22 Premier League predictions as Mirror Football decide champions, top four and relegation
Before we start, no, everyone hasn’t said Man City.
With the Premier League season starting on Friday night we’ve canvassed our team for their expert opinions on just what is going to happen, from the champions to the top four and relegation places, as well as the star performers and top scorers.
City feature quite heavily when it comes to predicting the champions obviously, as does Erling Haaland when it comes to the Golden Boot. Both are pretty likely to happen after all.
But what about everyone else? Read on for the most thorough collection of predictions and previews you’ll find anywhere ahead of the new season, and don’t forget to leave your own in the comments section.
Ben Husband
Premier League champions: Man City
Rest of the top four: Liverpool, Arsenal, Man Utd
Relegated: Luton, Fulham, Sheffield Utd
Surprise package: Bournemouth
Biggest disappointment: Fulham
Best new signing: Alexis Mac Allister
Top scorer: Erling Haaland
Player of the year: Jack Grealish
After the fun of a genuine title race last season, I expect Man City to enjoy somewhat of a coast to a fourth straight title. They just seem far better than the competition, despite Arsenal spending big to chase them down.
Erling Haaland had no shots and no impact in the Community Shield…and you know what that means? Nothing really, he’ll score 45 and be told he’s good, but not as good as Dixie Dean. Jack Grealish will become an even more consistent threat as well, and will go into the Euros as the form player on the continent.
I reckon Liverpool will be their closest challengers, their midfield needed a refresh and Henderson and Fabinho leaving left Klopp with no choice. Mac Allister for an initial fee of £35m continues to look an accounting error on everyone’s part. He’ll be a revelation.
Bournemouth have the makings of a really interesting squad and could threaten for the top-half finish Brentford achieved last season. The Bees could go the other way however, particularly without Ivan Toney for a significant portion of the season.
I can’t put them as the biggest disappointment though, considering the inclusion of Fulham in the bottom three. They’ll join two of the three promoted sides with Burnley and Vincent Kompany finding their way out of trouble.
Andy Dunn
Premier League champions: Liverpool
Rest of the top four: Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal
Relegated: Wolves, Everton, Luton Town
Surprise package: Darwin Nunez
Biggest disappointment: Chelsea
Best new signing: James Maddison
Top scorer: Erling Haaland
Player of the Year: Mohamed Salah
Even though they were pipped to the Premier League title by Manchester City in the 2021/22 season, Liverpool’s haul of 92 represented a 23-point improvement on their tally from the previous campaign.
If they are to compete for the 2023/24 title, Jurgen Klopp’s side will need something similar after managing only 67 points in 2022/23.
But Klopp’s men have it in themselves to bounce back strongly. They have not been spectacular in the transfer market but Alexis Mac Allister is a crucial addition and expect big second seasons from Cody Gakpo and, in particular, Darwin Nunez, who has the potential to become a prolific scorer.
Don’t forget, Mohamed Salah remains the best all-round attacking talent in the league.
Liverpool can shock Manchester City while the steady improvement at Manchester United means they can edge out Arsenal for third.
Fortunately for Everton fans, tipping them to go down last season just about proved erroneous but nothing has happened at Goodison Park to suggest they will not face another season of struggle.
With Maurcio Pochettino in charge, it might not be as much of a struggle for Chelsea but it still looks to be a dysfunctional squad and anyone thinking about a title challenge from Stamford Bridge should think again.
Across London, Spurs should be fascinating to watch and James Maddison will prove he is one of the game’s most creative operators.
If he stays fit, Erling Haaland is a shoo-in for the Golden Boot … but it might not be enough to give City that fourth title on the spin.
Tom Victor
Premier League champions: Man City
Rest of the top four: Liverpool, Arsenal, Man Utd
Relegated: Luton, Fulham and Sheffield United
Surprise package: Bournemouth
Biggest disappointment: Harvey Barnes
Best new signing: Josko Gvardiol
Top scorer: Erling Haaland
Player of the year: John Stones
Manchester City might have lost some key members of last season’s squad, but they have shown that slow starts don’t necessarily harm their title chances. Even if there are teething problems with Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez gone, they still have Erling Haaland’s goals, while Josko Gvardiol looks like an unfairly good pick-up at the back who can allow City to get even more out of John Stones after his exceptional end to 2022-23.
Arsenal have strengthened after last season’s runner-up finish, and Bukayo Saka can be expected to reach another level simply because that’s what he’s done year on year, but they now have the distraction of Champions League football. That doesn’t apply to Liverpool, who have the attacking talent to brute-force games to cover for their lack of midfield depth and can expect the likes of Stefan Bajcetic to kick on regardless.
There are plenty of relegation contenders, with the gap between top and bottom widening, but Bournemouth have made smart moves after perhaps being fortunate to survive last term. Andoni Iraola is a manager with experience of making a home ground a fortress at Rayo Vallecano, and if he gets his methods across then a top-half finish isn’t out of the question, with Fulham the ones to slide despite impressing last term.
While I expect Gvardiol to thrive at City, with an honourable mention for ex-City man James Trafford in the ‘best new signing’ category, Newcastle ’s addition of Harvey Barnes looks at odds with where the Magpies need to strengthen, and I’m not convinced he’s a step up regardless.
Finally, in the top scorer category, Haaland should only grow with experience, but expect a Liverpool forward to run him close. It’s just tough to know which one.
Liam Prenderville
Premier League champions: Man City
Rest of the top four: Arsenal, Man Utd, Liverpool
Relegated: Nottingham Forest, Luton, Sheffield United
Surprise package: Cole Palmer
Biggest disappointment: Mason Mount
Best new signing: Jurrien Timber
Top scorer: Erling Haaland
Player of the year: John Stones
The most unpredictable league is becoming, well, quite predictable. especially at the top. I just don’t see how anyone can stop Manchester City with the freak of nature that is Erling Haaland up top. Arsenal will give it a good go again but I think Pep will become the first manager to win the title four years on the spin. As for Haaland, he may as well keep the Golden Boot on his shelf because nobody will get close but I am backing his City teammate John Stones to claim individual honours this time around.
Manchester United and Liverpool should have enough to join City and Arsenal in the top four with Chelsea and Spurs adapting to their new managers and Newcastle facing up to the demands of Champions League football.
At the other end of the table you can take your pick from eight or nine teams to join newly-promoted sides Luton and Sheffield United in the bottom three. Wolves, Everton, Palace, Burnley and Bournemouth will all be down there but I think Forest, who will probably end up sacking Steve Cooper at some point, will make the drop. Their squad is no better than last campaign and we have seen second-season syndrome strike plenty of times in the past.
As for the new signings, Jurrien Timber’s versatility will see him catch the eye at Arsenal but I am not expecting Mason Mount to justify his big-money move to Old Trafford.
Simon Mullock
Premier League champions: Manchester City. City have lost the goals and assists of Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez, but the addition of Josko Gvardiol will make Pep Guardiola’s defence even more miserly, while the arrival of Mateo Kovacic could be another masterstroke. If City can bring in the additional signings their manager wants, they will make it four-in-a-row.
Rest of the top four: Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea. Liverpool will be back – if they can continue to add reinforcements before the window closes, United will improve again after backing Erik ten Hag, and if Mauricio Pochettino can make an instant impact at Stamford Bridge with no European football to distract him then he could capitalise on the extra stress Arsenal will be under from greater expectations and their return to the Champions League.
Relegated: Everton, Sheffield United, Luton.
Surprise package: Burnley. It might be a rollercoaster ride for the Clarets, but their style will win them friends along the way.
Biggest disappointment: Arsenal. I’m not sure the Gunners are as good as their fans think they are.
Best new signing: Alexis Mac Allister. The Argentine is a class act who will thrive on the Anfield stage.
Top scorer: Erling Haaland. It’s impossible to see past the Norwegian if he stays fit.
Player of the year: Erling Haaland
The Puma home shirt features the traditional sky blue colour but has slightly darker blue detailed stripes across the front which take inspiration from the Etihad Stadium’s walkways. City moved to their new home from Maine Road in 2003 and the shirt honours that anniversary.
Matt Maltby
Premier League champions: Liverpool. Despite a huge overhaul of their midfield, Jurgen Klopp will oversee a sensational campaign – led by Darwin Nunez – that ends with the league title.
Rest of the top four: Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea. We’re set for another enthralling top-four battle, but Arsenal and Newcastle will struggle with Champions League commitments while Tottenham will be Tottenham…
Relegated: Sheffield United, Luton, Everton. Surely it’s time the Toffees fail to beat the drop. The other two are pretty obvious, right?
Surprise package (player or club): Crystal Palace. With Roy Hodgson back at the wheel, Palace will finally push on and challenge for those European spots.
Biggest disappointment: (player or club): Newcastle. After the success of last season, the Magpies will struggle to juggle their European games.
Best new signing: Rasmus Hojlund. The Manchester United new boy will follow Erling Haaland’s lead and hit the ground running under Erik ten Hag. I wouldn’t be surprised if he grabs 20+ goals.
Top scorer: Erling Haaland. Hard to back against the Manchester City star. He’s unstoppable – and he’ll prove it again this season.
Player of the year: Eberechi Eze. The Palace star showed his class at the back end of last season and, after make his England debut in the summer, he’s been sharp in pre-season. Watch this space…
Colin Millar
Premier League champions: Manchester City
Rest of the top four: Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal
Relegated: Wolves, Sheffield United, Luton
Surprise package: Bournemouth and Burnley will both exceed expectations
Biggest disappointment: Wolves. Everton – if another relegation battle is still classified as a disappointment. Newcastle may struggle to match their expectations.
Best new signing: One of Dominik Szoboslai, Andre Onana or Christopher Nkunku (despite his early injury)
Top scorer: Erling Haaland
Player of the year: William Saliba
Any prediction carries a risk of continuing last season’s form into this. However, there should be minimal change in the top four: Man City are still an absurdly relentless winning machine and while there have been notable exits – it would be foolish to suggest they aren’t favourites.
Man United continue to improve on and off the pitch with greatly improved recruitment, ruthlessness and coaching, Liverpool will be better than last season with players returning from injury and midfield improvements, while Arsenal have invested heavily in quality players.
Chelsea and Tottenham both have new, exciting managers without the burden of European football but they were both so far off the pace last season, and the standard of top four is so high, and this season looks set to be a rebuilding one. Newcastle may struggle to replicate last season’s points tally, which would point – somewhat unfairly – to an underwhelming campaign.
There will be no surprises if Aston Villa and Brighton impress again, but Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola and a string of exciting, ambitious signings may be the surprise package of the campaign.
Burnley are similarly exciting, but fellow newly-promoted clubs Luton (whose style of play may initially prove problematic for opponents but is unlikely to last over a season) and Sheffield United – under financial constraints – will be delighted with a 17th placed finish. Wolves, Everton and Nottingham Forest also appear vulnerable after unproductive summers.
Alan Smith
Premier League champions: Man City
Rest of the top four: Arsenal, Man Utd, Liverpool
Relegated: Wolves, Sheffield United, Luton
Surprise package: Aston Villa
Biggest disappointment: Chelsea
Best new signing: Josko Gvardiol
Top scorer: Erling Haaland
Player of the year: Erling Haaland
The top four is shaping up to be predictable, so too the bottom three – and in between that is anybody’s guess. City’s dominance will continue, Arsenal will again be second but at arm’s length and Liverpool should bounce back to replace Newcastle in fourth position because Eddie Howe does not have enough depth to also combine the Champions League.
At the other end Sheffield United and Luton have not strengthened enough to survive, while Wolves look to be in total disarray.
Both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, especially if Harry Kane ends up leaving, seem set for a struggle and may even be bumped down the table by Aston Villa, who have recruited well and could kick on again under Unai Emery.
Erling Haaland will sweep the awards again but City’s dominance will be greatly aided by Josko Gvardiol’s introduction to the back line.
James Whaling
Premier League champions: Man City
Rest of the top four: Arsenal, Man Utd, Liverpool
Relegated: Wolves, Luton, Sheff Utd
Surprise package: Burnley
Biggest disappointment: Chelsea
Best new signing: Andre Onana
Top scorer: Erling Haaland
Player of the year: John Stones
Sorry to be boring, but I’m simply not willing to put my name next to something that doesn’t predict by far and away the best team in the division to come out on top once more.
Arsenal may well at least maintain the gap, if not close it slightly, and Manchester United could challenge them for second spot. In terms of completing the top four, Newcastle, Chelsea, Tottenham and possibly even Aston Villa and Brighton may have a say, but I’ve gone for Liverpool to return to Europe’s top table.
At the bottom, it’s felt like Luton, Sheffield United and one other all summer. The Blades in particular seem to have settled for taking the money and rebuilding back in the second tier, selling both Iliman Ndiaye and Sander Berge. Luton could pick up some results at home, once they start playing there, but you’d think they will still fall short of survival. The off-field chaos and Julen Lopetegui’s exit at Wolves means I’ve plumped for them for the final relegation spot, but, in truth, any one of Fulham, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, Everton, Crystal Palace or West Ham could fall through the trapdoor.
I don’t know if surprise package is the right term for Burnley, but I do expect them to survive comfortably and maybe even challenge for a top-half finish. They were imperious under Vincent Kompany in the Championship last term and appear to have recruited wisely. Chelsea can’t be any worse than they were last season, but I still think Mauricio Pochettino has his work cut out to return them to the country’s elite.
For the individual honours, Andre Onana might not be the most eye-catching new recruit, but I think he may well be the most important. David de Gea had clearly run his course between the sticks at Old Trafford, and Red Devils fans will be desperate for his replacement to hit the ground running. Again, I simply refuse to entertain anyone other than Erling Haaland topping the goal charts, fitness permitting of course. And his Manchester City teammate John Stones has everything he needs to continue to thrive in the hybrid role handed to him by Pep Guardiola and establish himself as one of the world’s elite players ahead of next summer’s Euros.
Leave your predictions for the new season in the comments section
Mike Walters
Premier League champions: Liverpool
Rest of the top four: Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United
Relegated: Sheffield United, Fulham, Nottingham Forest
Surprise package: Luton
Biggest disappointment: West Ham
Best new signing: Jurrien Timber
Top scorer: Mo Salah
Player of the year: Mo Salah
Somebody’s got to stop Manchester City from turning the title race into a monopoly, so it will have to be the last bloke to do it – Jurgen Klopp.
The last time Liverpool had a lousy season, during lockdown, they were back with a vengeance the following year, losing out to City by the barest of margins on the last day of term.
Mo Salah, insulated by a hefty new contract, was a bit hit-and-miss by his standards in 2022-23 but he still managed to score 30 goals in all competitions – hardly a flop.
And if Liverpool are going to shove the Blue Moon behind the clouds again, as they did four years ago, they will need the Egyptian King to fill his boots once more, with Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota all piling in with double-figure contributions.
Is that a realistic aim, after a wholesale rebuild in midfield over the summer? Their first game, away at Chelsea, will provide telling evidence.
Twelve months ago, two stops down the District Line, the 2-2 draw at Fulham on the opening day told us all we needed to know about Klopp’s ageing engine room. But if they come out of the traps firing on all cylinders, watch Liverpool go.
Manchester United should have been the best bet to dislodge the noisy neighbours from their perch, but Harry Kane – the No.9 they should have signed for each of the last three summers to turn them into title favourites – has been elusive again. Sorry, but £72 million on Rasmus Hojlund is too much for potential when they could have got a 25-goal guarantee for another £25m.
At the bottom, don’t assume Luton will go down just because away fans have to enter a corrugated hovel through the neighbours’ back yards. That ground might be worth 20 points to the Hatters if visiting teams turn up their noses at the antiquated ‘charms.’
Izzy Yard
Premier League champions: Arsenal
Rest of the top four: Man City, Liverpool, Man Utd
Relegated: Nottingham Forest, Luton, Bournemouth
Surprise package: Burnley
Biggest disappointment: Mason Mount
Best new signing: Alexis Mac Allister
Top scorer: Erling Haaland
Player of the year: Erling Haaland
Mikel Arteta’s squad will be out for revenge after just missing out on the title last season and they have had time to re-build and develop in areas which were in need of improving, with arguably the strongest defence in the league they have a good chance at winning the title, but Man City will be on their toes throughout the season.
Liverpool will bounce back with some fresh new signings including Alexis Mac Allister, who will give the midfield the spark they didn’t have last season and that’s why he is up there to be the best new signing.
Nottingham Forest came close to going down last year and with Steve Cooper still as boss I think they will have a similar season, only to go down this time around. Burnley will surprise, Vincent Kompany has been a success for the club and his leadership will work well in the top-flight.
In terms of a disappointment, Mason Mount has a big role to play at Man Utd, and I think it could prove too much for the ex-Chelsea man especially after a disappointing final season for the Blues. While I think Erling Haaland will come out all guns blazing right from the get-go, he had a record breaking first season and this is him just getting started in the Premier League.
Alex Richards
Premier League champions: Liverpool
Rest of the top four: Man City, Man Utd, Arsenal
Relegated: Luton, Sheffield United, Nottingham Forest
Surprise package: Wolves
Biggest disappointment: Rasmus Hojlund
Best new signing: Alexis Mac Allister
Top scorer: Erling Haaland
Player of the year: Mohamed Salah
With a new look, new athleticism in midfield and no Champions League to skew their focus, Liverpool can take advantage of a Manchester City treble hangover and claim the Premier League title.
Whenever the Reds have disappointed under Jurgen Klopp they tend to bounce back the following year and they remain the only side to either usurp or really push Pep’s all-conquering outfit to the bitter end in recent years.
Key will be Alexis Mac Allister, the best pound-for-pound signing anywhere in the Premier League this summer, while don’t be surprised if Mohamed Salah takes top individual honours at the end of the year.
City will no doubt go close and Arsenal could experience something of a drop off; the loss of Granit Xhaka in that dressing room shouldn’t be underestimated. As such, they’ll battle Manchester United for third, although I can’t help but feel that they’ve majorly overspent on Rasmus Hojlund and that he’s in for a difficult first season. Look out for Aston Villa to push them all close in the top four race.
At the bottom, Luton and Sheffield United look like bankers to go back down, the loss of Iliman Ndiaye to Marseille is huge for the Blades. With those two, it could be any one from about 7/8 teams who go down, and I worry for Nottingham Forest whose away form was dreadful last season and remain overreliant in Morgan Gibbs-White and Brennan Johnson.
With Julen Lopetegui gone, Wolves will be the league’s surprise package one way or another: They’re either going to swim and be absolutely fine in mid-table, or they will sink like a stone, go down in an inglorious blaze and ruin my relegation selections.
Simon Bird
Premier League champions: Arsenal
Rest of the top four: Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United
Relegated: Sheffield United, Luton, Bournemouth
Surprise package: Harvey Barnes to score 15-plus for Newcastle
Biggest disappointment: Sheffield United – promoted but haven’t given it a go signing wise.
Best new signing: Declan Rice
Top scorer: Erling Haaland
Player of the year: Martin Odegaard
Only two clubs can win the title this season. But this time Manchester City will be denied a sixth title in seven years by Arsenal.
In fact, for the freshness and competitiveness of the Premier League, we need a new winner. It can’t become a one horse race no matter how good City are to watch and how much they can entertain and rip apart the opposition.
Bolstered by signing Declan Rice – a gamechanger – plus Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and back up keeper David Raya, Mikel Arteta has the tools to go one better. CIty and Man United are nailed on for the top four but there’ll be an almighty scrap for fourth place. Fifth could also make the Champions League this season if English teams perform well.
Newcastle have strengthened well with Sandro Tonali and Harvey Barnes and they can see off Chelsea who will be resurgent and hungry after their huge clearout, and Liverpool who have stalled. If Spurs lose Harry Kane, they won’t be in the race.
Sheffield United and Luton are certs to go down, and Everton, Wolves and Forest will have scares, but I fear Bournemouth will go. As for star performers, Declan Rice – with new high quality around him – will have a brilliant season alongside Martin Odegaard.
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Liam Cope
Premier League champions: Arsenal
Rest of the top four: Man City, Liverpool, Man Utd
Relegated: Everton, Sheffield Utd, Luton
Surprise package: Burnley
Biggest disappointment: Chelsea
Best new signing: Pau Torres
Top scorer: Erling Haaland
Player of the year: Martin Odegaard
Manchester City will still be the team to beat but may fancy a season off after winning the treble. With Arsenal’s new signings adding to an already top squad they can last the distance this time.
Liverpool have had a midfield overhaul but their attacking options are still frightening and will push them back into the Champions League places. Manchester United to round out the top four, they will carry on what they built last year and hope Hojlund hits the ground running.
Sheffield United and Luton both did brilliantly last season and have earned their right to be in the Premier League but they will both ultimately struggle with their squads not quite good enough. Everton have rode their luck the last couple of seasons and look worse off this season and it could finally be their time to drop out of the top flight.
Burnley surprise package, made some good signings and got a hungry manager in Vincent Kompany to get them to potentially a top half finish. Chelsea to struggle again, not convinced their squad is good enough to compete with the top teams around them and may find themselves outside the top six again.
I can see Aston Villa having another really good season and being in the top six again. Pau Torres having played under Unai Emery before at Villarreal should take to the Premier League and can be key to Villa’s league and European run this season.
Erling Haaland top scorer just because he will be, give him the golden boot now. Martin Odegaard to be player of the year, the heartbeat to Arsenal’s attack and if he replicates his scoring form from last season will be even better this campaign.
Nathan Ridley
Premier League champions: Manchester City
Rest of the top four: Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea
Relegated: Wolves, Luton, Sheffield United
Surprise package: Bournemouth
Biggest disappointment: Aston Villa
Best new signing: Nicolas Jackson
Top scorer: Erling Haaland
Player of the year: Martin Odegaard
I’d love to see a fresh champion of English football, but it’s difficult to envision any club apart from Manchester City holding the Premier League trophy aloft come May. If anyone in football knows how to maintain super high standards and squeeze the last vestiges of hunger out of his players following on from widespread success, Pep Guardiola is that man.
Arsenal look ready push City even further down the line and could well enjoy a decent run in the Champions League thanks to their deeper squad, much like Manchester United, who still seem a year or two away from seriously challenging for the title. I also think Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea will snap back into the top four ahead of a new-look Liverpool side, who are facing a transitional season which could precede Jurgen Klopp’s second coming at Anfield.
Chelsea’s looming resurgence provides Nicolas Jackson with an ideal opportunity to take the signing of the summer crown, backed by a supporting cast full of creative players. Having looked sharp in pre-season, the 22-year-old seems to possess all the tools necessary to make himself a lethal striker.
Bournemouth I can also see surprising the masses, as their ruthless decision to sack Gary O’Neil and appoint the highly-rated Andoni Iraola has shades of Brighton’s decision to get rid of Chris Hughton and bring in Graham Potter four years ago. Aston Villa, on the other hand, are being tipped by fans and pundits for a strong season, but while Unai Emery will no-doubt work his magic on the European stage, I don’t suspect them to cause quite so many shocks in domestic football.
In a much more distressing position will be their cash-strapped Midlands neighbours, Wolves, who are in nothing short of a crisis and staring into the abyss. Luton and Sheffield United supporters are also already pondering the prospect of relegation, while I reckon Burnley should do enough to survive.
Erling Haaland as top scorer? That’s surely obvious. Martin Odegaard to become even more of a star and win the player of the year award? There’s a good chance.
Jacob Leeks
Premier League champions: Arsenal
Rest of the top four: Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle
Relegated: Sheffield United, West Ham, Luton
Surprise package: Bournemouth
Biggest disappointment: Liverpool
Best new signing: Andre Onana
Top scorer: Erling Haaland
Player of the year: Declan Rice
Having come so agonisingly close last season, I feel like this is finally going to be Arsenal’s year, especially given their summer recruitment. They have had a better window than Manchester City and I think record signing Declan Rice will be the driving force behind the Gunners finally ending their title drought.
Though their summer has been disappointing, City still have Erling Haaland, who will once again win the golden boot. Haaland’s goals should secure them a top four place, while Manchester United will push last season’s top two close this term.
While they will have to contend with European football, Newcastle should again secure Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s new boss Andoni Iraola worked miracles in LaLiga and he could lead them to a surprisingly good campaign.
I don’t think the Cherries will be involved in a relegation fight, but Sheffield United’s decision to let all their stars leave makes them my tips to go down. Having sold captain Rice, West Ham will have another season of struggle, while Luton also seem lightweight.
United’s move for Andre Onana has been needed for some time and he will make a strong case for the title of ‘best new signing’. At the other end of the scale, I don’t believe Liverpool have done enough to strengthen their midfield or defence and Jurgen Klopp’s squad will endure another disappointing year.
David Maddock
Premier League champions: Heart says Liverpool, head says Manchester City, though Arsenal and Manchester United will be stronger than last season.
Rest of the top four: For reasons above, in this order… City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United.
Relegated: Tough one this, but it’s so hard for the promoted clubs to compete, so I think Luton and Sheffield United will struggle and go straight back, and between Burnley and Bournemouth for final place.
Surprise package: Aston Villa could surprise quite a few this year, and challenge around the top four for a long time.
Biggest disappointment: The Premier League’s seeming indifference to the transfer of Allan Saint-Maximin to Saudi club Al-Ahli. There should have been an immediate investigation launched as the Saudi Pro League-Newcastle link has the potential to be troubling through PIF multiple ownership.
Top scorer: Not difficult this one. So easy in fact, I don’t have to name him.
Player of the year: Going for Kevin de Bruyne, if he stays fit (and doesn’t fall out with Pep!).
Sam Meade
Premier League champions: Man City
Rest of the top four: Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal
Relegated: Luton, Sheffield Utd, Bournemouth
Surprise package: Newcastle
Biggest disappointment: Harry Kane
Best new signing: James Trafford
Top scorer: Erling Haaland
Player of the year: Marcus Rashford
City will become the first team to do four top flight titles in a row and, I’m happy to be proved wrong, but I just don’t think Arsenal will be as good as last year. For starters I don’t think they’ll be able to start as quickly and it remains to be seen what impact last year had on them. Chelsea are the unknown but have too many good players to not make it work and, for me, Pochettino is working with the type of player he most enjoys and could well exceed expectations.
Newcastle don’t seem to be in anyone’s top four, some even have Aston Villa ahead of them, but I think they’ll really push for the top four and make an impact in the other competitions. In a Burnley team that may have their difficulties their new No 1 Trafford will get plenty of chances to highlight his quality with future England recognition perhaps closer than many think.
Another debate that will rage on forever is Tottenham’s marquee man. He’ll be class once again, but if he stays, that will disappoint me most. I know pushing for an exit may tarnish his legacy, but fans would understand.
Rashford excelled last year and, if it wasn’t for Haaland, will certainly have been looked upon as the Premier League’s standout player. He seems to be in an excellent place in his career and, with more support acts around him, I think he could land the main individual accolade.
Felix Keith
Premier League champions: Man City – boring call, but it’s going to happen again for the sixth time in the past seven seasons.
Rest of the top four: Arsenal, Man Utd, Tottenham
Relegated: Wolves, Luton, Sheffield United
Surprise package: Ian Maatsen – one of many Chelsea youngsters who have been farmed out on loan over and over. He tore it up in the Championship for Burnley last season and has impressed Mauricio Pochettino in pre-season. Clubs are understandably queuing up for a loan deal again for the 21-year-old, who can play anywhere down the left flank. Whether he stays at Chelsea or leaves once again, he is one to watch.
Biggest disappointment: Kai Havertz – £65m is a huge fee for a player who has consistently underwhelmed and may be forced to play as a No9 with Gabriel Jesus out. He’s not a natural goalscorer and won’t reach double figures.
Best new signing: Mateo Kovacic – £25m for a ready-made Pep Guardiola player. He’s not going to be spectacular, but he will be extremely efficient and help the City machine move on from Ilkay Gundogan.
Top scorer: Harry Kane – he’ll stay and continue on his path towards overtaking Alan Shearer as the Premier League’s all-time highest scorer
Player of the year: Bukayo Saka – 14 goals and 11 assists last season, he continues to go from strength to strength. His consistency at the age of 21 is remarkable and his availability will be a major factor for Arsenal, having played in every Premier League match for the past two seasons.
Josh O’Brien
Premier League champions: Arsenal
Rest of the top four: Man City, Man Utd, Liverpool
Relegated: Sheffield United, Luton Town, Wolves
Surprise package: Newcastle United
Biggest disappointment: Mykhaylo Mudryk
Best new signing: Jurrien Timber
Top scorer: Erling Haaland
Player of the year: Martin Odegaard
I predict the season of all seasons for Arsenal, where everything clicks and new recruits slot in seamlessly while their mercurial captain guides them to glory.
Manchester City will just miss out but Erling Haaland has not lost his scoring touch. Their local rivals United look the best version of themselves for quite some time and Erik ten Hag has spent well this summer, as have Liverpool who make up the top four.
The bottom three contains two of the recently promoted outfits that I feel will just find life in the Premier League too much to handle and drop back down immediately, while the off-season chaos that has curtailed Wolves’ pre-season set the tone for what will be a miserable campaign.
Newcastle will adjust to life in the Champions League better than many are expecting, though I do think they will finish just outside the top four in fifth. Eddie Howe has enough in his armoury to call upon when the going gets tough, plus if the Magpies are eliminated as early as the round of 16 they will still have plenty of time to turn their league season around if it is going poorly.
Mykhaylo Mudryk has been tipped by many to enjoy a breakout season after half a campaign struggling to know where to stand at Stamford Bridge, I am not so sure of that.
Leave your predictions for the new season in the comments section
Kieran King
Premier League champions: Manchester City
Rest of the top four: Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool
Relegated: West Ham, Wolves, Sheffield United
Surprise package: Luton
Biggest disappointment: Brighton
Best new signing: Moussa Diaby
Top scorer: Erling Haaland
Player of the year: Kevin de Bruyne
Despite losing Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez, I don’t see anyone other than Man City winning the Premier League. They still have so much strength in depth and I think signing a right winger would cap off another successful summer after Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic arrived.
As for the rest of the top four, I see Liverpool pipping Newcastle to a Champions League spot, with Man Utd and Arsenal finishing in there too. This is because Liverpool have that mentality switch after a poor season and I think, despite the lack of defensive midfielder at the moment, they will finish fourth.
Moving to the relegation battle, and, for me Sheffield United will be the first to drop – based on the fact their squad is weaker to the one that finished last season. Wolves and West Ham are the others I think will go, as neither have strengthened enough and look a mess right now.
This means that Luton will stay in the Premier League. The Hatters are well organised, have a set style of football that I believe will be effective and hurt teams at that level. They have been written off by many, but not by me.
With Luton being the biggest surprise, Brighton are my biggest disappointment as I simply don’t think they will have the squad capable enough to compete at the same level as they did last season. More matches in Europe will also disrupt their league form, and although I like Roberto De Zerbi, I can’t see them doing anywhere near as well this time around.
As for the best new signing, Moussa Diaby is my pick. There are concerns he might not adapt to the English game as well as some hope, but I think he’ll settle in like a duck to water. I see him as being essential to Villa’s European charge with 20+ goal contributions.
There doesn’t need much explaining with who the top scorer will be. Erling Haaland has to be my pick, having notched 36 in the Premier League last term. And then for the Player of the Year, I think his club teammate Kevin de Bruyne will scoop this prize and have another excellent season.
Mark Jones
Premier League champions: Liverpool
Rest of the top four: Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea
Relegated: Everton, Luton, Sheffield United
Surprise package: Aston Villa
Biggest disappointment: Man Utd
Best new signing: Alexis Mac Allister
Top scorer: Harry Kane
Player of the year: Mohamed Salah
You’ll all be bored of reading Man City predictions by now, so instead let us look at the main reason why the thing that most people think will happen might not happen. City did, after all, achieve it all last season. They pulled off footballing perfection, Pep Guardiola has completed his mission and a fair few of their players will see their decision to join the club as vindicated.
None of them, with the exception of Phil Foden, will have grown up dreaming of playing for the club though, and so a combination of that and a potential weariness over responding to Guardiola’s demands could create a few problems in the camp and a sense of dropping off. Or it could not.
If there is a weakness in the well-oiled machine then Liverpool will be the biggest beneficiaries, with a refreshed squad, the opportunity to rest players for the Europa League and a new Jurgen Klopp gameplan all coming to the fore. They’ll need a spot of fortune, but then Arsenal had that at the beginning of last season, and if the Reds were to get in the position the Gunners did then I’d back them to get the job done.
It sounds daft, but a solid, convincing third spot would be a good season for Arsenal given their Champions League exertions, and I fancy Mauricio Pochettino to have cobbled together something resembling a good enough Chelsea side to seal a tight finish for fourth, partly because I’m not quite having Manchester United under Erik ten Hag just yet.
Relegation will be a close call but Everton’s lack of goals will tell, and I see them sucked into it with Luton and Sheffield United, neither of whom have got much love here.