2024/25 Season Predictions

It’s that time of the year again. A new season is about to dawn, with the traditional Friday night fixture, so it is time for the 9320 family to bravely predict how they see the season panning out. More glory for City, or is this finally Arsenal’s time? Will Martin keep Southampton up? Will the Old Trafford roof be fixed? Is Slot a bald fraud? These questions and more may or may not be answered below. Some of these replies were submitted earlier in the week, which may explain certain answers. Enjoy.

Who will win the league? 

Howard: I know I will not be the only one, but I’m going for Arsenal. Why? Partly through pessimism, and the idea that every consecutive title makes the next one even harder. At some point something has to give, and as I’ve said previously, that something may be Rodri. The emergence of Bobb and the arrival of Savinho has calmed my disappointment in the departure of Alvarez, but nagging at the back of my mind is that the squad may not have the relentlessness in them again that is required to win a league, especially in an ever-expanding schedule where fatigue will decide the ultimate winners. The tribunal that is now apparently due to start in September will not help matters whatever the result, a distraction no one needs, though exoneration or something close would be one hell of a boost. Much will also depend on pep himself -should he stay or should he go? If he goes there may be trouble.

Having said that. Sign Guimaraes or Wharton in the next two weeks, and we’re winning the lot. I am not seriously expecting much to happen though. And as we all know, winning the Community Shield is a curse, so we may as well wave the white flags now. Thanks god those Luis Diaz rumours were not true, or I would have gone back to supporting Chelsea. Away from the pessimism, City won the league with a lot not going their way last season – big injuries, another slowish start, two proper title rivals, and still they came out in top, so i’m still fairly confident.

Chris: It is entirely feasible that this is the season that Arsenal finally win the title after a gap of over 20 years. This will likely be less about City not being able to maintain the hunger and application for a 5th successive title, but more about Arsenal’s incremental improvement since Arteta took over and, critically, their ability to avoid mistakes in the latter part of season which has plagued their last two attempts to topple us from the summit. City will remain favourites but Arsenal may just possess the edge this time. That said, I can see another title for City if Haaland posts first season stats.

Lloyd: As of today, I’m going to go City. Just. But I reserve the right to change that to Arsenal on 31st August, as I don’t think you can make a fully-informed call until the transfer window closes. I do think it’ll be near-impossible for City to go again and win a 5th PL title in a row. And Oscar Bobb’s injury is a massive blow. But I believe another signing at number 6/8 would help our title prospects greatly, and Arsenal still haven’t signed a striker.

Will: Man City.

I’m writing this shortly after the news breaking of Oscar Bobb’s injury, and the impact I thought he’d have on this season almost made me change my prediction to Arsenal – but I held firm (shows just how much I think of him). As highly as I rate Arteta and this Arsenal squad, to perform at the highest level for 2 consecutive seasons without any trophies to show for it is mentally taxing – and I just can’t see them performing to these heights for a third. I can’t see anyone else mounting a serious challenge, City for the title by 5-8 points.

Ahsan: City. Mainly because I don’t think the rivals have significantly gotten stronger. Arsenal in particular are in step with City so far (one big incoming). Pep becomes the difference between us and the rest.

Ben: City.

Ally: Aaaaaaaarghsenal. There. I’ve said it. Just have a nagging hunch that they’ve got so close so often that they’re finally going to get their noses in front & stay there all the way.

Ste: Arsenal.

George: My heart says Manchester City will win a unfathomable five in a row, but my head says that an incredibly hungry Arsenal will win their first title under Mikel Arteta and will have it wrapped up with a few games to spare. So I’m going to go with my brain and say Arsenal.

 

Who will make up the remainder of the top 4?

Howard: City, Liverpool, United.

I fear Slot’s transition will be fairly smooth, and that United may once be close to competent. Been saying that for a while though.

Chris: Arsenal/City, Liverpool, United.
I don’t see Chelsea making sufficient progress to break into the top 4, and Villa’s CL exploits will probably impact on their league progress (as it did for Newcastle last season). United continue to have just enough quality in their squad to be able to steal victories over lesser teams and I think that they will sneak into the CL positions on the last day of the season (with or without Ten Hag).

Lloyd: Arsenal (or City), Liverpool then Spurs 4th. I think Chelsea and United will struggle for Top 4 again. And Spurs will get better (again) under Ange.

Will: Arsenal – With Arsenal being City’s closest challengers, they’ll still canter to top 4 by some distance.

I’m really struggling to find an argument for any other team mounting a serious season, I think it will be a matter of the following teams being slightly more competent than the rest – side note, Villa will struggle with balancing Europe and the league.

Newcastle – IF Bruno G, Isak and Gordon don’t move in what’s remaining of the transfer window.

Spurs – Solanke will be a good signing, Ange Postecoglou having a second season with the team will be beneficial. Liverpool and Chelsea’s uncertainty in management is making it difficult to have any faith/confidence in them.

Ahsan: Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool. Arsenal and Liverpool will maintain their quality and positions. Ange will have a better season than ETH and Enzo Maresca. Solanke and Archie Gray are top signings. I can see them getting Connor Gallagher too.

Ben: Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea.

Ally: 2. City, 3. Chelsea, 4. Liverpool

Ste: City 2nd, Liverpool 3rd, Chelsea 4th

George: Arsenal, City, Liverpool and Aston Villa. The exact same as last season. I expect Villa, Spurs and Newcastle to battle hard for that last spot.

 

Who will be relegated? 

Howard: Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, Southampton.

Chris: Forest, Southampton, Ipswich.

It will be the familiar tale of the promoted sides going straight back down with the exception of Leicester who will have enough PL muscle memory to survive. After 2 seasons of being the league’s Houdini act, Forest’s number will be finally be called and they will be relegated.

Lloyd: 18th: Ipswich, 19th: Saints, 20th: Leicester. I think we’ll see the three promoted clubs go down again, which is a slightly worrying precedent to be honest. But the usual stragglers (Everton, Wolves, Brentford) should enough in my opinion. Except maybe Forest. I could see Nuno (or Ten Haag!) being the first manager sacked.

Will: Leicester (FFP), Everton (FFP) and Ipswich to go down.

Ahsan: Everton, Southampton, Ipswich. Saints and Ipswich have not made many transfer moves, which will be an issue for them because the quality of the league is so high. Everton will get another points deduction and this time there’ll be 17 better teams than them.

Ben: 18th – Southampton, 19th – Forest, 20th – Ipswich.

Ally: Ipswich / Forest / Fulham. (Ipswich are an easy call, beyond that it’s a tough shout. I’ve been tipping Forest to implode for a few years now so might as well double down. The third one is any one from about 10, but I worry for Fulham without Palinha.)

Ste: Forest, Fulham and Southampton.

George: Southampton, Forest and Ipswich. The two promoted sides just don’t seem to have the fire power to compete with the rest of the league and Forest will falter under the guidance of the uninspiring figure of Nuno. Not even the mighty Chris Wood will be able to save them.

 

Top scorer of players not called Haaland. 

Howard: Going safe with Salah. A final hurrah.

Chris: If Isak can continue his superb adaption to the PL, he will be a firm favourite to be the top scorer (in a world where Haaland does not exist). Honourable mentions will probably go to Foden, Watkins, Palmer and (possibly) Solanke.

Lloyd: – Solanke, albeit I think Salah will return to form.

Will: Solanke (this was really hard to pick. Somehow finding myself being dead certain on the Solanke signing.

Ahsan: Salah. Just think he’ll do really well again.

Ben: Ollie Watkins – I thought he got stronger as the season progressed last year and looked sharp in the Euros.

Ally: Osimhen, assuming his Chelsea move happens. If not…. maybe Havertz (who will also top the charts for most big chances missed).

Ste: Alexander Isak.

George: There were a number of impressive goal scoring campaigns from Haaland’s chasing pack last season and I think one of them will repeat those heroics, Mr Alexander Isak. No European football will mean if fit, he’ll start the majority of their PL games and I expect to him to go north of 20 goals.

 

Total number of goals for Haaland (all comps) 

Howard: Will his muscles hold out? No, so I’ll go a conservative 47.

Chris: Haaland scored 52 goals in 22/23; he scored 38 goals in 23/24. I predict he will hit a mean average of his first 2 seasons of 45 goals in all comps.

Lloyd: 40.

Will: 50 (33 in Premier League).

Ahsan: 50.

Ben: 48.

Ally: 42. (Let’s not be greedy.) 29 in the PL & 13 in all others, six of which come in one FA Cup match against Fulham.

Ste: 42.

George: I think Erling will split the difference of his previous two campaigns at City and score 46 goals in all competitions. With a full pre-season and the pain of Norway missing out on a place at this summer’s Euros, he’ll have the bit between his teeth.

 

Team that will surprisingly struggle? 

Howard: Well I’ve tipped Nottingham Forest for the drop, so does that count? Can’t say I tip them with much conviction though, as they may surprise a few people, me included. God I’m indecisive.

Chris: This is leftfield, but I wonder if Tottenham may struggle. There were signs at the end of Postecoglu’s first (very much honeymoon) season that he was becoming frustrated with some players’ attitudes. Will he have the squad that he needs to fulfil his plans? Will teams be better equipped against his tactics second time around? It is possible that they will stagnate, or even go backwards. Either outcome would be a surprise.

Lloyd: I think Villa will struggle in the league, principally due to their Champions League commitments. But I expect they’ll do well in the cup competitions. Emery is a brilliant cup manager. I’m worried Brentford could struggle again this season. But most importantly, I think that team in Salford could have a(nother) tough year too.

Will: Liverpool – They’ve looked competent in pre-season, but life in the Premier League will come as a shock to Slot. The lack of transfer activity, impending contract situation of TAA and VVD will prove distracting and Salah will have an off season.

Ahsan: Aston Villa. The combination of Champions League plus Premier League will be a struggle. They’ve lost Douglas Luiz who was key to their midfield and have lost Diaby. So far I’ve been unconvinced by their incomings.

Ben: Brighton – with De Zerbi gone, I’m not sure if they can do it again….can they?!

Ally: West Ham. Had a poor second half to last season & think they may come to realise that Dull But Wily Old Moyesy was doing them more favours than they liked to imagine.

Ste: Brentford.

George: Brighton have navigated the Premier League incredibly well since their promotion in 2018 but I think their luck will run out this year. They’ve now got an incredibly young and inexperienced coach and a cohort of players which seemingly view their time at Brighton as a stepping stone more and more with each passing season. I expect them to flirt with relegation.

 

Team that will overperform? 

Howard: Free of European football and a spate of injuries, Brighton to regain their mojo under their new hipster manager and do well. I’ve tipped them for 10th in my monologue however, so you can’t trust a word I say. United finishing 4th would definitely fit in this category.

Chris: Liverpool. There should be a dip from a club who continue to mourn the loss of their iconic manager. A new manager, a new system, some players reaching the end of their contracts/careers. In this context, a top 6 finish would be a successful season. But I think that they will hit the ground running and will achieved a 3rd/4th position relatively comfortably.

Lloyd: I think Palace will overperform again (if they don’t lose too many key players before the window shuts). Glasner and Dougie Freedman is a dangerous combo. I expect Newcastle to have a better domestic season this year, particularly if they can get their key signings (eg Guehi) over the line. I’m backing them for 5th.

Will: Crystal Palace. Might be a cop out answer, but Glasner showed the signs of a top quality manager and he’ll adapt smoothly to the loss of Olise. Wharton, Eze and Mateta will have top seasons.

Ahsan: West Ham. JL plus Kudus, Bowen, Paqueta will be fun to watch. Their incomings have been very good again as well.

Ben: Bournemouth – they really started playing some good stuff in the second half of last season under Iraola. I think they’ll finish top 8.
Other shout would be Chelsea. If you can call it over performing based on what they’ve spent but I think Maresca will do well and expect them to be in the top 4.

Ally: Southampton. Just a hunch that I cannot begin to justify other than they’re a smart club which knows their way around the PL.

Ste: Ipswich and Crystal Palace.

George: After I backed them to struggle last year, I think that Brentford will bounce back and have a cracking season with Toney back leading the line and a fully fit Bryan Mbeumo running the channels next to him.

 

Premier League Player of the Season? 

Howard: If we’re going off awards, rather than who I think did best, then it is time for Ødegaard. A City player will not be allowed to win any more awards.

Chris: De Bruyne. I think that this may be his swan song season and he will choose to move on. The emergence of Foden as the more forward-placed number 8 will help KDB conserve energy through a match as he dictates play from a deeper position. I expect a vintage season from Kev from which he can sign off with a glowing report in end of season dispatches.

Lloyd: Rodri. Odegaard would be my Arsenal shout, if they manage to edge us this year though. He is brilliant.

Will: Haaland. Will be a big game player this season and will thrive off Doku and Savinho’s service.

Ahsan: Foden. Phil will just get better again this season.

Ben: Haaland – I expect a return to force and Big Erl to be hitting crazy numbers once more.

Ally: Declan Rice.

Ste: Ødegaard.

George: If I’m backing Arsenal to win the league it will take something special from one of their front three. Of all their options I think Bukayo Saka would have to be the one to propel them to the next level so I will give the England favourite the nod.

 

FA Cup Winners? 

Howard: Newcastle.

Chris: Liverpool.

City will want retribution for the loss to United in the final last season but their cup priority will be the CL. Liverpool will have a good season but not enough to win the league, and their foray in the new CL format may not be as prolonged as they hope. An FA Cup for Slot will be a successful inaugural season and he may prioritise it.

Lloyd: City.

Will: Newcastle. Think City will find themselves out in the earlier rounds and Howe will target the silverware to write himself into Newcastle Folklore.

Ahsan: City. We’re coming for another treble.

Ben: Arsenal.

Ally: Throw a dart at the list on the wall. Maybe Liverpool, to give Slot his first silverware?

Ste: Newcastle United.

George: After last season’s horrible loss to our neighbours from Trafford, I think the boys in blue will want to take back the FA Cup crown, so I’m going to go with Manchester City.

 

Champions League winner? 

Howard: Manchester City. Pep to sign a new six-year contract on the pitch afterwards.

Chris: City.

The only team that we should fear in the CL this season is Madrid. We went out last season in disappointing circumstances for which the fans and players appeared as one in their philosophical response to it. This season will be different. The treble will never be forgotten but it gradually fades into sepia with each season. City want the CL again. I want the CL again. So do you. City to win it.

Lloyd: Real Madrid.

Will: Manchester City. Real Madrid will struggle to adjust to having a trio of Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius in big games, and will ultimately cost them.

Ahsan: City. We owe Real Madrid and will slap them if we meet them.

Ben: As per my prediction last season (and I don’t get a lot right!), I’ll go for Real Madrid again.

Ally: Manchester City. (To make up for my Premier League pessimism)

Ste: City

George: Speaking of bouncing back from painful exits. If I’m still sour from that penalty shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid, then I bet Pep and the team are. Another Champions League trophy will take Peps already immortal legacy to crazy new heights. I would also love a Champions League trip to Munich, so the manifestation starts now. For what it’s worth, I think City are going to win the Cup treble this season, therefore completing the treble of trebles.

 

First manager to be sacked? 

Howard: Steve Cooper, harshly, again.

Chris: Nuno Espirito Santo. I predict that Forest will struggle and his recent sackings makes it easier for employers to issue his P45.

Lloyd: Nuno Espírito Santo. They would’ve been better of keeping Steve Cooper, for my money. I think there’s a very strong chance neither of Ten Haag or Maresca will make Christmas. Never mind the end of the season.

Will: Nuno (I think other teams will bear with their managers for longer than Forest).

Ahsan: Sean Dyche. I fear for Everton big time.

Ben: Nuno Espírito Santo – I don’t think they improved that much last season under Nuno and can see them slipping into the relegation zone pretty quickly.

Ally: Eddie Howe. Just feels like everything’s stagnated a bit there.  New owners have been patient & impressive but think he’s one bad run away from a “new energy needed” kinda booting.

Ste: Gary O’Neil.

George: Russell Martin will be gone by Christmas with Southampton glued to the bottom of the table.

 

Signing of the summer so far. 

Howard: Savinho of course. Elsewhere, Niclas Füllkrug is an excellent short-term signing for West Ham, and just what they needed. Minteh looks mint.

Chris: Riccardo Calafiori. He will boost Arsenal’s already excellent defence, and whilst he may not be able to break up the Saliba/Gabriel partnership in the centre of the back four, Zinchenko’s receding influence in the squad may result in Calafiori establishing himself at left back for the season.

Lloyd: If it goes through, I think Guehi to Newcastle could be a gamechanger signing. He is the definition of a “floor-raiser”. A couple of the left-back signings have caught my eye. Maatsen is an excellent footballer, whilst I think Lewis Hall (who made his move permanent this summer) could establish himself as England’s 1st choice LB by the season’s end. Minteh at Brighton should cook too.

Will: Savinho. With Bobb and Grealish’s pre-season injuries, I can see him having hold of the shirt in the early games and it being increasingly difficult to take it off him. He’ll produce 10G&A in all comps throughout the season.

Ahsan: Savinho. Was a bargain who will be a mainstay of the team by the end of the season.

Ben: Calafiori for Arsenal – to continue his duplicating (copying) of Pep, Arteta has got his own John Stones. Another shout for Ross Barkley at Villa.

Ally: Savinho.

Ste: Savinho. Solanke is a sensible purchase for Spurs.

George: Aston Villa are back in the big time with Champions League football and their signing of Amadou Onana will reinforce an already impressive midfield. If he stays fit I think he’ll have a massive impact.

 

Worst signing of summer so far. 

Howard: Emile Smith Rowe. I sense a three-month injury incoming, and four goals by season-end.

Chris: Emile Smith Rowe. His injury problems will continue to haunt him, and in his attempt to impress his new employers he will over-exert and be out for the majority of the season. It will be heartbreaking for him.

Lloyd: De Ligt could definitely flop, despite being a decent player. Welcome to the modern graveyard of Manchester United, Matthijs.

Will: Pedro Neto. Large price tag for a player with limited Premier League starts.

Ahsan: De Ligt. Failed at Juve and Bayern and is another former ETH player who he has signed again. Bad vibes.

Ben: There have hardly been any so I’ll default to a United player! Joshua Zirkzee.

Ally: Have a feeling Solanke’s shortcomings are going to be revealed very quickly, considering the price tag. Also pretty sure United’s hopes on the distinctly mediocre Zirkzee are misplaced.

Ste: Hard to decide between the fourth and fifth winger Chelsea have brought in to compete with their other nine wingers.

George: I don’t think Joshua Zirkzee is the answer to United’s problems in top third of the pitch and expect him to struggle under the weight of expectation at Old Trafford.

 

Pep’s final year? 

Howard: Nah. One-year extension, reach his decade, testimonial, then sail off into the sunset, towards New York. Or Stockley Park.
(forget what I said earlier)

Chris: Yes. No. Yes. No….

NO!! The kids will hugely impress in the first 2 months of the season, Pep will see how the future can look, and he will sign a three-year extension. Please.

Lloyd: I had my resigned myself that this was Pep’s final year. That it would be good to have a change, etc. But his energy and interviews during pre-season have given me hope he could re-sign. After all, where will he go next? Surely an international job is his next move, but is Pep ready to call a time on club management?

Will: Nope, can’t see him walking away from this group of players who’ll have the bit between their teeth with the injection and encouragement of youth.

Ahsan: No. He looks reinvigorated.

Ben: No – end of last season I thought it would be but he seems as excited as ever in recent interviews. I think he’ll extend for a couple more years in the international break.

Ally: No. No no no no no. No.
Just no.

Ste: I don’t think so, though a lot depends on the intensity of the squad and the desire to win/improve.

George: No. I don’t want to think about life post-Pep and until I hear him say otherwise, I expect him to stay for at least 2 more years.

 

Which City player will have a stand out season? 

Howard: Time for Rico to oust Kyle Walker, as he should have done last season. I’ll graciously allow everyone else to enthuse over Oscar Bobb, who I just have a nagging feeling will break a bone just before the season starts. Just a hunch.

Chris: Oscar Bobb. So long as he receives enough minutes on the pitch. Last season’s defining win at Newcastle proved that he doesn’t need games to find his form. He has the natural ability, the big game confidence, and is a superb student of Pep’s teachings. Foden is a senior player now; Bobb will be the outrageous new kid on the block.

Lloyd: Aside from the usuals (De Bruyne, Haaland, Foden, Rodri) who will all inevitably be strong, I think Oscar Bobb will be a household name by the season’s end (hopefully still true despite his injury!) And I’m confident Savinho will hit the ground running and have a big impact from the off.

Will:  Would have been Bobb, but think Foden and Haaland will be equally as impressive.

Ahsan: Oscar Bobb going to own the right wing this season.

Ben: I expect many others to go for Oscar Bobb but to be different, I’ll go Savinho. Based on very little evidence, I expect him to quickly become a feature in the team and feel we could be seeing a 20 goal contributions season which we’ve lacked from the wings in the last couple of seasons.

Ally: Savinho.

Ste: Savinho again. His clever reverse passes reveal he has 360 vision to go with his trickery.

George: Jeremy Doku has impressed since joining last season and I don’t think many were expecting his development to be as rapid as it has been. If he refines his end product, he will be a frightening prospect for Premier League defences. I think that he will shine this season

 

Give me your left-field crazy prediction for the season. 

Howard: There will be a club-led revolution against the Premier League, excluding the old status quo, naturally. Not sure if it will involve violence and marches on the capital, but an implosion is near. And not just because City will be exonerated.

Also, after City are exonerated, Miguel Delaney and Nick Harris will issue a joint statement announcing that they had “got it all wrong” with City, offer their humble apologies, and wish them well for the future, before ripping off their clothes to show that they had had the City crest tattooed on their arse cheeks (both). A touching and cathartic moment at Pep’s pre-match press conference.

Chris: The VAR crisis will reach a threshold point this season. The combination of all the hostility, misunderstanding, ignorance, subjectivity etc etc will reach an apex and a PL manager will say/do something that will set a precedent for manager/officials relationship. In the current climate of individuals believing it is their birthright to violently protest over the most minor of societal issues, do not be surprised if an official is assaulted by a ‘fan’ either on or off the pitch.

Lloyd: I’ve got a feeling Ipswich will do really well (relative to their resources). They might just struggle to stay up, but I really rate McKenna from what I’ve seen and think he’ll keep them up. I also think Dyche might get Everton playing some decent football this season, and they’ll stay up more comfortably.

Will: City will have themselves another treble (Premier League, Champions League and Carabao).

Ahsan: Crystal Palace top six. Oliver Glasner will build on what they did last season and will over perform big time.

Ben: I think this will be the season where we see Newcastle quickly lose patience with Eddie Howe. They’ve not improved their already thin squad and need to kick on. I expect him gone before Christmas. Things also started to sour a little at Spurs with Postecoglou and the fans and players towards the end of last season. I wonder if they don’t start well whether the pressure will ramp up on them also.

Ally: Ange Postecoglu walks out in a strop before Christmas.

Ste: That Ipswich will be right among the top four until gravity takes hold around October.

George: The season 24/25 will have the smallest points gap from 1st to 20th in Premier League history.