In the first episode of the new series, Lawrence Ostler is joined by Miguel Delaney and Richard Jolly to preview the new Premier League season, asking if the league is entering a post-Guardiola, post-Salah era defined by managerial churn, fewer global superstars, and greater uncertainty.

They discuss Manchester City’s transition under Enzo Maresca amid midfield concerns and Rodri’s possible Barcelona move, Liverpool’s unfinished rebuild under Andoni Iraola without a clear Salah replacement, and Manchester United’s issues under Michael Carrick with a thin midfield and a heavier schedule.

Arsenal are framed as the main known quantity and title favourites, with debate over Arteta’s intensity, attacking evolution, and recruitment. They assess Chelsea under Xabi Alonso, Tottenham under Roberto De Zerbi, the impact of no European football for some clubs, relegation candidates, and give top-five and relegation predictions.

The World Cup series is over, and now Copa Independent is back for the new season. Listen for all the biggest headlines, blow-ups, and controversies of the beautiful game on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or watch on YouTube