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Rory O'Callaghan
The new Premier League season finally gets underway on Friday night with defending champions Liverpool taking on Bournemouth in the opening game.
Liverpool head into the new campaign as favourites to win a second consecutive Premier League title under Arne Slot but face stiff competition from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea.
Manchester United and Tottenham are looking to rebuild after disappointing domestic campaigns last term, while newly promoted Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland are aiming to beat the drop on their return to the top flight.
Ahead of this weekend's curtain-raiser at Anfield, SPORTbible journalists have put their divination skills to the test with some bold predictions for the new season...
Rory O'Callaghan - Arsenal
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It's a tough one to call this season between Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City but Mikel Arteta's side could finally get over the line thanks to their defensive solidity and the signing of Viktor Gyokeres. The pressure is certainly on Arteta. If he doesn’t win the title, his time at the Emirates could be over.
Tom Marshall-Bailey – Liverpool
This is dependent on them signing Alexander Isak. But if they do, I fear Liverpool will blow too many teams away next season. Doubts remain over the balance defensively but they will have two of the best forwards in the league to make up for that.
Josh Lawless – Man City
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A re-energised Manchester City will regain their crown under Pep Guardiola in a close title race. If Rodri, arguably the most important player in the Premier League, returns to full fitness and finds his level then City will be back dominating.
Marcus Chan – Liverpool
Liverpool have been busy in the transfer window. If they manage to get Alexander Isak and another centre-back, they should be firm favourites to go back-to-back.
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Ryan Smart – Liverpool
Arne Slot’s side were dominant champions last season and, while there should be more competition this time around, they have done superb business in the transfer window.
Ben McCrum – Liverpool
Arne Slot has added world-class signings to a team that won the Premier League last season. I think it’ll be a closer race than last season but I’ll back the champions to make it two in a row.
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Luke Davies – Liverpool
It’s hard to see past Liverpool securing back-to-back Premier League titles, but after the Community Shield defeat against Crystal Palace, there are certainly reasons for optimism for Arsenal supporters. I think Arne Slot’s side will edge it, but it will almost definitely be closer than last term.
Dan Marland – Man City
City went trophyless for only the second time under Pep Guardiola last season (I refuse to count the Community Shield). With a refreshed squad and renewed focus from Phil Foden in attack, they’ll be desperate to get back to the top.
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Marcus Banks – Arsenal
Liverpool will go in as favourites but after a summer of upheaval, it will take time for the squad to gel which could give Arsenal their best chance in recent years with a settled squad and an £80m forward they’ve been desperate for.
Rory O'Callaghan – Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea, Spurs
I expect the best four teams from last season to finish in the top four again, although the order could be different this time around. That fifth spot looks up for grabs and I think Thomas Frank could impress in his debut season at Tottenham.
Tom Marshall-Bailey – Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea and Spurs
Yes, Arsenal finish second again. But I do expect them to win a trophy of some description this season to make up for it. Unless Arsenal sign a difference maker in the final third in the last weeks of the window, I can’t see past Liverpool for the title. Defensive vulnerabilities will plague City, I’m not as convinced by Chelsea as many seem to be and their Club World Cup exploits will take their toll eventually. I really struggled with fifth. I think the top four will be miles clear but I expect drop-offs from Newcastle, Villa and Forest this season. I can see Thomas Frank steering Spurs to an unexpected Champions League spot. One they actually deserve this time round.
Josh Lawless – Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Aston Villa
City and Liverpool will tussle for the title, with Chelsea building on their recent success to finish third ahead of Arsenal despite their many new additions.
Marcus Chan – Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea, Man United
Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea will be in for sure. I fancy United to finish fifth as they won't have the distraction of European football this season.
Ryan Smart – Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle
Man City should bounce back after enduring arguably their worst season under Pep Guardiola last term. Arsenal have signed Viktor Gyokeres and should carry far more goal threat - their biggest weakness last season. Chelsea will build on their Club World Cup success. Newcastle might lose Alexander Isak but should be just fine under Eddie Howe and with new signings to come.
Ben McCrum – Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Aston Villa
City have recruited really well and can challenge for the title with Rodri coming back. I think Arsenal could suffer from the frustration of not winning a trophy, especially if they lose some of their tough early fixtures. Chelsea are close to the other three, but not quite there yet - while Villa are the best of the rest.
Luke Davies – Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City, Spurs
Momentum is so important in football, and that’s why Chelsea, fresh off the back of the Club World Cup triumph, could finish above a revamped Manchester City side. The same goes for Spurs following their Europa League victory. Now that the trophy-barren hoodoo is firmly behind them, they could surprise a few this term under Thomas Frank’s astute leadership.
Dan Marland – Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle
Liverpool exceeded expectations, winning the Premier League in Arne Slot’s first year on Merseyside. Slot will now have to go again after a huge summer of change at Anfield, and I think there will be teething issues. Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle will round out the top five. Despite potentially losing Alexander Isak to Liverpool, Newcastle will still be able to bully teams at St. James’ Park thanks to their midfield trio of Sandro Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes, which is among the best in the world.
Marcus Banks – Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea, Brighton
Think the rest of the top four picks itself after last season. Forest will fall off and Newcastle could struggle if they lose Alexander Isak.
Rory O'Callaghan – Burnley, Sunderland, Wolves
Burnley looked destined to go straight back down, while the sheer number of new faces at Sunderland could work against them. For me, it’s a toss up between Leeds, Brentford and Wolves for that final relegation place and I think the latter could struggle after losing several key players this summer.
Tom Marshall-Bailey – Brentford, Sunderland, Burnley
Brentford feel like the fashionable choice for relegation at the moment, but I struggle to see how they will avoid the drop having lost so much quality and experience. It’s a baptism of fire for Keith Andrews and I don’t see him being able to steer them away from trouble. Burnley are doomed before they even kick a ball and while many have lauded Sunderland for their transfer window, I’m not convinced they have enough Premier League-proven talent after what was a premature promotion to the top flight.
Josh Lawless – Burnley, Leeds and Wolves
Two of the three promoted sides will be sent back down, while Wolves won’t have enough about them after selling Matheus Cunha, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Nelson Semedo and others.
Marcus Chan – Leeds, Brentford, Burnley
Brentford are in big trouble after losing several key figures. Leeds and Burnley, I don't think they are good enough. Sunderland will just survive.
Ryan Smart – West Ham, Sunderland, Burnley
Sunderland have strengthened significantly - they needed to - but may narrowly miss out. Burnley struggled in front of goal in the Championship last season and their incredible defensive record is unlikely to be repeated in the top flight. West Ham’s business hasn’t exactly been inspiring so far and this might be the year they drop down.
Ben McCrum – Wolves, Sunderland and Burnley
Despite their spending, Sunderland won’t be able to stay in the top division, with newly-promoted Burnley finishing bottom. Wolves will also drop after losing Cunha, who was involved in nearly 50 per cent of their goals last season.
Luke Davies – Sunderland, Leeds, Burnley
It's all too obvious, but despite some smart additions, Sunderland simply don’t have the quality to compete in the Premier League, while fellow promoted sides Leeds United and Burnley may also struggle to compete.
Dan Marland – Burnley, Leeds, Sunderland
Not overcomplicating things. The gulf between the Premier League and Championship is so large now, it’s going to be another year of the newly-promoted teams immediately making a return to the second division.
Marcus Banks – Leeds, Brentford and Burnley
Backing Sunderland to beat the drop after their summer business. Brentford’s squad has been decimated in the summer window and replacing Thomas Frank with their set-piece coach is a risky move.
Rory O’Callaghan – Bukayo Saka
Arsenal badly missed Saka for the majority of last season and he could prove to be the difference in the title race this term. A genuinely world-class player, he also has the star power required to pick up top individual awards. The only question is if he can stay fit.
Tom Marshall-Bailey – Cole Palmer
I don’t think Chelsea will win the title but I can see him having an outstanding individual season as I do think he will be required to score the vast majority of their goals. I expect him to deliver big numbers in terms of both goals and assists.
Josh Lawless – Cole Palmer
After firing Chelsea to the Club World Cup with a mesmeric display in the final, Cole Palmer will continue his ascension with another stellar season at Stamford Bridge.
Marcus Chan – Mo Salah
Nothing much to say, Salah is the best player in the Premier League and everyone knows that.
Ryan Smart – Mo Salah
Only Cristiano Ronaldo has won the POTY award in two consecutive seasons but if Liverpool do win the league, Salah will surely have played a key part once again.
Ben McCrum – Cole Palmer
I think Chelsea could have a really good season, especially with their new signings and with the World Cup next summer, Cole Palmer will be front and central for all of Chelsea’s success.
Luke Davies – Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz will likely take the Premier League by storm following his club-record switch to Liverpool. If you haven’t already seen what the German can do, you certainly will this season - and so will the rest of the league.
Dan Marland – Cole Palmer
Palmer’s performances at the Club World Cup indicate he’s ready to take it up yet another level in this campaign. After receiving some criticism for his form towards the backend of 24/25, the 23-year-old will silence his critics and stand out ahead of a nailed-on inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Marcus Banks – Florian Wirtz
Liverpool’s record signing has shown glimpses of what he’s capable of in pre-season and he’ll only get better as he adapts to life in England. Add in the potential signing of Isak, Wirtz could be a real danger for Premier League defences.
Rory O’Callaghan – Florian Wirtz
Wirtz comes with a huge price tag, over £116m including all add-ons, but I have no doubt the Germany international will take the Premier League by storm.
Tom Marshall-Bailey – Tijjani Reijnders
City have found the perfect midfielder to complement Rodri in Reijnders. Rodri’s knee injury means it’s uncertain how he will adapt when being reintegrated and Reijnders’ athleticism and mobility mean he can take on some of that responsibility. He also has an eye for goal too.
Josh Lawless – Tijjani Reijnders
Reijnders will prove to be the complete midfielder City have needed for a number of years now. He will be the perfect foil for Rodri and will contribute hugely at both ends of the pitch.
Marcus Chan – Florian Wirtz
Having already impressed during pre-season, I am backing the young German to light up the Premier League.
Ryan Smart – Jack Grealish
The move to Everton is one that was sorely needed for Jack Grealish. The chance to get back to his best under a manager who will trust him to be the focal point, in a World Cup year, playing for a club who are finally on the up again. What an opportunity.
Ben McCrum – Florian Wirtz
Liverpool needed a new midfielder this summer, and they’ve bought one of the best in the world. Wirtz can replace Alexander-Arnold’s creativity and will run Liverpool from the midfield with plenty of goals and assists.
Luke Davies – Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish’s season-long loan move to Everton could inject new life into his stale career and the Blues’ attack. David Moyes will allow him to thrive and do what he does best in a free-roaming role as the Toffees embark on their first season at the state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Dan Marland – Tijjani Reijnders
Reijnders is the Ilkay Gundogan replacement City have needed for arguably three years. An experienced international who scored 10 goals from midfield for AC Milan last season (Only bettered by Scott McTominay at Napoli), the rest of the league will be asking why they weren’t in for him.
Marcus Banks – Tijjani Reijnders
City needed some much-needed energy in the middle of the pitch and Reijnders is exactly what they need. With Rodri back fit, Reijnders has all the attributes to be one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the league and will prove to be a bargain.
Rory O’Callaghan – Newcastle
It’s been a disappointing summer so far for Eddie Howe’s men and things could get even worse if Alexander Isak forces his way out, or continues to refuse to play ahead of the January window. While the bookies have Newcastle competing for the Champions League places, I could see them missing out on the top six if Isak isn't brought back into the fold - and quickly.
Tom Marshall-Bailey – Granit Xhaka
I just don’t see this working quite as others do. He’s expected to be the experienced Premier League head among a group of players from other leagues but he’s two years older than his last spell here and we’ve seen that transition from Bundesliga to Premier League isn’t the easiest. I can see this ending up as a one-season stay at the Stadium of Light.
Josh Lawless – Benjamin Sesko
Manchester United have brought in Benjamin Sesko for what could end up being a £74 million purchase but the Slovenian will take some time to adapt. He won’t be much better than Rasmus Hojlund and I predict he will get a maximum of 10 goals in the Premier League.
Marcus Chan – Noni Madueke
A signing that I can't quite get my head around, I don't think he is good enough to make a strong impact at Arsenal.
Ryan Smart – Burnley
It's hard to see where the goals come from with Burnley, while they've lost top scorer and captain Josh Brownhill as well as defender CJ Egan-Riley. Their key strength last season was at the back but Mo Salah and co are a slight step above Championship front lines.
Ben McCrum – Manchester United’s new attack
Although I think Bryan Mbeumo could end up being a decent signing, I’m not convinced that either Benjamin Sesko or Matheus Cunha are good enough for what United need. Although I think they’ll finish much better this season, I think they could struggle to score goals.
Luke Davies – Mohammed Kudus
Kudus’ move to Spurs excited the club’s fanbase, but has he done enough on a consistent basis in his previous two Premier League seasons with West Ham to justify the step up to playing for a Champions League club? There’s no doubt about his talent, but was he ready for the move? We shall find out.
Dan Marland – Mathys Tel
Not sure what Tel did during his loan spell at Bayern Munich to convince Tottenham Hotspur he was worth buying for £30m. In a Spurs frontline which could still be bolstered before the end of the transfer window, he’ll quickly fade away.
Marcus Banks – Benjamin Sesko
There is an enormous amount of pressure on Sesko’s shoulders after Rasmus Hojlund failed to deceive. It’s another high-risk move from United who should have went for another Premier League proven forward to compliment Cunha and Mbeumo.
Rory O’Callaghan – Nuno to be sacked in 2025
Nottingham Forest had a brilliant 2024/25 campaign under Nuno Espirito Santo, but it will be hard for him to match that this season. Forest’s first European campaign for 29 years will be fun for supporters, but it could be a distraction from the Premier League. And with an owner as unpredictable as Evangelos Marinakis, Forest could well part ways with Nuno after a poor run of results.
Tom Marshall-Bailey – Arsenal to win something
I've cheated a little bit here but given the noise around a lack of trophies, I expect the Gunners’ trophy drought to finally come to an end this season. Alright, it’s probably not that bold in the grand scheme of things but it’s been too long for a club of that size.
Josh Lawless – Brentford to finish in the top 10
Despite losing Thomas Frank and key players like Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Norgaard, Brentford will continue to roll on and will solidify themselves as a Premier League side under Keith Andrews.
Marcus Chan – Unai Emery to be sacked
It will come crashing down for Emery and Aston Villa this season.
Ryan Smart – Everton to qualify for Europe
Everton were 11th in the form table under David Moyes last season and only four points off a European spot. I predict that the Grealish signing transforms the Toffees and, though they need to add more firepower up front and probably another winger, they could challenge this season. Also a shout for Keith Andrews and Brentford, who I think will surprise many.
Ben McCrum – At least two 'Big Six' managers to be sacked
Poor form could see Amorim or Frank sacked. Arteta will surely leave if Arsenal don’t win the Premier League or Champions League, while Guardiola could decide to depart at the end of the season.
Luke Davies – Everton to push for Europe
The arrivals of Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall increase the overall quality of Everton’s squad, which already had a solid defensive base. Several underperforming players have moved on, while Moyes has added quality prospects Adam Aznou and Thierno Barry to his side. Bold? Yes. But the Merseyside club could push for a Conference League spot if things go their way this term. Watch this space.
Dan Marland – Evangelos Marinakis to end up in Forest dugout
Evangelos Marinakis ends up in the Nottingham Forest dugout in a new ‘consultant to the manager’ role. It would just be really, really funny, wouldn’t it? Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville totally losing their minds in the Sky Sports studio as Marinakis takes his seat at the City Ground ahead of a 2pm kick-off.
Marcus Banks – Ruben Amorim to be sacked by Christmas
United have added some much needed additions but I don’t believe they have the squad for Amorim’s system and whether his 3-4-3 shape will work in the Premier League. Glasner makes it work at Palace but his players have fully bought into his philosophy. United’s form last season was grounds for dismissal alone and I don’t expect it to get much better.