While August signifies the winding down of summer for many, for me it marks the beginning of the Premier League season, the highly anticipated soccer league in England where the top teams battle it out for months for the Premier League title in mid-2024. The season officially begins Aug. 11, and I couldn’t be more excited to unnecessarily invest myself in football teams an ocean away.
© Jim Johansen | Dreamstime.com
Unfortunately, one of the teams I support, Leeds United, was relegated last season. Unlike the NFL, the Premier League is a league where teams must fight to retain their place. Should they fall into the bottom three (meaning they’ve lost the most games out of the rest), they go down to the Champions League. This also means the top three teams from the Champions League get promoted to the Premier League. The Premier League means way more money, more coverage and more exposure, so it’s no wonder teams are always vying to reach the Premier League.
Leeds United was 19th out of 20 last season and, as a result, will be playing in the Champions League. Consequently, Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United come up from the Champions League. Based in Leeds, a city in West Yorkshire, Leeds United struggled in the second half of last season, and with managers coming and going, they never had that consistency that other competing teams had. I think it might be good for Leeds United to spend a season or two in the Champions League, however, to let them regroup and strive to get back into the Premier League.
With half of my family hailing from Ireland, I’d practically be shunned if I supported any other top Premier League team besides Liverpool FC. While going through a few bumps last season, Liverpool emerged in fifth by the end, with top players like Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo, Diego Jota and Virgil Van Dyk securing a good position by the end. I’m excited to see how the team begins this season under the leadership of Jügen Klopp, especially after acquiring Alexis Mac Allister, former Brighton player and one of the members of Argentina’s winning team from the 2022 World Cup.
Last season, when I knew Liverpool weren’t anywhere near the top three spots, I found myself rooting for Arsenal, hoping they could finish first and take out the long-reigning Manchester City. The last few games, though, saw Manchester City remain strong and take the title, but I hope Arsenal is even more motivated now to fight to the very end after seeing its potential last season. Its inspiring manager, Mikel Arteta, (a former Arsenal player himself) and first-class lineup of players like Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, Aaron Ramsdale, Oleksandr Zincheko and the newly acquired Kai Havertz and Declan Rice should be a threat to Manchester City.
I am looking forward to a good season!
— Aoife O’Riordan, associate editor
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 25, 20243 “Detour Destinations” to Check Out on Your Next European Getaway
In Expedia’s recent Unpack ‘25: The Trends, detour destinations are on the rise, with more travelers seeking unique daytrip destinations to add on to original trip itineraries. Sixty-three percent of participants reported they want to visit a detour destination on their next vacation. Are you one of them? Here are four popular destinations to add to your next European getaway:
Sponsored Content
United Airlines First to Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for ORD
Chicago O’Hare International Airport will soon receive sustainable aviation fuel, all thanks to United Airlines, which became the first airline to purchase SAF for use at the airport, one of the largest in the United States. Neste, a producer of SAF, will provide up to 1 million gallons of its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The first supply arrived in August.
Airlines
Nov 23, 2024Avelo Extends West Coast Schedule Through Spring 2025
Avelo Airlines extends its Western U.S. flight schedule through April 29, allowing travelers to book spring break travel to 14 popular West Coast destinations. One-way fares start at $57.
Daily
Nov 22, 2024Choose Lompoc on California’s Central Coast for Outdoor-Focused Fun
If you’re in weather denial mode and resisting the urge to switch your closet over to sweaters and snow boots, keep summer going for a little longer in Lompoc, California.
Sponsored Content
Pick Your Paradise: Experience Bali at 3 Incredible Hotels
Bali is a name synonymous with island bliss. But there is more than just one side to this incredible place. Get a sense for the variety of experiences Bali offers by learning about three hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with distinctive opportunities for adventure and relaxation. With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card, earn points for free nights at each of these properties.
Daily
Nov 22, 2024Try This New Sea-to-Table Experience at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, the oceanfront property on the pristine coast of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, just launched a new Sea to Table program in partnership with SpearMex, the region’s premier sea exploration experts. The new programming features a hands-on experience and ocean-to-table culinary journey combining sustainable fishing practices with personalized gastronomic techniques lead by Executive Chef Jorge González.
5 Can’t-Miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday Hotel Deals
Daily
Nov 21, 2024Daily
Nov 20, 2024Le Massif de Charlevoic, Québec, Announces Winter Ski Season Festivities
Ski fever? This year, skip the long flight over the water and stay a little closer to home at four-season Le Massif de Charlevoix resort in Québec. Snow fun kicks off Nov. 30 when skiers and snowboarders carve the first tracks of the season. The resort, about an hour from Québec City and 20 minutes from Baie-Saint-Paul, is the location of North America’s first Club Med mountain village.
Sponsored Content
Explore Egypt on the Most Extraordinary Tour Ever
Picture this: You’re standing in front of the Great Pyramid, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in complete silence, with no crowds in sight. As you step inside, your guide leads you to hidden chambers inaccessible to other tourists. Here, you’re granted a rare chance to delve into the deepest mysteries of ancient Egypt.
Daily
Nov 20, 2024Celebrate the Holidays at This Hotel on Italy’s Amalfi Coast
Spend the holiday season in Italy with a stay at Anantara Convento di Amalfi Hotel. The only 5-star hotel in the area hosts festive experiences from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.
ShareThis