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Premier League Predictions 2023-24
1. Manchester City
They took their time, but finally Manchester City got that coveted treble last season. Assembling the strongest squad and the world’s best player (although subject to 100+ breaches of Financial Fair Play rules), it was only going to be a matter of time before they swept the board. Although there have been 2 high profile departures (Gundogan and Mahrez) the City squad with the record breaking Haaland are surely bound to win their 4th consecutive title (and 7th in the last 8 seasons). The only thing that might stop them is a proper investigation into their (alleged) financial misdemeanours.
2. Liverpool
Last season was an incredible disappointment for Liverpool and arguably their squad is even weaker after the departure of Firmino, Henderson, Keita & Milner. Alexis McAllister looks to be a shrews acquisition, but much will rest on Klopp’s ability to revitalise and re-energize his still talented squad.
3. Arsenal
The Gunners looked destined for the title before stumbling late on and gifting City the championship. Many feel Arsenal’s reaction to last season’s heartbreak will determine their success this campaign, but managing the Champions League fixtures may be equally demanding. Declan Rice clearly strengthens the midfield, together with Havertz and Timber could see Arsenal pulling up trees once more.
4. Manchester United
Progress has certainly been made under ten Hag, with a clearer identity, style and discipline. The signings of Mount, Onana and young Danish striker Hojlund look solid rather than spectacular. Enough for a top 4 finish, but a long way back from a title challenge.
5. Chelsea
The first season of the Todd Boehly era at Chelsea was an unmitigated disaster. It began with Tuchel, saw Potter in and out and finished with Fat Frank’s increasingly pathetic excuses as the losses and the spending mounted up. Appointing Pochettino is probably the first big call the Blues have got right in some time, it’s crucial he is given time to remodel a bloated and lopsided squad.
6. Newcastle United
Since becoming Saudi Arabia’s North East England outpost, the rise of Newcastle United has been astonishing. Sadly the attention and concern about the ethics of the Saudi regime, and its money have dimmed. On the field, it’s right to acknowledge the excellent job which Eddie Howe has done and securing Champions League qualification was tremendous. Tonali, Barnes and Livramento look like shrewd acquisitions but they may fall short of the top 4 given the extra demands on the squad this campaign. Anything worse and Howe might be for the chop…
7. Tottenham Hotspur
Lots of uncertainty surrounds Spurs this summer. Switching from Conte to Ange Postecoglou is as big a switch of style as can happen in management, but the question that remains is whether it will see the fortune of Spurs transform. Once again, much rests on the shoulders of Harry Kane, who (at the time of writing) looks set to remain with the club. Spurs fans claim a better brand of football is what they want to see, this will surely be delivered, but there could be lots of goals at both ends of the pitch.
8. Aston Villa
Mocked at Arsenal, but Unai Emery’s 15 wins in 27 games at Aston Villa was quite the tonic last season, resulting in the Villains qualifying for European football. A comfortable top half finish would be another good result for Birmingham’s leading club.
9. Brighton and Hove Albion
Much as it pains me as a Palace fan, Brighton have been shrewd and efficient in first establishing themselves and more recently climbing the Premier League table. An astonishing record of scouting talent from all corners of the globe, but especially South America has resulted in huge transfer returns. Given their European exploits, managing a top 10 finish will still be a good return for the Seagulls.
10. West Ham United
2023 was one of mixed fortunes for West Ham, a disappointing 14th place finish in the league was somewhat salvaged by the Europa Conference triumph. Losing Declan Rice is clearly a Hammer blow, but securing over £100m is an excellent return. And although late in the window the signings of Ward-Prowse, Maguire and Edson Alvarez add important depth in key positions. The pressure will be on David Moyes from game one, as the famously inpatient Hammers fans will surely want his claret if he fails to deliver. Moyes is a top manager in my book and I’m backing them to surprise most and scrap into the top half.
11. Crystal Palace
Dependable Roy Hodsgon saved a Crystal Palace team who had lost their way under Patrick Vieira. His calm experience immediately boosted the Eagles and comfortably delivered a record 11th consecutive top flight season in SE25. The loss of talisman Zaha will take some adjustment, but equally provides an opportunity for Eze and Olise to step up and fill the void.
12. Fulham
The Cottagers defied expectations (and my awful prediction they’d be relegated!) with a 10th place finish last season. Transfer business has been quiet, although the acquisition of Raul Jiminez for just £5.5m looks to be fantastic business.
13. Brentford
The rise of Brentford under Thomas Frank has been sensational with clever transfer, smart tactics and a terrific spirit around the Bees. Losing their talented striker Ivan Toney for gambling offences is a blow and its anyone’s bet to see how the squad responds. A boring mid table finish would still be a good outcome.
14. Bournemouth
Against the odds and the pundits, Gary O’Neill pulled off a minor miracle keeping Bournemouth up last season. It was all change this summer Andoni Iraola who last season was at Rayo Vallecano. A team that often goes in streaks of wins and losses, switching managers is surely a big gamble, but shrewd signings including Justin Kluivert (son of Patrick) and promising England U20 midfielder Alex Scott, could be the cherry on the cake to deliver another top flight season.
15. Nottingham Forest
Steve Cooper’s Forest steadied as last season progressed and eventually worked out his best XI. Spending this summer has been significantly more restrained that the last 2 windows, where Forest were spending money like it was going out of fashion. Further cementing their place in the division would be a good outcome for the Forest.
16. Burnley
Kompany’s Clarets stormed The Championship and now the aim will be survival. Making Turf Moor a tough place to visit and showing some of the defensive surety Kompany had in spades himself could be the key to deliver another year of top flight football.
17. Everton
At times it looked like Everton were doomed last season, but Dyche did enough to grind out sufficient results to keep them up. Only signing the evergreen Ashley Young and Danjuma on loan could mean it will be another sticky season for the Toffees.
18. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Uncertainty surrounded much of the summer at Molineux with Financial Fair Play worries at the heart of the concerns. On the eve of the season, it was finally confirmed Lopetegui would leave to be replaced by Gary O’Neill. If goals remain hard to come by, it would be a bleak season in the Black Country and could result in a return to the Championship.
19. Sheffield United
Paul Heckingbottom steered Sheffield United back to the top flight in impressive fashion last season. Spending has been tight and losing arguably their best player, Sander Berge will be a huge loss. Given the competitiveness in the Premier League, the Blades might not have the cutting edge to stay up.
20. Luton Town
From the National League to the Premier League in just 10 seasons is the stuff of dreams. The Hatters will enjoy the limelight and will hope to cause some upsets along the way. But in truth the dream of reaching the top flight will surely be shortlived and could end in the nightmare of a return to the EFL, but the £150m parachute payment should at least make the awakening a little more pleasant.
Premier League Predictions 2019-20
1st) Man City
They were pushed all the way last season by Liverpool. The loss of Vincent Kompany may be significant, as much for his contribution behind the scenes. But Pep has taken steps to strengthen the squad further, that depth means I think they will be the first team since city rivals United to secure 3 back-to-back titles.
2nd) Liverpool
To have finished on 97 points and still not won the title, Liverpool fans might be forgiven that the footballing Gods are conspiring against them. Remember the Gerrard slip, and then to get 97 points and still not win. Their squad is strong, but it’s not really been strengthened. I sometimes worry about the depth in midfield. Another season as runners up.
3rd) Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs under Pochettino have been wonderful. An excellent brand of football, lots of bright young (English) talent and a manager who seems much less egotistical than many of his counterparts in the division. The financial prudence which they have operated has made their success all the more impressive. The purse strings have been loosened a little this summer and the signings of Ndombele and Lo Celso should give them even more.
4th) Manchester United
In a short period of time the peaks and troughs in form under OGS were striking. An amazing start, followed a woeful run of form toward the end of the season. In Wan-Bissaka they have a bright, dynamic and energetic full back whose tackling is second to one. Maguire for £80m on the other hand looks like robbery, for the size of fee, but he will bring some steel. I look through much of the team and it still isn’t title challenging, let alone world class. United’s new level appears to be a fight for the Champions League, not the Championship. Will OGS last the course? I suspect not, my money would be on a mid-season managerial change.
5th) Chelsea
Constrained by a transfer embargo, this could be a blessing in disguise for Chelsea. Talented youngsters like Rueben Lotfus-Cheek, Callum Hudson-Odio, Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount could all be poised to rack up 20+ appearances each this season. None of them are quite the finished product, but they are exciting prospects who could yet surprise. I don’t think this will quite be a case of upsetting Alan Hansen’s “you can’t win anything with kids”, but these could be good foundations from which to build once the squad can be added to next year.
6th) Arsenal
Unai Emery’s first season came in fits and starts. There were moments of fluid, attractive, flowing football that had shades of a Wenger team at their brilliant best. But the old flaws of dropping points to teams they shouldn’t (Palace twice, Brighton, Southampton…) still hasn’t been eradicated. £137m has been spent this summer, notably £72 on the winger Pepe. Defensively they still resembled a sieve last season, and I’m not sure the acquisition of David Luiz will do much to give them solidity. Another chance for Emery to qualify for his trophy, the Europa League.
7th) Leicester City
Brendan Rogers finished the campaign in good form as Leicester City manager, and the team were playing with a freedom that was not present under Claude Puel. More smart action in the transfer market, and crucially the permanent addition of Youri Tielemans give Foxes fans really optimism heading into the new campaign. Tactically, I still have grave doubts about Rodgers as a manager, but this a young, talented squad who could do well.
8th) Everton
This has to be the year that Marco Silva delivers. His CV is still mixed in England; a relegation with Hull (albeit with improved form), followed by an up and down rollercoaster with Watford. He has spent big with Everton this summer. With over £100m spent on Moise Kean, Andre Gomes, Alex Iwobi and Jean-Philippe Gbamin. Defensively I still get the impression that Silva isn’t really bothered, but going forward they should be more of a threat. 8th would represent a good finish, the top 6 look a cut above.
9th) Wolverhampton Wanderers
I correctly predicted Wolves as the surprise package last season, and whilst repeating that feat won’t raise nearly as many eyebrows it will still be a huge achievement. The extravagant spending of last summer has been somewhat tempered this, perhaps the FPP rules have started to dawn on them. Balancing Europa League commitments with the rigours of the PL will be tough for a first team that is excellent, but perhaps a squad that doesn’t quite have the depth. I still expect a strong finish in the top half of the table.
10th) West Ham United
More big spending this summer from the Hammers, a luxury they can afford from their tax-payer funded stadium. A lot will rest on the shoulders of Sebastian Haller who has been brought in to lead the line and replace the goals from Arnautaovic now departed to new Chinese pastures. Manuel Pellegrini is an experienced manager and let’s not forget he led Man City to the title and runners-up spot in successive season. They should just sneak into the top half.
11th) Watford
Last season began so well, but it began to fade. Watford have been a team that have often had good half seasons, a little more consistent last campaign they still need more stability. They have at least appear to want to stick with the same manager for successive seasons, not an approach the owners have historically taken. Their transfer business was relatively low key, with the big signing being highly rated winger Ismail Sarr from Stade Rennais for £27m. Danny Welbeck on a free could be a good signing, if he can stay fit.
12th) Burnley
Sean Dyche continues to prove himself to be the leading English manager, on a small budget consistently delivers above expectation. Why a bigger club hasn’t come in for him, I do not know. Defensively organised and committed, you know exactly what you will get with the Clarets. Dyche will no doubt have been disappointed with their campaign last year, after the heady heights of Europe the season before. I suspect a middle ground of a 12th place finish feels about right.
13th) Crystal Palace
Wiley old Roy Hodgson will lead Crystal Palace into another campaign after a solid 12th placed finish last season. A safe pair of hands, Roy organises his teams well and they are hard to beat. Telling that the usually mild mannered manager went on the record stating that he was expecting more incoming transfer to strengthen the squad. Defensively they are weaker without Wan-Bissaka, and starting the season with your only out and out strikers as Benteke and Wickham could be disastrous. Whilst Zaha and Ayew are also options up top, it isn’t their preferred position. Goals will likely be the problem again this season for Palace, and the decision not to spend money to bring someone in could damped sprits in SE25. But with Roy at the helm, the Eagles should still survive.
14th) Aston Villa
Villa have gone extravagantly in the transfer window spending in excess of £130m. Some commentators are describing this as the “Fulham strategy” which ultimately ended in relegation last season. For me, Dean Smith has spent a little more wisely bringing in a combination of younger, hungrier players along with lots of players he has worked with previously. So whilst initially it may seem like a compete overhaul, it’s a little more subtle than that. Still, gelling together so many new players will be tough and this could be an up and down season. But if the season ends up with survival, I suspect Villa fans will be happy.
15th) Bournemouth
Eddie Howe continues to do a solid job with Bournemouth. He spends more money than many expect, and another £50m has been spent this summer. Although they recouped a large chunk with the sale of Tyrone Mings to Villa. Another season of survival should be on the cards, but will Howe be tempted by a bigger job if one comes along?
16th) Southampton
Ralph Hussenhattl appears to have settled in well at Southampton, and their form under him last season was impressive. Yet they still only finished 16th. The standard in the league this season is higher, and whilst some improvements have been made to the squad I am predicting another 16thplaced finish for the Saints.
17th) Sheffield United
The rise and rise of teams under Chris Wilder has been exceptional. The Blades fans are thrilled at a return to the top flight, and with a supporter at the helm who has had such a mangificant start to his managerial career I believe they have a fighting chance. The quality and depth in the squad won’t be as strong as some of the other teams around them, but I am going to stick my neck on the line and predict a final day survival at St Mary’s against Southampton.
18th) Brighton and Hove Albion
The finish to last season was dreadful. The goals dried up and crucial mistakes were made at the back. I still feel Hughton was a little harsh to be sacked, and in Graham Potter the Seagulls have taken a slight step into the unknown. Their transfer business seems solid, but not inspired and this could be the season where their luck finally runs out.
19th) Newcastle United
The last few years under Rafa Benitez the team were performing above expectations. Spending very little, and tactically astute the Toon will really miss their favourite Spanish waiter, who is now at the Chinese buffet. If they are to have a hope of survival, they will need goals from £40m Joelinton. The appointment of Steve Bruce does not fill me with confidence, and this could be end of the Premier League merry-go-round for Newcastle United.
20th) Norwich City
Daniel Farke and Norwich were a revelation last season. They surprised the pundits and even their fans when they won promotion to the Premier League. Going into this season, they are showing faith with the team that got them up. The gulf between the divisions though is steep, and lacking real depth and any notable signings, I suspect the Canaries might find themselves rooted to the bottom of the cage.
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Premier League Predictions 2018-19
Premier League Predictions 2017-18
Now in my 4th year, here are my Premier League predictions for the season.
For those who are interested, here are my 2016-17 predictions which I made at the start of last season: https://aaronporter.wordpress.com/sport/
1 – Manchester City
Pep has significantly strengthened their squad over the summer, and on paper I feel they have the greatest strength and depth. Whether they can gel quickly enough to sustain a challenge remains to be seen, but they are my tips.
2 – Manchester United
Like their city rivals, United have made smart acquisitions this season. Bluntly given the talent in this team it would be unforgiveable not to be close to the title. United have a terrific starting XI, but I feel City have greater depth which may give them the edge. Lukaku and Matic are wonderful signings and will help United to a better finish than last year.
3 – Chelsea
Although they looked head and shoulders above everyone else for most of last season, Stamford Bridge doesn’t seem to be a happy place right now. And Conte looks particularly agitated. Losing Matic, and forcing Costa to leave are seriously questionable decisions. Unless Chelsea can replace them before the window closes, I suspect they will fail to match last season. Worse if they start poorly, Conte could even face the same fate as the 2016, 2015 & 2014 league title winners by losing their job in the following season.
4 – Arsenal
In my opinion, rumours of Arsenal’s demise are somewhat exaggerated. Last season in the league was sub-standard, but the raw ingredients are there and in Wenger they do have an excellent manager. If Sanchez can rediscover his sparkling best, I can see the Gunners back in the rightful spot (ie. 4th!)
5 – Liverpool
On their day, Liverpool can beat anyone and Klopp is assembling a strong team. Salah can take them to another level, and I have the feeling Solanke could surprise with important goals too. Defensively they are still a little suspect too, so I’m expecting some great wins but also inevitable defeats to teams their supporters feel they should win.
6 – Tottenham Hotspur
I worry that a lack of summer signings (at the time of writing), the move to Wembley and Champions League commitments could transpire to derail Spurs progress somewhat. On the plus side, this is a team of young players who seem to take huge strides forward each season. Kane is crucial, and I worry about their reliance on him.
7 – Everton
Koeman is a good tactician, and although they have lost their best player (Lukaku), the Toffees haven’t been shy in their recruitment. Just 12 months ago, the suggestion that Everton would have been frankly ludicrous. But I expect them to still be “the best of the rest”.
8 – Stoke City
The Potters have been able to string together excellent form in 6 month bursts, can Sparky produce the magic for a full season? Darren Fletcher will bring some bite and experience in the middle, and Zouma at the back can bring some added stability.
9 – Leicester City
What a few years it’s been for the Foxes. The Ranieri revolution may be ancient history, but will never be forgotten by their eternally grateful fans. Iheanacho is a terrific acquisition up front, and his goals (together with Vardy) should see them into the top half.
10 – West Ham United
West Ham were up and down last year, but they have a strong first team and in Hart, Hernandez, Arnautovic and Zabeleta they have picked up 4 players who are tried and tested in this league.
11 – West Bromwich Albion
With TP at the helm, mid table safety is almost guaranteed. Defensively they will surely be sound, and whilst I still remain to be convinced by their options upfront they will squeeze enough hard fought 1-0 wins to be comfortable members of the mid table pack.
12 – Southampton
Another season, another new manager. Eventually this strategy (like Watford) will surely backfire, but they have a good squad which should ensure they aren’t dragged any lower. Pre season has been mixed, and Pellegrino will need to adapt quickly to the Premier League to avoid them slipping into a relegation dogfight.
13 – Bournemouth
The rise of Bournemouth has been irresistible under Eddie Howe. Although they have spent big again this summer (on fees and wages), we’ll have to wait and see whether they can repeat their terrific 9th place finish from last campaign. I suspect the Howe magic may begin to fade, but a solid mid table finish.
14 – Crystal Palace
Frank de Boer was football royalty as a player, and his spell as Ajax manager was sensational. He inherits a strong squad who have performed in 6 month intervals. His mission is to develop a more progressive style under a 3-4-3 formation, improve the Eagles home form and begin to blood more youngsters. It’s a tall order, and there will be bumps along the way, but this squad should have a little breathing space from a relegation fight, and after last season that will be welcome.
15 – Newcastle United
Rafa Benitez has brought some much needed stability to Tyneside, and although they only just won the Championship last year promotion never really felt in doubt. Their transfer business has been relatively modest, compared to other PL teams, but they should have enough quality to retain their top flight status.
16 – Burnley
Sean Dyche continues to over-perform as Burnley boss with little fanfare. Losing Michael Keane is a blow, and replacements so far (Jon Walters, Charlie Taylor & Jack Cork) aren’t exactly exciting. Exciting isn’t the Dyche way, but I think (and hope) they have just enough to survive for another year.
17 – Swansea City
Last season Paul Clement dug Swansea out of trouble when they looked dead and buried. Sigurdsson has been a crucial player for them since his return, and as we head to the season start his future remains unclear. My prediction assumes he leaves and without a replacement on the cards another relegation fight could be on the cards. Survival on the last day.
18 – Watford
The managerial merry-go-round doesn’t seem to stop at Vicarage Road. This time Marco Silva starts the campaign in charge. He was widely regarded for his late attempt to save Hull last season, but it ended in failure. The story of the last couple of seasons has been a steady start, followed by an alarming drop. I fear this could be the year when the PL music stops for the Hornets.
19 – Huddersfield Town
A year ago, the suggestion that Huddersfield would be a Premier League team would have seemed faintly absurd. Key players they had on loan last season have been signed permanently, notably Aaron Mooy, but their summer signings have largely been to bring the Championship best with them. The quality of their squad may not quite hit the heights of some other teams, but last season they confounded all expectations their fans will hope they can once again to beat the drop.
20 – Brighton & Hove Albion
It’s taken 34 years for Brighton to return to the top flight, and it’s certainly been a long and winding path to return. Although Hughton is a manager with Premier League experience, the squad is relatively inexperienced at this level. Glenn Murray can be relied upon to score goals, and whilst he’s prolific in The Championship his record in the PL is less impressive (11 goals, 52 apps). I suspect like their last season in the top flight (1983), Brighton will finish bottom of the pile and return to the second flight.
Other predictions:
Top scorer – Romelu Lukaku
Manager of the season – Pep Guardiola
First manager to be sacked – Marco Silva
Premier League Predictions 16-17
(originally posted on August 13th 2016)
It’s that time of the year, to pin my colours to the mast and predict 1-20 for the new Premier League season.
Arguably, this is the hardest season to predict for decades with by my count 7 teams standing a credible chance of winning, and 10 teams who could go down.
1 – Chelsea
Another new start for Chelsea. They still have a quality squad, finished the season strongly and the absence of European football could see them crowned 16-17 Champions. Success will likely depend on the durability of John Terry, and goals from Diego Costa and Michy Batshuayi.
2 – Manchester City
Probably the strongest squad on paper, but unconvinced that even with £47m Stones that defensive frailties have been addressed. But the world’s best coach, and a quality squad should see them challenge for the title right down to the wire. The Manchester derby
3 – Manchester United
Four huge summer signings should start to change the fortunes for Manchester United. Mourinho will no doubt bring his usual grit and organisation to the team, but this is still a team in transition and imagine it make take the team a little while to gel.
4 – Tottenham Hotspur
An outstanding season last campaign, which fell away at the final furlong. So Spurs. I fear they will struggle to repeat the feat of last year, but this is a young team which is still improving. So far only Wanyama and Janssen have been added which gives them stability. But 4th would still represent a good season, particularly if the next prediction is correct…
5 – Arsenal
This might finally be the year when Arsenal fall shout of Champions League qualification. Arsene is, and has been a great coach. But his stubbornness in the transfer market is baffling. Surely a world class centre back and centre forward away from challenging for the title, football has a horrible way of sending managers out without a bang. In the last year of his contract, this would be stain on a pretty remarkable 20 years for Msr Wenger.
6 – Leicester City
Last season was incredible, and Ranieri is right in many ways to say that to retain the title would be an even bigger surprise than winning it for the first time. Kante has been replaced with Mendy, so the formula will be much the same as last year. But can the magic be repeated? European nights at the King Power will surely be memorable.
7 – Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp has brought a new lease of life into Anfield, and a new style of play. They are a team moving in the right direction, but whether they can leapfrog the teams above them remain to be seen. There has been a huge overhaul of the squad, and surely it will take time to gel.
8 – West Ham United
Had it not been for the Leicester fairytale, Slaven Bilic would surely have been manager of the season (in a tight contest with Pochettino). 9 new signings have bolstered the squad, but not obviously the first XI. Their biggest signing was keeping hold of Payet, who will be one of the most feared players this campaign.
9 – Stoke City
Mark Hughes has taken Stoke to a new level, surpassing the feat of the solid if uninspiring Tony Pulis team. Other than Joe Allen, it’s been a fairly quiet summer, although they have publicly stated their interest in Saido Berahino. Defensively solid, and competitive in midfield, their front line is the weakest link in an otherwise good Stoke team.
10 – Everton
Everton have left their transfer business late in the summer, only opening the cheque book once John Stones had been sold. Koeman was clearly an astute manager, efficient and impressive at Southampton. Toffees fans will hope he can replicate this at Goodison. Perhaps the most important acquisition might be Steve Walsh (as Director of Football) from Leicester, but we may not see the returns on this in the first transfer window.
11 – Southampton
Southampton have continued to surpass expectations, managing to overcome the loss of key players (and successive managers). Claude Puel is an unknown quantity in England, but his credentials at Monaco, Lyon and most latterly Nice has been impressive.
12 – Crystal Palace
At the start of 2016, the Eagles were 5th in the league and Alan Pardew was the nailed on replacement to Roy Hodgson. But a terrible run of league form in 2016 has caused concern among Palace fans, and whilst Townsend and Mandanda are sound acquisitions beginning the season with a forward line of Connor Wickham and Frazier Campbell doesn’t scream goals. If Benteke (as rumoured) can be signed, 12th would be plausible. Otherwise I fear 40 points might not come until toward the end of the season.
13 – Swansea City
Swansea finished the season well, and now a busy summer of incoming and outgoing transfers. Now an established team in the Premier League, Swans will be hoping they can glide into the top half, but I fear they may fall just short.
14 – Bournemouth
The rise and rise under Eddie Howe has been incredible. Last season was particularly impressive as they survived with games to spare, and were without some of their most influential players for much of the season. Second season blues has caught many clubs over the years, but I think the Cherries could better their finish from last campaign. With Arsene Wenger set to retire at the end of the season, another solid finish could see Howe linked with a big move.
15 – West Bromwich Albion
With Tony Pulis at the helm, there shouldn’t be a problem with relegation, but they might not hit 40 points until May. So far they have only signed Matt Phillips, but TP has said he wants another 5 players at least. Will the new Chinese investment arrive in time for Pulis to get the players in he wants?
16 – Watford
The forward line of Deeney and Ighalo last year was incredible, as was the tactical approach from Flores. Much will fall on the shoulders of the forward line once again, but like Crystal Palace their league form in 2016 was not great. Another team with a new manager (Walter Mazzarri), we wait to see how they will set out their stall.
17 – Middlesbrough
Defensively Aitor Karanka organised a formidable team in The Championship last season, and that was the bedrock of their promotion success. Much will depend on goals from Negredo, and if they can continue to be tight at the back I think they might do enough to survive.
18 – Sunderland
Sam Allardyce pulled off a great late season recover for the Black Cats, when they looked down and out. David Moyes did a terrific job at Everton, but it simply hasn’t come off for him then. Summer signings don’t inspire confidence, and I fear this might be the season their luck finally runs out.
19 – Burnley
Burnley won plaudits for their determined approach 2 seasons ago. Dyche managed to get the team straight back to the top flight, but summer signings have been limited so the team will be much the same as the promotion winning team from last season. However I fear they may be a little short in quality and depth. But last season, I predicted Leicester City would finish 19th.
20 – Hull City
The only surprise would be if Hull City don’t finish bottom. The money which had been pumped in under the Alam chairmanship appears to be drying up, and what was already an uphill climb would seem insurmountable. Just 1 signing (from AFC Wimbledon) they are arguably weaker than last season. I expect to see them fall back into The Championship.
Other predictions:
Top scorer – Sergio Ageuro
Manager of the season – Antonio Conte
First manager to be sacked – David Moyes
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