Seth Romsa

In just over a week, on Aug. 5, the Premier League campaign alongside multiple other top European leagues kicks off, setting the stage for an interesting year for the world of soccer.

After an intriguing summer transfer window that is not yet finished, the leagues will be taking their time trying to figure out how they will manage the World Cup taking place this year in November instead of one of the summer months.

How does a league leading team handle a month and a half break from competition?

How does a relegation battle change when players get extended rest after the first two months of the season?

The Premier League is likely to be another two-horse race in England, as Darwin Núñez and Erling Haaland came in as top signings for both Liverpool and Manchester City, which placed one point apart last season.

Otherwise, the battle for the top four is all but settled.

Manchester United could succeed under Erik ten Hag or could fall short. 

Arsenal’s young talent could boost the team to the top four once again after a six-year hiatus from the Champion’s League.

Tottenham’s new signings could give them the boost needed to stay in the top four, and Chelsea will always threaten regardless of whether it brings in new talent or not.

Then who could be a dark horse? Could West Ham make the leap? Will a healthy Jamie Vardy help Leicester back into the top four?

Lots of these questions will be answered over the course of the next 10 months, but the main thing that remains is how will teams handle the extra pressure in the middle of already grueling campaigns?

More questions still remain to be answered even in the transfer window, including whether Christiano Ronaldo remains with Manchester United or he transfers elsewhere.

City will look to repeat after reclaiming the title from Liverpool last year, but will the team dominate like years past, or will it be a tight race once again?

The main concern I have is the added stress put on those players who play in all competitions for both club and country.

Increased injuries may put an asterisk on this year’s title races, when a month and a half of international play in the middle of the season typically reserved for the summer will be played in blazing Qatar.

Am I excited to watch the World Cup during Thanksgiving and just before Christmas? Absolutely.

Another issue that arises is the impact of European competitions such as the Europa League and the Champions League, which feature a majority of group stage games in November and December.

Those who enjoy watching the sport will have a fun year starting next Friday, but injuries may be a concern throughout the season with the added stress to players playing in potentially five or more competitions in nine months.

The durability of players these days is incredible compared to what it used to be, but the world just wants to see players at their best in all competitions.

That feels impossible with so many games in such a short period of time.

Enjoy the sport, but take into account the added stress to the players with the World Cup, which I will predict and talk more about as the time approaches.