CHAMPIONSHIP CHARGE

EUROPE'S TOP FIVE LEAGUES KICK OFF IN AUGUST, THE START OF THE LONG, HARD SLOG TO THE FINAL WHISTLE IN MAY. HERE IS A QUICK GUIDE TO THE TITLE CONTENDERS IN ENGLAND, SPAIN, ITALY, GERMANY AND FRANCE

- Nick Said

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Champions: Manchester City

Record title holders: Manchester United (20)

Last season's top-scorer: Erling Haaland, Manchester City (27 goals)

Favourites: Manchester City will inevitably head into the season as favourites again having won six of the last seven English league titles and four in a row. But with the spectre of 115 Premier League charges to be heard this season, their dominance of the league could be coming to an end from 2025-26 onwards. They have players and a coach in Pep Guardiola who know how to win this league and are always formidable in the closing months.

Other contenders: Arsenal will likely be their biggest challengers again with Mikel Arteta building something special at The Emirates, while how Liverpool adjust to life under new coach Arne Slot remains to be seen and there may be a period of adjustment for The Reds.

Dark horses: Newcastle United were up and down last season but without the distraction of European football this campaign could well emerge as an outside contender for the title.

Surprise strugglers: Brighton & Hove Albion have had a wonderful few years but were not great last season, and have lost highly-rated coach Roberto de Zerbi, who perhaps sees the writing on the wall. This could be a season of toil.

SPANISH LALIGA

Champions: Real Madrid

Record title holders: Real Madrid (36)

Last season's top-scorer: Artem Dovbyk, Girona (24 goals)