Darke, who called games for the network during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, is ESPN lead soccer voice in the United States. He has covered the Barclays Premier League and the Champions League since 1982, and has one of the world's most recognizable soccer voices.
Squads are taking shape fast ahead of the Premier League curtain being raised in nine days' time, when Liverpool host Bournemouth at Anfield.
Previews are always tricky business. A year ago, who thought Liverpool would be champions, Manchester City would misfire and Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur would finish 15th and 17th, respectively? Nevertheless, it's fun to look ahead, even with some important business to be done before the transfer window closes on Sept. 1.
After three successive runners-up finishes, the Gunners have a realistic chance to go one better. Having already boasted the league's best defense last season -- conceding just 34 goals -- they've now significantly strengthened their attack. Much will depend on whether Viktor Gyökeres can bring his spectacular scoring for Sporting CP in Portugal (45 goals in all competitions last season) to the Premier League. Noni Madueke, who joined from Chelsea, could also make a big impact.
Money seems a little tighter, and most transfer speculation surrounds striker Ollie Watkins or goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez. However, Villa have reportedly agreed a £30 million deal with Nice for Ivory Coast striker Evann Guessand, who scored 12 goals in Ligue 1 last season. This is still a strong squad, but success in the Europa League might be more realistic than a top-five finish.
They lost center back Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid and left back Milos Kerkez to Liverpool, while center back Illia Zabarnyi is on Paris Saint-Germain's radar, too. How they fill those defensive gaps will be crucial, but do not rule out more surprises from bright young boss Andoni Iraola.
