After a summer of European Championship and Olympic Games, ready to fill the void neatly, the new 2024/25 Premier League season begins on Friday.
As the curtain raises at Old Trafford with Manchester United entertaining Fulham, another off-season flush with investment promises much, with Pep Guardiola entering his final season in charge of all-conquering, reigning champions Manchester City.
But what might the term have in the store for the next nine months?
Here at BestofBets we’ve plucked three more outright punts to consider.
West Ham to finish Top 6 – 5/1 (Betfred)
My what busy bees West Ham have been this summer.
As England wended their way to another major tournament final, behind the scenes, the Irons have flashed the cash.
With West Ham moving into a new era under Julen Lopetegui following the departure of David Moyes, the London Stadium outfit have made some impressive additions.
As Lopetegui returned to former employers Wolves to bring in £40m Max Kilman, German striker Niclas Fullkrug was brought in to a mixed fan reaction.
However, despite his age, few could refute the 31-year-old’s growing reputation, in a position where West Ham have lacked an out-and-out striker for some seasons.
Fullkrug’s goal tally could drive West Ham up the table.
If we consider also Lopetegui now boasting a midfield of Edson Alvarez and Guido Rodriguez, with the exciting addition of Crysencio Summerville on the wing, West Ham are starting to look a little bit tasty.
Before his untimely departure from Wolves due to transfer disagreements, Lopetegui had taken his previous club on in strides.
Now with West Ham, his new employers have allowed a flexing of the financial muscles further.
The Spanish steward brought a defensive nous to Wolves and West Ham will be looking to tap into that facet also.
Of course, with any sizeable shake-up, whether all the pieces gel into one big neat picture is yet to be seen, but if they do, West Ham look a very tidy side indeed.
Lopetegui has never truly be able to shake the fallout from his dismissal as Spain boss, but in the capital, he may have found his haven.
Ipswich to finish Top Half – 14/1 (Unibet)
Saturday afternoon in Suffolk will be a surreal feeling for Ipswich Town as they welcome Liverpool for their first Premier League game in 22 years.
The question however, can the Tractor Boys stay afloat?
After back-to-back promotions from League One and the Championship, Kieran McKenna’s next task of transition is his toughest yet.
In terms of additions, Ipswich are yet to make wholesale changes to their line-up, but Liam Delap from Hull and full-back Ben Johnson will add a little more of a dynamic.
A team who scored the most goals anywhere in Europe during the last three seasons, that will be a important fact this term, but just as key will be keeping them out.
In pre-season, the signs were that Ipswich may have switched to a back three to perhaps build a steadier spine, and indeed, with successive 1-0 wins over Hoffenheim and Nice, that might be the case.
Faced with something of a free hit to begin with the Reds and the reigning league champs in Man City, it is after that the realistic task begins, but we feel there is more than a decent hope of survival, if not better.
The last time Ipswich won promotion under George Burley, the new boys finished fifth and came within a whisker of a Champions League berth.
Those aspiration are surely wide of the mark again, but with McKenna in charge, Ipswich will be confident of proving the doubters wrong.
Many are predicting a drop straight back down, but Ipswich have built for their return for many years, and may surprise more than a few once again.
Eddie Howe first manager to be sacked/leave post – 8/1 (BetVictor)
Like the player market, the managerial merry-go-round has been spinning with equal vim this summer, but who might be the first to leave their post this season?
Perhaps, Eddie Howe fits that bill.
As the 46-year-old begins his third term in charge of Newcastle, rumours continue to link Howe with the vacant England job following Gareth Southgate ending his time with the Three Lions.
Whilst the lure of managing the National team may be too strong to bat away, the Magpies begin a new era without former minority owner Amanda Staveley, as Saudi ownership take almost full control.
That could push the envelope on Tyneside.
Having dropped out the Champions League places last campaign, the question now is can Newcastle bounce themselves back up the table?
Should Newcastle labour in the opening weeks, the argument can be made the club hierarchy will be looking for any excuse to bring in a big name appointment.
Which, in this case, could suit both Howe and his employers, should England come calling.
The 2024/25 Premier League season begins on Friday as Manchester United host Fulham at Old Trafford.
