By It’s that time of the year again—the annual act of speculation where I attempt to predict the outcome of the 2024-25 Premier League season for all 20 clubs.
Tipping Manchester City to win last season’s title hardly required any boldness, although predicting Aston Villa to finish fifth—who eventually finished fourth and secured a spot in the Champions League—at least earned some kudos.
Of course, these predictions come with the usual caveats: transfer activity could significantly alter this landscape, but as things stand, here is how I believe the season will unfold.
1. Manchester City
Last season: Champions
Think about betting against them. Then think again.
Manchester City’s relentless pursuit of success under manager Pep Guardiola brought them a sixth Premier League title in seven seasons last term, including a record fourth consecutive win, despite Arsenal’s consistency and excellence.
All the same world-class talent remains, led by the generational goal machine that is Erling Haaland. City will also have the financial power to add to their squad, armed with the vast resources following the £81.5m departure of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid.
Young stars Oscar Bobb and James McAtee have shown they are ready to step up to new levels this season, strengthening Guardiola’s already formidable team even further. It’s a daunting prospect for their rivals.
There will be a season when Manchester City does not win the Premier League—I’m just not sure this will be it.
“City will finish, once again, top. Understanding of philosophy, experience, and Pep Guardiola’s relentless hunger for more will be the difference, despite concern over a lack of new signings. Given our recent history too, you could comfortably regard this as a safe bet.”
2. Arsenal
Last season: 2nd
Arsenal pushed City all the way last season but ultimately fell short. Mikel Arteta’s side has been on a steady upward trajectory, and there is little reason to believe they won’t be City’s closest challengers again.
The squad depth has been improved with some smart additions, and the Gunners will be hoping that key players remain fit to avoid the stumbles that cost them last season.
If Gabriel Jesus can avoid injury and Kai Havertz can find his best form, Arsenal might just have enough to make the title race even closer this time around.
3. Liverpool
Last season: 4th
After a turbulent 2023-24 season where they barely scraped into the top four, Liverpool looks set to bounce back stronger. Jurgen Klopp has addressed the issues in midfield with the signings of proven players, and the attack remains as potent as ever.
The Reds will be eager to reclaim their place at the top, and with the Anfield crowd behind them, they could very well push City and Arsenal all the way.
4. Manchester United
Last season: 3rd
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United made significant strides last season, finishing third and securing Champions League football. With a few key signings and further tactical refinement, United should maintain their place in the top four.
However, breaking into the top three will be tough unless they can find the consistency and cutting edge that often eluded them last season.
5. Aston Villa
Last season: 4th
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa exceeded all expectations last season, finishing fourth and earning a Champions League spot. Replicating that success will be challenging, but with the squad they have and Emery’s tactical acumen, Villa should still be in the mix for European places.
They may not break into the top four again, but another strong season is certainly on the cards.
6. Chelsea
Last season: 6th
Mauricio Pochettino’s first season at Chelsea was one of steady progress, though not quite at the pace many fans had hoped. The Blues finished sixth and will look to build on that this season.
With the addition of a few key players and Pochettino’s philosophy taking deeper root, Chelsea will aim to challenge for a top-four spot. But with the competition so fierce, another season just outside the Champions League places seems likely.
7. Newcastle United
Last season: 5th
Newcastle’s return to the upper echelons of English football has been impressive, and Eddie Howe’s side shows no signs of slowing down. However, balancing the demands of European football with a domestic campaign could take its toll.
Expect Newcastle to remain competitive, but they may just miss out on a top-six finish this time around.
8. Tottenham Hotspur
Last season: 8th
Spurs endured another frustrating season last year, finishing eighth and missing out on European football. Ange Postecoglou has been tasked with revitalizing the squad, but it won’t be an easy job.
While Tottenham should improve under new management, breaking into the top six might be beyond them this season. A Europa League spot could be within reach, though.
9. Brighton & Hove Albion
Last season: 7th
Brighton continued to punch above their weight last season, finishing in the top seven and securing European football. However, with the added demands of the Europa League, maintaining that level of performance will be challenging.
A solid mid-table finish, with perhaps a cup run thrown in, seems like a realistic target for the Seagulls this time around.
10. West Ham United
Last season: 14th
David Moyes guided West Ham to European glory last season by winning the Europa Conference League, but their domestic form suffered as a result, with the Hammers finishing 14th.
This season, with the distractions of Europe potentially behind them, West Ham should climb back into the top half of the table.
11. Brentford
Last season: 9th
Brentford continued their impressive run in the Premier League, finishing ninth last season. Thomas Frank’s side has shown they belong in the top flight, and they’ll be aiming to consolidate their position this season.
A solid mid-table finish looks likely, with the Bees remaining a tough opponent for any side.
12. Crystal Palace
Last season: 11th
Roy Hodgson’s return to Crystal Palace steadied the ship last season, guiding them to an 11th-place finish. The Eagles will be looking to build on that under his experienced management.
Palace should comfortably avoid relegation and could challenge for a top-half finish if everything clicks.
13. Fulham
Last season: 10th
Fulham exceeded expectations last season by finishing in the top half. Marco Silva’s side played some excellent football, but maintaining that level of performance will be tough.
Expect Fulham to drop slightly down the table this season, though they should avoid any relegation worries.
14. Wolverhampton Wanderers
Last season: 13th
Wolves endured a difficult campaign last season but ultimately survived comfortably. Julen Lopetegui will be hoping to steer the team to safety once again, though a top-half finish looks unlikely.
Wolves should have enough quality to stay clear of the drop zone, but it could be another season of consolidation.
15. Bournemouth
Last season: 15th
Bournemouth surprised many by avoiding relegation last season, finishing 15th. The Cherries will be aiming to stay up again, but it won’t be easy.
With a couple of smart additions, Bournemouth should have enough to survive, though it’s likely to be another tough campaign.
16. Burnley
Last season: Promoted (1st in Championship)
Vincent Kompany’s Burnley stormed to the Championship title last season, playing an exciting brand of football. However, the Premier League is a different beast, and survival will be their main aim.
Burnley should have enough about them to avoid an immediate return to the Championship, but it could be close.
17. Nottingham Forest
Last season: 16th
Nottingham Forest narrowly avoided relegation last season, finishing 16th. Steve Cooper’s side showed spirit, but they’ll need to improve to stay up again.
Expect another tough season for Forest, with survival likely to go down to the wire once more.
18. Everton
Last season: 17th
Everton barely escaped relegation last season, and with financial issues hampering their ability to strengthen the squad, they could be in for another struggle.
If the Toffees don’t improve, they could find themselves slipping into the Championship after years of flirting with the drop.
19. Sheffield United
Last season: Promoted (2nd in Championship)
Sheffield United made a triumphant return to the Premier League by finishing second in the Championship. However, staying up will be a huge challenge for Paul Heckingbottom’s side.
With limited resources and a squad that might struggle at this level, the Blades could face a swift return to the second tier.
20. Luton Town
Last season: Promoted (via Playoffs)
Luton Town’s fairy-tale promotion via the playoffs was one of last season’s great stories. However, the Premier League will be an enormous step up for the Hatters.
With a small budget and squad depth a concern, Luton may find life in the top flight too tough to handle, making them favorites for relegation.
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