The English Premier League has exploded in popularity at our school in recent years. Known for its fierce competition and thrilling games, the league has 20 teams hosting some of the world’s finest footballers. With rich rivalries and lively British announcers, the Premier League can be one of the most rewarding sports to watch. If you’re looking to become a fan and feeling overwhelmed trying to pick a team to root for, look no further than this guide of teams for the 2024-2025 season.
Manchester City- It seems appropriate to start off with arguably the most dominant team of the past few seasons. City is notorious for world-renowned striker Erling Haaland and their overall command on the field. However, City does come with some controversy. They are facing over 100 charges from the Premier League over illegal financial proceedings, which could lead to severe repercussions in future seasons. While choosing City as your team would certainly bring lots of wins, those victories may lose some of the magic by it not being a likable team.
Arsenal- One of the top teams in the league, Arsenal has finished top four in the standings (referred to as “the Table” in the Premier League) for the past three seasons. Strikers like Bukayo Saka make for exciting finishes and engaging play. If you like good rivalries, “derbys” against fellow London teams Chelsea and the Tottenham Hotspurs will not disappoint.
Ipswich Town- As one of the three teams promoted to the Premier League this season, Ipswich is definitely a good pick if you’re looking for an underdog. While they just recently had their first win of the season, Ipswich has stayed out of the relegation zone (the bottom three teams) for the majority of the season. It’s hard not to root for a team with such determination and devoted fans.
Chelsea- Hailing from ritzy west London, Chelsea seems to be reestablishing themselves after a couple disappointing seasons. They’re in contention for the Champions League spot (top 4 finish at the end of the season) this year and have fans looking forward to the season to come. Although their historic ties to Russian oligarchs and inflated salaries make them an easy team to hate, the promise of a good season could make Chelsea an exciting team to pay attention to.
Manchester United- If you choose Manchester United as your team, be aware that people either love or hate them. While they are historically successful, United has struggled the past few years with disappointing seasons and frustrated fans. The recent firing of their former head coach, Erik ten Hag, has left them scrambling to have a successful season. However, United does have the benefit of a rich club history and a classic rivalry with Liverpool.
Liverpool- Liverpool has got it all. The team is looking polished and strong under new coach Arne Slot, and are currently at the top of the table. Their home stadium, Anfield, is known for their passionate fans and vibrant atmosphere. You can always count on strikers like Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nuñez to score from seemingly impossible angles, and defender Trent Alexander-Arnold to make some iconic offensive plays (and celebrations). The derby against Everton and classic grudge match against Manchester United never fails to create an exciting game to watch. In this reporter’s completely unbiased opinion, there’s no reason not to choose Liverpool if looking for a team with a high level of success and roster of likable players.
Tottenham Hotspurs- With Tottenham, you never know what you’re going to get. Sometimes you’ll get complete dominance, like in their recent 4-0 win over Manchester City, whereas other times they crack under pressure. This unpredictability in addition to their exciting style of play can make them a fun team to follow.
But no matter what team you choose to root for, the Premier League is sure to bring you lots of excitement and spirit.
