A look ahead to the 2023/24 football season with Chief Football Writer, Simon Peach

With another season of football now here Chief Football Writer at PA Media, Simon Peach, provides a poised preview of what lies ahead. Simon offers insights into what he thinks could be the big stories that dominate the English Premier League, the continued ascension of women’s football, the impact of the Saudi Arabian league and more.

1. What do you think will be the stories that dominate the English Premier League this season?

The beauty of English football is there is always an abundance of stories to get your teeth into. Treble winners Manchester City’s quest for a fourth successive Premier League crown will be fascinating, so too the outcome and potential impact of the charges facing them. The chasing pack have all sharpened their teeth heading into the new campaign. Declan Rice’s big-money move to Arsenal will take last season’s runners-up a notch quality-wise and Manchester United continue to progress under Erik ten Hag, with the rest of the big hitters all retooling after what was for some a chastening campaign. At the other end, I am particularly interested to see how Luton adapt to the Premier League after their fairy-tale rise from non-league.

2. What team do you think could be the surprise package this year?

It feels like Aston Villa can reach another level under Unai Emery, who took over a club in relegation danger last November and led them to an eye-catching seventh placed finish. That late surge means they perhaps do not fit the exact billing of a ‘surprise package’ but I think the established top sides are in for a shock this term. Not only do Villa have a brilliant manager, but their summer business has been impressive – Youri Tielemans on a free, signing highly rated defender Pau Torres and adding fleet-footed Moussa Diaby to the attack. The arrival of Monchi as sporting director should not be overlooked.

3. We’ve seen women’s football experience increasing popularity after the Lionesses’ Euros victory last year, and with us reaching a World Cup final – how do you see women’s football’s ascension continuing into this season?

Women’s football continues to go from strength to strength on and off the field. I bought tickets for matches at last year’s Euros and was blown away by the whole experience – from a packed Old Trafford for the opener, Alessia Russo’s semi-final backheel and the brilliant Wembley win against Germany. That summer helped take women’s football and the WSL to new levels of interest last season and more is expected in 2023-24, especially hot on the heels of the World Cup. Sadly, the Lionesses’ journey ended in defeat at the World Cup final, but it is safe to say their continued progress is helping to take the sport to new heights. Among the moments I am excited for is Old Trafford hosting its first Manchester derby this November – one of the big moments on the horizon.

4. The transfer activity of the Saudi Arabian league has certainly grabbed the headlines this summer – could this league soon be as popular as the Premier League?

No, I don’t think so – the Premier League is best in class thanks to its established quality, excitement, and storytelling through different mediums. Ploughing money into the Saudi Pro League should make it a success and I have seen the odd Al Nassr shirt with Cristiano Ronaldo’s name on the back on my travels, but the Premier League’s tight grip across the world would take generations to loosen. Saudi Arabia has deep pockets and are clearly fiercely ambitious, while it should not be forgotten that club football in the region has always been important. But becoming as popular as the Premier League? No, not any time soon.

5. Finally, what are your predictions for the football season?

Premier League: Manchester City

Top Scorer: Erling Haaland

FA Cup: Manchester United

League Cup: Chelsea

Champions League: Bayern Munich

Relegated: Wolves, Sheffield United, Luton

Promoted: Leicester, Southampton, Ipswich

Euro 2024: England

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