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There’s a thin line between a footballer being driven by a chip on his shoulder and one whose confidence is in pieces. We’ve seen plenty of the latter over the years, but for the players we’re about to discuss, they’ll be hoping to use that chip as motivation.  

As the new season approaches, here are five players with a lot to prove after last season ended on a rough note for them individually. We’ll also dive into how this could influence our football predictions in the next 12 months. 

**Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)**

A strike of the ball. A quick jog to the corner flag. Eyes closed. A finger to the side of the head. This was a regular sight at Manchester United during the 2022/23 season, as academy graduate Marcus Rashford delivered a career-best 30 goals and 10 assists. 

For many fans, it was a huge relief to see Rashford finally living up to the promise he showed back in 2016, when he scored twice on his club debut against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League, then followed it up with another brace just days later against Arsenal in the Premier League. 

Surprisingly, Rashford couldn't maintain that form. In fact, things got ugly. Last season, he struggled with his productivity with just 8 goals and 5 assists, often losing his spot on the team to Alejandro Garnacho. 

Over the last three months of the season, Rashford completed the full 90 minutes in just two games for Manchester United as other players were picked ahead of him. Meanwhile, for England, he was gradually phased out and eventually left out of the squad for the European Championship in Germany. 

Winning the FA Cup final, where he put in a good performance, gave him some relief, as shown by his tears at the final whistle, but he knows he'll need to do much more this year. The upcoming season is all about reclaiming his best form and earning his place back in the England squad. 

● Bet on Man Utd to Finish In The Top 4 

● Bet on Marcus Rashford To Win the Golden Boot 

**Jack Grealish (Manchester City)**

A few years back, well before Aston Villa's rise to the Premier League Top 4, they were battling to stay up at the other end of the table. In the 2019/2020 season, they narrowly avoided relegation by just one point. Their captain, Jack Grealish, played a crucial role in their survival, scoring 8 goals, providing 6 assists, and helping them stay unbeaten in their last four league games. 

Having already led them to promotion the previous season, Grealish became an instant fan favourite after their great escape, so it wasn’t a shock when Man City splashed a club record £100 million to sign him in 2021. 

While Jack Grealish has racked up seven titles with Manchester City in just three seasons, including a treble in the 2022/23 campaign, his individual form has been lacking. The direct play and threat from set pieces he was once known for seem to have faded.

Last season was particularly rough for the Englishman, as his string of underwhelming performances led to Gareth Southgate leaving him out of England's Euro 2024 squad. With Manchester City signing Jérémy Doku (last year) and Savinho—two players who will challenge him for minutes—Grealish faces even more pressure. After having the summer off, this season is all about personal redemption for Grealish. 

● Bet on Jack Grealish to Help Man City Retain the EPL   

**Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United)**

Heading into last season, Newcastle had high hopes, especially with their return to the Champions League and ambitions for another top-four finish. With this in mind, they went big in the transfer market, with one signing standing out—the £55m man, Sandro Tonali. 

Alongside Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton, the Magpies believed adding Tonali to their midfield meant they had one of the league's best midfield trio, and they became an instant must-watch for neutrals. 

But October brought a major setback for the club as Tonali received a 10-month suspension for violating gambling regulations during his time in Italy. He had made just 12 appearances for Newcastle before the ban, with the club keeping clean sheets in 6 of those, leaving fans to wonder what could have been.

As Tonali returns this season, he owes it to himself and, more importantly, to the club to have an outstanding season. They showed tremendous faith in him with the hefty transfer fee and patience during his suspension. Now, it's up to him to repay that trust. 

● Bet on Tonali to help Newcastle to A Top 4 Finish 

● Bet on Newcastle’s Nick Pope to Win the Golden Glove 

**Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal)**

Gabriel Jesus is a player who divides opinions. He’s a striker not necessarily known for banging in goals but for his overall impact on the attack. Unfortunately, many fans just want to see the goals. Two seasons ago, he was having an excellent debut season with Arsenal until a knee injury sidelined him for three months, limiting him to 33 appearances.

Last season, he dealt with another knee injury and a hamstring issue, managing 36 games, many of them as a substitute. With his availability in question, Kai Havertz took over the #9 role, pushing Jesus to a backup spot. This shift cost the Brazilian forward his place with the Seleção ahead of the Copa America, with teenage prodigy Endrick preferred instead.

Heading into this season, Gabriel Jesus has something to prove. Not only does he need to fight for his spot on the national team with the World Cup just two years away, but Arsenal is also within striking distance of ending their 21-year Premier League title drought. His fitness and productivity could be the difference between finally lifting the trophy or falling short again like in the past two seasons.  

One of our top betting tips today is for the Gunners to win the Premier League, with Gabriel Jesus having a standout season—and we've got the best odds for our online betting community on that. 

● Bet on Arsenal to Win the Premier League 

**Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea)**

Last season was a disaster for Christopher Nkunku, with knee, hamstring, and hip injuries limiting him to just 12 appearances—only 4 of those as starts. If we didn’t know any better, we’d blame it on his “village people.” This string of setbacks has led many to underestimate his potential. Case in point: the FPL regulators have him priced at just £6.5. But when he’s on the pitch, the French attacker is a real threat.  

After a solid pre-season where he notched 3 goals and an assist, Nkunku is eager to stay fit and make his mark in the Premier League. His first test won’t be easy, as the Blues welcome reigning champions Man City at Stamford Bridge. But it’s a great chance for him to make a statement and set the tone for the season.

● Bet on Christopher Nkunku to Score Against Man City 

 

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A new season brings a chance for several players to reclaim their places & revive their reputations. Find out how that can affect your bets & get the best odds!

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Who Has The Most To Prove In The New EPL Season?