohamed Salah
Surprise package: Newcastle United
Player of the season: Kevin de Bruyne
1. Mohamed Salah's bid for the Golden Boot started against Leeds in the first game of the season on September 12, netting from the penalty spot in Liverpool's 4-3 win. Getty
2. Salah adds his second against Leeds. Getty
3. A day one hat-trick! Salah adds his third against Leeds. Getty
4. Salah scores Liverpool's first goal in the astonishing 7-2 defeat at Aston Villa. Getty
5. Salah also scored Liverpool's second at Villa. Getty
6. Salah scores in Liverpool's 2-2 draw at Everton. Getty
7. Salah scores from the penalty spot in the 2-1 win against West Ham at Anfield. Getty
8. A goal for Salah in the 1-1 draw at Manchester City. Getty
9. Salah nets the first in the 4-0 win against Wolves. Getty
10. Salah's tenth of the season came in the 1-1 draw at Fulham. Getty
11. Next goal for Salah came in the 2-1 win against Tottenham at Anfield. Getty
12. Salah scores Liverpool's sixth in the 7-0 win at Crystal Palace. Getty
13. Salah was also on target for Liverpool's seventh at Palace. Getty
14. Salah scores Liverpool's first in the 3-1 win at West Ham. Getty
15. Salah also scored the second in the same game. Getty
16. Salah scores from the penalty spot in the 4-1 defeat against Manchester City at Anfield. Getty
17. Salah nets a consolation in the 3-1 defeat at Leicester. Getty
18. Salah bags Liverpool's second in the 3-0 win at Arsenal. Getty
19. Another goal for Mohamed Salah in the 2-1 win against Aston Villa. Getty
20. A 1-1 draw against Newcastle at Anfield and goal No 20 of the Premier League season for Salah. Getty
21. Salah scores Liverpool's fourth in the stunning 4-2 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Getty
22. Salah scores Liverpool's first in the 2-1 win at West Brom. Getty
John McAuley - Sports Reporter Champions: Manchester City
Top four: Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United
Relegated: Norwich, Watford, Brentford
Top scorer: Harry Kane
Surprise package: Michael Olise
Player of the season: Harry Kane
Harry Kane has told Tottenham hotspur he wants to leave the club.
Harry Kane scored 23 goals as Tottenham finished seventh in the Premier League in 2021/22.
Harry Kane has not reported for pre-season training with Tottenham after an extended holiday following his involvement at Euro 2020.
Denmark's Joachim Andersen in action with England's Harry Kane during the Euro 2020 semi-final at Wembley.
A mural showing England's manager Gareth Southgate, forward Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling has been painted at Vinegar yard in central London on July 13, 2021.
England's Harry Kane and wife Katie Goodland look dejected after the penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy in the final of Euro 2020.
Harry Kane of England walks past the Henri Delaunay Trophy following his team's defeat in the Euro 2020 Championship final.
England forward Harry Kane leaves the pitch after the trophy ceremony.
Harry Kane of England scores their team's first penalty in a penalty shoot out past Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy.
Harry Kane scored four goals as England reached the final of Euro 2020.
England's forward Harry Kane scores during the penalty shootout.
Updated: August 12, 2021, 3:23 AM