New coach Ernesto Valverde promises to remain true to the Barca style of play, but he could be the one to pay the price for the poor job done by the club's directors.

Atletico Madrid will hope to once again provide opposition to the big two and Diego Simeone's side will again prove tough to beat. With a FIFA transfer ban in place until January, there have been no new signings as Atletico prepare for their first campaign in the new Wanda Metropolitan Stadium, and the club's biggest success has been in retaining key players Saul Niguez and Antoine Griezmann.

It still remains to be seen however, how the big move across town will affect the team and Atletico and their supporters may need time to adjust to life away from the Vicente Calderon: time that Barca and Madrid are unlikely to allow them.

Sevilla, who last season finished fourth, have a new coach in former Celta Vigo boss, Eduardo Berizzo and will be happy to see the return of local boy, Jesus Navas along with the signings of Nolito and Ever Banega, (another returnee), but it may be hard for them to repeat last season's displays.

Villarreal should also maintain a challenge for Europe, but could miss striker Roberto Soldado, who has moved to Turkey, while it will also be interesting to see if Real Sociedad will be able to repeat last season's heights with the added challenge of playing in Europe.

Elsewhere, Athletic Club Bilbao look to continuity with former B-team coach 'Cuco' Ziganda, who stepped up to replace Valverde, while Betis look to have signed well and with Quique Setien have a coach whose sides like to play attractive football and Valencia will hope Marcelino Garcia can bring a return to the good times in an always demanding club.

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