Reds ready to rule once again

Gunners desperate, Pep rips up squad

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Liverpool begin their bid for a record 21st English title on Friday, with Arne Slot’s revamped side installed as favourites to retain the Premier League crown.

Arsenal and Manchester City are the main contenders to end Liverpool's reign, while Chelsea and Manchester United have questions to answer.

AFP Sport looks at five talking points ahead of the start of the 2025-26 season:

LIVERPOOL IN POLE POSITION

When Liverpool host Bournemouth in the opening match of the topflight season, the Reds will put on display an expensively overhauled team carrying great expectations.

Liverpool haven’t been crowned champions in successive campaigns since 1982-83 and 1983-84.

Emulating the feat of Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush and company would take the Anfield club past Manchester United into sole possession of the most English titles.

Chasing that target, while also competing for the Champions League, convinced boss Arne Slot to invest from a position of strength as Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez headlined a £256 million summer spree.