Premier League 2018/2019: 5 talking points ahead of the campaign

Following an exciting FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia, preparations are now underway in the English Premier League as clubs look forward to participating in the upcoming campaign.

Manchester City won the title last season, with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool involving in a hot battle in the top-four race. Meanwhile, Arsenal and Burnley both sealed their Europa league spots while Stoke City, West Brom and Swansea finished in the relegation zone to summarise a spectacular campaign in the English top flight.

Like the previous term, the upcoming edition also promises to be an interesting one, with recent developments suggesting nothing but entertainment, intense competition, and exciting memories.

Having said that, below are 5 talking points we should take a look at before the campaign begins this weekend:

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#5 Post-Wenger era at Arsenal

Wenger's departure marks the beginning of a new era at Arsenal

There have been a number of managerial shifts among Premier League clubs recently, with one of them seeing elite tactician, Arsene Wenger departing the Emirates Stadium. After spending 22 incredible years in north London, the Frenchman conceded it was time for him to part ways with the Gunners, paving the way for former Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain manager Unai Emery to succeed him at the helm.

It sparked the end of an era in England's top-flight and the beginning of a new one at Arsenal. This weekend will mark the first time in 22 years that we won't see Arsene Wenger in the Premier League - though his successor has shown a lot of commitment and determination to continue with the fantastic legacies that the experienced Frenchman left behind.

Emery has wasted no time in making his impact felt at the Emirates, signing a number top-class players and working tirelessly to improve the strength of the squad. Their pre-season performances included a 5-1 hammering of a youthful Paris Saint-Germain side, which suggests they can achieve success even in the post-Wenger era.

#4 Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea revolution

Sarriball to be adopted at Chelsea next term

It finally happened that former Italy and Juventus coach, Antonio Conte was fired by Chelsea - creating space for famous tactician Maurizio Sarri to take over the managerial role at Stamford Bridge.

Sarri is one of the most reputed managers in the world at the moment, earning a lot of recognition for his tactical brilliance and understanding of the game. The Italian had a great campaign with Napoli last term, charging the Serie A outfit to challenge Juventus for the Scudetto before finally taking on a new challenge in England's top-flight this summer.

It is evident that Chelsea will undergo a revolutionary phase under the manager, with the Blues expected to play an aggressive attacking style in next season's Premier League. Although only time will tell whether they can sustain a firm title challenge, there is a feeling that great things will happen at Stamford Bridge next term.

#3 Fierce-looking Liverpool

With their summer acquisitions, Liverpool's squad looks really fierce at the moment

Jurgen Klopp deserves plenty of recognition for the job he did at Liverpool during the previous campaign. The Reds played a beautiful brand of football that attracted the attention of Premier League fans across the country, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino entertaining spectators with their incredible skills and creative abilities.

The Merseyside giants were one of the most impressive outfits in England's top-tier during the campaign, boasting a good squad which had world-class players across several areas of the pitch. However, Klopp has taken steps to improving his team even further during the summer months, with some impressive acquisitions during the transfer window.

To add to the number of incredible talents at his disposal, the manager welcomed Fabinho, Naby Keita, Xherdan Shaqiri and Alisson Becker to Anfield - making the Reds a club that everyone will be weary of, across all competitions next season. With such an impressive squad, it is true that the Reds will be a strong contender for the ultimate crown when the campaign begins this weekend.

#2 Mohamed Salah: One season wonder?

Can the Egyptian repeat his goalscoring brilliance once again next term?

In what has proved to be one of the biggest transfer bargains in the Premier League history, Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah departed Roma in favour of a £36.9million switch to Liverpool ahead of the 2017/18 campaign. The attacker shocked everyone with the way he quickly settled in at Anfield, consistently producing incredible performances that made the transfer fee look increasingly like a steal.

Salah was the Premier League's most impressive superstar last term - netting 32 goals and creating 11 more to help Liverpool finish in the top-four, whilst also breaking numerous goalscoring records while doing so. By virtue of his amazing displays, the 26-year-old was awarded the league's Golden Boot and both the FWA and PFA Player of The Year accolades.

Now, last season is a distant memory and focus has switched toward the immediate future. Can the Egyptian continue with such fantastic goalscoring form next term, or is he one of the one-season wonders who regularly pop up in England's top tier? Well, only time will tell.

#1 Manchester City still the team to beat

The Citizens remain the favourites to defend their title - could they be the first since United in 2009?

A Pep Guardiola inspired Manchester City claimed the prestigious Premier League title in style last season. The Citizens produced one of the most entertaining and most impressive performances the English top flight has ever witnessed, becoming the first side to win the ultimate crown with a whopping 100 points.

Despite the activities of their rival clubs in the transfer market, it is evident that Manchester City remain the strong favourites to clinch the league title once again this upcoming campaign. With the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Leroy Sané still at the Etihad Stadium, they undoubtedly have a side capable of defending their crown.

In fact, their convincing performance in Sunday's Community Shield victory over Chelsea is a subtle hint that Pep's men are still the team to beat in the Premier League next season. Will they succeed in defending the ultimate crown? Let us wait and see!