The new Premier League season is nearly here once again, promising nine months of drama, storylines, surprises and the usual dose of footballing chaos. With squads taking shape, managers refining their plans, and fans daring to dream, it’s the perfect time to make some predictions for the 2024/25 campaign.

As ever, take these with a pinch of salt, and enjoy the debate.

Title Winners: Manchester City (Just About…)

It still feels bold not picking Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side may not be the flawless machine they once seemed, but they remain the most complete squad in the league. Arsenal will push them close, Liverpool look refreshed under Arne Slot, and Chelsea are beginning to find coherence, but City’s depth and experience should help them edge another tight title race.

Champions League Qualifiers

1. Manchester City
Champions again, though by a slimmer margin.

2. Arsenal
Arteta’s project continues its climb, with a stronger squad and a clearer identity than ever.

3. Liverpool
Slot brings a new tactical flavour that may catch teams off guard. If the transition goes smoothly, Liverpool will remain firmly in the top four conversation.

4. Manchester United
A bold pick, but there’s a sense the club is finally building some structure. If their young players kick on, fourth place is achievable.

Relegated Teams

18. Ipswich Town
A brilliant return to the top flight, but the leap in quality may prove just too big this soon.

19. Nottingham Forest
Ongoing squad churn and financial concerns could make this season especially difficult.

20. Southampton
Full of energy and young talent, but defensive frailties and a tough opening run may drag them down.

European Places (Europa League & Conference League)

5. Chelsea
A clearer tactical direction and further improvements should see them back in European competition.

6. Tottenham Hotspur
Ange Postecoglou’s football remains entertaining and effective enough to secure another strong finish.

7. Aston Villa
Balancing Europe again will be tricky, but Emery’s consistency should keep Villa competitive.

Top Scorer: Erling Haaland

Not the most adventurous prediction, but the Manchester City striker remains the most fearsome goalscorer in the league. Alexander Isak and Darwin Núñez could push him, but Haaland is still the safest bet.

Player of the Season: Martin Ødegaard

Arsenal’s captain continues to improve year on year. His creativity, composure, and leadership make him a central figure in their title push, and he looks primed for a standout season.

First Manager Sacked: Marco Silva (Fulham)

Fulham appear vulnerable after key departures and a lack of squad progression. A slow start could put Silva under early pressure and prompt the club to make a difficult decision.

Overachievers: Crystal Palace

Oliver Glasner has introduced a clear, modern style of play. With promising recruitment and strong momentum from last season, Palace could break comfortably into the top half, perhaps even flirting with Europe.

Underachievers: Newcastle United

Injuries, squad depth concerns, and the demands of European football may combine to make this a frustrating season. Newcastle have quality but may lack the consistency to match expectations.

Surprising Moment of the Season

A Premier League match is stopped and postponed mid-game due to a major VAR system breakdown, leading to widespread debate and temporary changes to officiating protocol.

Whatever happens, the Premier League is guaranteed to bring drama, controversy, brilliance and heartbreak. The only certainty is that the script will be ripped up within weeks.

Here’s to another unforgettable season.