Defending champions Liverpool will get the 2025/2026 English Premier League campaign underway tonight when they face Bournemouth at Anfield.
Namibian fans are eagerly waiting to get their bids in, something which has become a ritual for many, weekend in and out.
As it stands, Liverpool have embarked on a bold recruitment drive under Arne Slot, spending heavily to both reinforce and future-proof their squad across multiple positions.
The club has undertaken a flurry of major signings, with local Liverpool supporter Willem Ndilipunye stating that the current squad possesses elite quality across most areas of the pitch.
He highlighted the strength in midfield with Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, the attacking firepower of Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, and overall depth that can match, if not surpass, the rest of the league.
“Early signs are encouraging, pointing to Ekitike’s impressive debut and the promising chemistry seen during preseason,” he said.
However, Ndilipunye warned that central defence remains a concern, especially following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure, the advancing years of Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, and the loss of Jarell Quansah.
He added that securing Marc Guéhi and Giovanni Leoni would be crucial in strengthening the back line.
Ndilipunye noted that squad depth, particularly in central defence and midfield cover, will be tested in what promises to be a demanding, multi-competition campaign.
He said the emotional toll of Diogo Jota’s tragic passing could also affect team morale.
“Slot is under both historical and psychological pressure, because no Liverpool manager has managed to defend the league title since Bob Paisley in 1983. But if Alexander Isak joins the club, I believe the title could be almost guaranteed,” he added.
Ndilipunye reflected on Liverpool’s performance in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace.
“Right now, the manager hasn’t quite found the balance between attack and defence. If he manages to strike that balance, I am confident the title will be retained,” he said.
He added that the Golden Boot choice would be premature to make at this stage, as many teams have strengthened their attacks.
“I will, however, not be surprised if a player from Liverpool gets it,” added Ndilipunye.
Arsenal’s ambitions
On the other end, local Arsenal fan Towe Araeb said that, after three consecutive seasons of finishing second in the Premier League and being narrowly knocked out of the Champions League semi-finals, Arsenal are trying to go one better, having strengthened the squad with six quality signings.
“Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is an experienced backup and competition for David Raya. Central midfielders Marin Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard reinforce controlling and defensive midfield roles. In defence, Cristhian Mosquera is a young talent, adding defensive depth and future potential. In attack, winger Noni Madueke adds pace, creativity and directness on the flanks, while striker Viktor Gyökeres is a big-money signing to address goal-scoring needs centrally.
“Arsenal has clearly targeted structural improvements across the squad. With their summer investment anchored by marquee names like Zubimendi and Gyökeres, they’re poised to challenge for the Premier League title again, hopefully with more tactical flexibility and depth than before,” said Araeb.
Competition
Araeb added that Manchester City have strengthened too and will, as always, be in contention.
“So has ever-improving Chelsea. I am just not so sure about Manchester United and whether they have signed the right players, or if they have been fooled into buying everything that shines, hoping it’s gold. They surely can’t be worse than last season.
“It’s going to be a tough, competitive and intriguing season at both ends, with promoted teams also being very impressive in the transfer market – particularly Sunderland and Leeds – whose fans will always be competitive. I worry for Burnley. Everton have signed good players too, making the Merseyside derby a must-watch, especially with it being Everton’s first season at their new stadium,” he said.
Expectations
Another Arsenal fan, Shekutamba Nepembe, said he is hoping to be surprised this season.
“This season has to bring a major trophy. An FA Cup won’t cut it. It has to be the Premier League or the Champions League.
“The arrival of Gyökeres has me genuinely excited. I believe in his goal-scoring ability – but of course, time will tell. I am also still hoping we can land Eze. He will add that extra venom and creativity, some healthy competition in attack.
“As for the Golden Boot race, Salah remains the man to beat, though Haaland is still the biggest threat,” he added.
Strategy
Chelsea fan Wylles Ochurub said the club have focused heavily on youth acquisition, alongside a few strategic senior signings.
Goalkeeper Mike Penders, defensive midfielder Dário Essugo, striker Liam Delap, centre back Mamadou Sarr, attacking midfielder Kendry Páez, striker João Pedro, left winger Jamie Gittens, left back Jorrel Hato, and right winger Estevão are all part of their new-look squad.
Ochurub added that despite Chelsea being a title contender this year, his money is on Erling Haaland winning the Golden Boot.
“Last season, City were not themselves, and Haaland was not himself either. This will all change this season with more attacking power from Pep Guardiola’s team. We should get another top campaign from the goal machine.
“City might not win the title, but you can never back anyone besides Haaland for the Golden Boot,” he added.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na