The Premier League welcomes back three familiar faces this season: Leicester City, Southampton, and Ipswich Town. Each team earned their return after a successful campaign in the Championship, bringing with them unique narratives and distinct playing styles. However, the journey to Premier League survival will be far from easy.
Leicester, the unlikely champions of 2016, has endured a tumultuous summer. The club parted ways with manager Enzo Maresca, who guided them to promotion, and appointed Steve Cooper, previously sacked by Nottingham Forest. Adding to their challenges, Leicester is facing a potential points deduction due to breaches of Premier League financial rules during their previous three seasons in the top flight. Despite these setbacks, the Foxes remain a formidable force, led by veteran striker Jamie Vardy, who remains a goal-scoring threat at 37. However, Vardy’s fitness could be a concern as he starts the season nursing an injury.
Southampton, a mainstay in the Premier League from 2012 to 2023, is back with a new identity. Known for their academy production, the Saints have embraced a possession-based approach under manager Russell Martin. This style, evident in their Championship title victory, earned them a promotion that defied preseason expectations. The addition of Chilean striker Ben Brereton Diaz and the return of experienced midfielder Adam Lallana, who previously played for Liverpool and Brighton, further bolsters their squad. While Southampton will face an uphill battle against seasoned Premier League teams, their commitment to Martin’s style will likely remain, even if it means a swift return to the Championship.
Ipswich Town, a club known for its passionate fan base and famous supporter, Ed Sheeran, enters the Premier League for the first time since 2002. Under manager Kieran McKenna, the Tractor Boys have undergone a dramatic transformation, exceeding expectations and achieving back-to-back promotions. McKenna, a former Manchester United coach, emphasizes expansive, attacking football, a philosophy that has brought success and excitement to the club. Despite facing the odds as likely relegation candidates, Ipswich promises to be one of the most entertaining teams to watch, offering fans a glimpse into the future of their rejuvenated club.
As the new season kicks off, these three promoted teams face a challenging but exciting journey in the Premier League. While their paths may be different, their shared commitment to a vibrant, attacking brand of football promises to inject a fresh energy into the top flight. Whether they can secure survival remains to be seen, but the stories of Leicester, Southampton, and Ipswich are sure to captivate fans throughout the season.
