Pulses quicken at the start of a new Premier League season. It's a time to dream about what lies ahead -- or dread it.
For instance, a year ago, who would have thought that a struggling Manchester United would actually finish above defending champions Liverpool or that Sunderland -- tipped to go down by nearly every pundit -- would qualify for Europe. It was a wild 2025-26 season.
What will happen during this campaign? Here are some reasons to be cheerful -- and fearful -- for every Premier League club.
ARSENAL
Best-case scenario: Having waited 22 years for a title, the Gunners ended last season seven points clear of Manchester City. They can build a dynasty. The signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle will add to the strength of their midfield and ease the workload on Declan Rice, who has run himself into the ground over the past year. Arsenal have finished in the top two for the past four seasons and they should go very close again.
Worst-case scenario: With England's Ezri Konsa arriving from Aston Villa to fill the defensive void left by the injured William Saliba, it's hard to see how things could go wrong for the Gunners, but retaining the title is hard. It's possible their title rivals counter Arsenal's superb set piece routines better, and the Gunners discover that retaining the title is even harder than winning it. There's also a feeling that another major signing is needed for the problematic left wing position.
ASTON VILLA
Best-case scenario: The revered manager Unai Emery continues to pull rabbits from the hat, and the Europa League winners enjoy another successful year. The exciting Swiss signing Johan Manzambi gets over his knee injury to play a leading role and youngsters such as George Hemmings and Brian Madjo, both of whom starred against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, give Emery exciting new options.
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Worst-case scenario: Villa do not look the same team without Morgan Rogers, transferred to Chelsea, or Youri Tielemans, who has left for Manchester United. Left back Lucas Digne has gone, too, with reports that Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez could go too. Such departures will make it hard for Villa to repeat the heroics of three consecutive top-six finishes.