My Premier League Table Predictions:
Who will win and who will lose?
Similar to last year, I have decided to predict the unpredictable Premier League. First, I will predict the league table come May 2025, and my next article will revolve around predicting awards, both factual and fictional.
Champions — Arsenal
After two years of challenging Manchester City, I do believe that Arsenal now have the mental fortitude to go all the way this year. Personally, I do believe they require an out and out no. 9 and a box to box midfielder to partner Rice, but there seems to be enough there to warrant a first Premier League title since the Invincibles. As for Manchester City, I do think it will be close, but uncertainty over their FFP lawsuit and Pep Guardiola’s future may result in taking their eye off the ball, metaphorically of course.
Champions League Spots — Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool
As discussed above, I believe Manchester City will be behind Arsenal but not far off. I do think the gap to the next two clubs will be at least 10 points, starting with Tottenham Hotspur. I believe with a second season for Ange Postecoglou, and strengthening in weak areas such as centre forward and central midfield, that they will build on last season’s finish.
My other choice would be Liverpool under new stewardship. Whilst there may be some teething issues with the new system employed by Slot, I do think the second half of the season will be business as usual for the reds.
Further European Places — Manchester United, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace
Next, we look at the Europa League and Conference League spots. Although I am not the biggest fan of Ten Hag, I do acknowledge that they have strengthened the best out of the “Big 6", addressing major issues like centre-back and full back. Although, I still think there are weaknesses in central midfield and their style of play to push further.
Aston Villa will fall a little due to European competition, but their squad is so strong (arguably stronger than Chelsea) and under Emery could be a real threat to the Big 6. Similarly, I believe Oliver Glasner and the talent of this young Palace team is very exciting for neutrals, and I can imagine that this could lead to their first Conference League Qualification.
Relegation — Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Southampton
With Nottingham Forest, I believe they are part of a handful of clubs who have ridden their luck at times to not be relegated. However, with a lack of investment in the squad and a manager who I do not believe in, I think this may be a final day relegation for the club.
Bournemouth’s fate seems tied to the sale of Solanke to Tottenham. It is hard to replace your main forward, and it remains to be seen whether the replacement from Porto will be able to emulate the output of their former No.9.
Finally, there is Southampton. Whilst I do not think they will be adrift from the rest of the league, I believe that they will not be strong enough to avoid finishing bottom, possibly below 30 points.
Full Premier League Table:
1. Arsenal
2. Manchester City
3. Tottenham Hotspur
4. Liverpool
5. Manchester United
6. Aston Villa
7. Crystal Palace
8. Newcastle United
9. Chelsea
10. Brighton & Hove Albion
11. Fulham
12. West Ham United
13. Everton
14. Leicester City
15. Ipswich Town
16. Brentford
17. Wolverhampton Wanderers
18. Nottingham Forest
19. Bournemouth
20. Southampton
