As the 32nd Premier League season and the 125th season of English top-flight football approaches, we prepare to welcome three newly promoted teams to the mix. Burnley and Sheffield United make a return, while Luton Town joins the top tier for a thrilling test. These newly promoted teams have earned their spots in the league, kicking off on August 11, 2023.
Let’s dive deeper into the three clubs and rate their chances in the Premier League this season.
Burnley
As the 2023/24 Premier League season draws near, Burnley fans await their team’s return to the top flight.
Under the astute guidance of Belgian coach Vincent Kompany, the Clarets bounced back immediately after their relegation in the 2021/2022 campaign, turning a daunting challenge into a remarkable success story.
During the 22/23 season, Burnley demonstrated a compelling dominance in the Championship. Not only did they clinch the title with an outstanding 101 points in 46 matches, but they also set a new record. They secured promotion back to the Premier League with a staggering seven matches to spare. The achievement no less included a significant 1-0 victory against local rivals, Blackburn Rovers.
Kompany’s innovative approach to the game is vital to Burnley’s revival. The former Man City captain has shaped the Turf Moor-based team into a unit that values possession and embraces an attacking style of play. The Clarets, who once faced the grim prospect of relegation, have transformed into a legitimate force.
With English midfielder Jack Cork leading the team on the pitch, Burnley now eyes the Premier League with renewed hope.
The roster overhaul orchestrated by Kompany has played a critical role in their swift return. This remake was not just about quantity but quality, as evident in the stellar performance of 23-year-old Nathan Tella. The on-loan midfielder from Southampton led the Clarets in goals from midfield in the Championship. The club will be keen on making his move permanent and bringing in other players who fit Kompany’s Guardiolesque system.
With Burnley’s dominance in the Championship, the club promises to become a consistent midtable Premier League team. If they continue to invest wisely, backed by a minority investment from former NFL star J.J Watts, and Kompany commits his future to the club, the Clarets could be one of the teams to watch in the upcoming season.
Sheffield United
Following a two-year absence, Sheffield United, affectionately known as “The Blades,” is making a triumphant return to the Premier League. This accomplishment comes after securing 91 points from 46 matches and finishing as runners-up in the 2022/23 EFL Championship, marking an important chapter in the club’s 134-year history.
Based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, and playing at the Bramall Lane Stadium with a capacity of 31,884, Sheffield United has experienced its fair share of ups and downs. The club, owned by Saudi Arabian Prince and businessman Abdullah bin Musaid Al Saud, has been under the management of Paul Heckingbottom, who has navigated these turbulent times.
Despite the bitter taste of previous disappointments, including a regrettable relegation and a heartbreaking playoff loss, The Blades’ resilience shines through. Their impressive performance this season, finishing 11 points clear of third place, attests to their tenacity.
Instrumental in this success has been forwards Iliman Ndiaye and Oli McBurnie, with the former, a Senegalese forward, leading the team’s charge with 14 league goals and ten assists. Their contributions have been pivotal, turning around the club’s fortunes and setting the stage for a thrilling Premier League campaign.
As the Blades prepare for a challenging Premier League season, the focus shifts to wise investments in the transfer market. The aim is to provide the stability that eluded them in their previous Premier League stint. Sheffield United hopes to narrow the gap with other Premier League teams and secure their top-flight status by avoiding older players with inflated price tags and investing in young talent.
Sheffield United’s forthcoming campaign will undoubtedly be gripping in a league where the difference between relegation and survival can be razor-thin. Armed with lessons from the past and a rejuvenated squad, the Blades stand ready to carve out their place in the Premier League once more.
Luton Town
Luton Town is celebrating their triumphant return to top-flight English football after a 31-year hiatus. The Hatters etched an unforgettable chapter in their history by winning the 2022/2023 English Championship playoffs.
They battled their way through the playoffs, claiming third place in the league with 80 points. They overcome Sunderland and Coventry City in the semi-finals and finals. This triumphant ascension to the Premier League makes them the first team ever to climb from non-league to the top flight during the Premier League era.
Meanwhile, manager Rob Edwards and team face the challenge of converting their Kenilworth Road home ground into a fortress. Leading the charge will be their top scorer from last season, Carlton Morris, who netted 20 goals.
“The Hatters” have a compelling narrative of resilience and revival, having weathered financial problems and relegations. As they gear up for their Premier League debut, let’s see what the next chapter holds for Luton Town holds.
Photos: Instagram/SheffieldUnited, burnleyofficial, lutontown
