The Premier League, renowned for its competitiveness and unpredictability, never fails to deliver drama and excitement. As the 2024/25 season approaches, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with anticipation about how the various teams will fare. From title contenders to relegation battles, every aspect of the league holds intrigue. We’ve made predictions for this season for you to mull over before it kicks off this August.
One more Manchester City title?
Manchester City has firmly established themselves as the benchmark of excellence in the Premier League under Pep Guardiola. Their combination of tactical innovation, squad depth, and financial muscle has seen them dominate competitions at home and in Europe for over 10 years.
Erling Haaland, who joined City in the summer of 2022, has lived up to the hype surrounding his transfer. His ability to score goals from a variety of positions makes him indispensable. Alongside him, Kevin De Bruyne’s exceptional playmaking skills continue to be pivotal. De Bruyne's ability to deliver precise passes and score crucial goals makes him one of the most valuable players in the league.
Although De Bruyne looks like he might be on his way out, City's squad depth is another critical factor in their sustained success. The likes of Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Bernardo Silva provide creative options in midfield and attack, ensuring that the team can rotate players without a significant drop in performance. This allows De Bruyne to still play at his top level when he does play. He’s always well rested and fresh. Additionally, their defensive solidity, anchored by John Stones and Rodri, ensures they remain tough to break down.
Guardiola's tactical flexibility is another reason for City’s dominance. Whether employing a high-pressing game, dominating possession, or counter-attacking, City can adapt to various styles of play. This adaptability makes them formidable opponents regardless of the circumstances.
Despite their strengths, City will face challenges. The gruelling fixture schedule, injuries, and the pressures of competing on multiple fronts could test their resilience. The impending result of the financial fair play breach could be a real mental blow if it goes against them. However, given their resources and Guardiola's expertise, they are well-equipped to handle these challenges and are strong favourites to retain the Premier League title for a record 5th season in a row.
Newcastle United continue to rise
Newcastle United’s recent resurgence has been one of the most intriguing stories in English football. With significant investment from their new Saudi Arabian owners and astute management by Eddie Howe, Newcastle is poised to break into the Premier League's elite.
The influx of funds has allowed Newcastle to bolster their squad with high-quality signings. Players like Bruno Guimarães and Alexander Isak have added both quality and experience to the team. These signings have not only improved the starting XI but also increased squad depth, which is crucial for sustaining a challenge over a long season. It looks like they might lose Anthony Gordon this summer, which would be a real shame, but the money might be put to better use once it comes in.
Eddie Howe has been instrumental in Newcastle's transformation. Known for his progressive style of play and ability to develop young talent, Howe has instilled a sense of belief and ambition within the squad. His tactical acumen and man-management skills have been evident in Newcastle’s performances, particularly their defensive solidity and attacking fluidity.
With their strengthened squad and newfound confidence, Newcastle is expected to challenge for a top-four finish. This would secure them a spot in the Champions League, where they struggled to perform this season. This also had an impact on their Premier League position, with a lot of players struggling with the extra game time. But we expect they will add a lot of depth to the squad, and continue to challenge the top 4.
An inevitable Arsenal title coming soon?
Arsenal’s incredibly consistent back four, lethal front 3 and solid midfield is beginning to look like an inevitability rather than the cute underdog to Manchester City it has done in the past few years. The 2023/24 season saw them take the title race to the last day, which even Guardiola had to admit was cutting it fine.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have been standout performers for Arsenal. Saka’s versatility and creativity, along with Martinelli’s pace and finishing ability, make them crucial to Arsenal’s attacking prowess. New additions of Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz have both proven to be wise additions, with Arsenal now showing the depth needed for a title challenge.
Mikel Arteta’s tactical philosophy revolves around high pressing, quick transitions, and maintaining possession. His emphasis on scoring goals whilst keeping clean sheets has begun to bear fruit, with Arsenal playing some of their best football since the inimitable Wenger years.
Our prediction is that Manchester City will win one more title, Guardiola will then leave and Arsenal will win in 2025/2026.
Chelsea’s successful rebuilding phase
Chelsea enters the new season in a phase of transition. With new manager, Enzo Maresca at the helm the Blues are looking to re-establish themselves as title contenders. After a mutual agreement for Mauricio Pochettino to move on, the club are still trying to find their way through a tricky few years of owner changes, multiple manager switches and an unbelievably thorough squad flip, which has left them on rocky ground.
The appointment of a new manager brings a fresh tactical approach and philosophy based around possession and a slow build of territorial gains. Following a great season bringing Leicester City back to the Premier League, The manager’s ability to quickly instil his ideas and get the best out of the squad will be a defining factor in their season.
With a group of highly talented young players, there’s tons of potential and hope for the club. These players represent the future of Chelsea, and their growth will be essential for the club’s long-term success.
The ability to rotate players effectively and manage injuries will be critical in maintaining performance levels across all competitions, but we imagine Chelsea’s priority will be challenging for a top four position and will succeed or come very close. There’s a buzz around this group of players who played some great football last season.
Liverpool’s fall from the top
Liverpool, under Jürgen Klopp, has experienced a long period of real progress after years of struggling to challenge for titles. While the 2023/24 season initially looked like it might be the year they took another Premier League win for the trophy cabinet, things changed dramatically in January 2024 when Klopp announced he’d be leaving the club in the summer.
At first it seemed as though it had lifted the players, and that they were gonna push for one more win to send off their beloved manager in style. But after a few dreadful performances and losses to Crystal Palace and Everton, as well as a shock knock out by Atalanta in the Europa League quarter-finals, things began to fall apart.
It seemed Klopp was the glue holding the club together, and with neither Mohammed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold performing at their best, hope began to falter. You could see the players were already beginning to mourn the loss of Klopp.
New signings Darwin Nuñez and Cody Gakpo struggled to replace the much missed Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino, and Diogo Jota fell out through injury just after finding form.
With new manager Arne Slot there is faith, but a lack of funds to bring in the quality of players needed to add enough depth, we think Liverpool will really struggle in the 2024/25 season.
The Premier League never ceases to amaze with its mix of skill, drama, and unpredictability. As the new season approaches, Manchester City looks set to continue their dominance, while Newcastle United's rise promises to shake up the traditional hierarchy. Arsenal's deep squad, Chelsea's rebuilding efforts, and Liverpool's position on a knife edge all add to the rich tapestry of narratives that will unfold. Each team faces its unique set of challenges and opportunities, making it difficult to predict the exact outcomes. However, one thing is certain: the 2024/25 Premier League season will be filled with thrilling matches, unexpected twists, and unforgettable moments. Whether it's the battle for the title, the fight for European places, or the struggle to avoid relegation, every match will matter, keeping fans on the edge of their seats from the first kick to the final whistle.
