Premier League predictions 2024/25: SPORTbible journalists pick their champions, best signing, biggest flop and more

The 2024/25 Premier League season finally gets underway on Friday night with Manchester United taking on Fulham in the opening game at Old Trafford.

This season defending champions Manchester City will hope to continue their dominance of English football with a fifth consecutive league title.

Liverpool and Arsenal are again expected to be City's main challengers, but the likes of United, Chelsea and Tottenham will also hope to be in the hunt.

While at the other end of the table, promoted sides Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton will be desperate to beat the dreaded drop back into the Championship.

Ahead of the new season, we challenged SPORTbible writers to make their predictions. Here's what they selected.

Champions

Tom Marshall-Bailey – Arsenal

This is the time Arsenal finally get over the line. A ball is still yet to be kicked but if Arsenal add the midfielder and forward they need, I think they finally have the squad to overhaul City. They've improved their points total in each of the past four seasons and a fifth would surely be enough.

Rory O'Callaghan – Man City

I expect the City juggernaut to roll on for at least one more season. But for how much longer?

Josh Lawless – Man City

Manchester City may have suffered a big loss of goals and assists in letting Julian Alvarez leave for Atletico Madrid but Pep Guardiola will still drive to a fifth Premier League title in a row. Arsenal will again be up there but City will once again resist their challenge.

Ryan Smart – Arsenal

It's going to be one of two, isn't it? Manchester City, the all-conquering juggernaut, aiming for five titles in a row in what could be Pep Guardiola's final season. Or Arsenal, who came so close last season under Mikel Arteta and will be all the stronger for it. I think that might just be enough for the Gunners to finally do it.

Marcus Chan – Arsenal

Arsenal have already proved they can push City all the way and I think they have what it takes this season to finally do it.

Alex Brotherton – Arsenal

Despite lacking a reliable goal-scoring striker last season, Arsenal still scored 91 goals, their best return under Arteta. If they replicate that and improve their points total for a record-extending fifth successive season then they will earn at least 90 points. I see City's level dropping slightly, which could be enough for Arsenal to finally get over the line.

Nas Jabbar – Man City

They have the best squad in the league and know how to win a league. They'll get it done again this season.

Ben McCrum – Man City

They always find a way. Even if they get a points deduction, they'll win the league this season.

Rest of the top four

Tom Marshall-Bailey – Man City, Liverpool, Man Utd

I think United have had promising summer on the transfer front but I don't think they have enough goals in them to trouble the top three. Liverpool will be a distant third but won't have the drop-off some expect under Arne Slot. City will push Arsenal all the way.

Rory O'Callaghan - Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham

Instability and uncertainty at Manchester United and Chelsea could leave the door open for Spurs to sneak top four, but they need further signings.

Josh Lawless – Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham

The top three will remain the same for the second season on the trot, with Arne Sot guiding Liverpool to third in a respectable first campaign. Ange Postecoglou will get Spurs back into the Champions League at the second time of asking, with Manchester United and Aston Villa following behind.

Ryan Smart – Man City, Liverpool, Man Utd

Liverpool under Arne Slot will be an entertaining watch if nothing else. Manchester United will be stronger than last season - it would be hard not to be - helped by making the right decision over Erik ten Hag.

Marcus Chan – Man City, Man Utd, Liverpool

Tough call between Liverpool and Spurs for the final top-four spot but the Reds should have enough to sneak into the Champions League.

Alex Brotherton – Man City, Tottenham, Liverpool

Tottenham will continue their transformation under Ange Postecoglou and avoid the drop-off that saw them finish fifth last season. Liverpool's transition into the post-Jurgen Klopp era will be less painful than many expect.

Nas Jabbar - Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd

Arsenal will be Man City's biggest competition once again this season while Liverpool and Man United will secure the remaining Champions League spots.

Ben McCrum – Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham

Arsenal will challenge and fall short again. Liverpool will still be good under Slot, and Tottenham will continue to improve with Ange.

Relegated teams

Tom Marshall-Bailey – Fulham, Ipswich, Southampton

Fulham is my slightly rogue shout here and is probably a bold prediction in itself. I don't think they're particularly brilliant defensively and Palhinha and even someone like Bobby Decordova-Reid are huge losses. Ipswich will have some notable moments but won't have enough quality and I think Southampton’s style of play will be too naive at this level. Leicester, Nottingham Forest, Brentford and Wolves could all struggle too.

Rory O’Callaghan - Southampton, Ipswich, Leicester

Out of the promoted sides, Leicester appear to have the most quality in their squad but a potential points deduction could prove to be too much for Steve Cooper's side. Southampton and Ipswich could entertain us but I expect them to both go down.

Josh Lawless – Southampton, Leicester, Ipswich

All three promoted sides will have enjoyable and exciting moments in their return to the top flight but ultimately, I can't see them staying up. Wolves will narrowly avoid the drop in 17th after losing both Pedro Neto and Max Kilman.

Ryan Smart – Ipswich, Nottingham Forest, Leicester

Ipswich were the Championship's entertainers last season and will compete this season, but this is a much tougher test of their quality - it may just be a test too far. Forest had a habit of playing well last season yet managing to find a way to drop points. Their start will be vital. Leicester, meanwhile, have pulled off a smart appointment in Steve Cooper. But a potential points deduction could leave them doomed.

Marcus Chan – Ipswich, Southampton, Nottingham Forest

I don't think Ipswich and Southampton will have enough to stay in the top flight. Forest had been flirting with relegation and their luck will run out this season.

Alex Brotherton – Nottingham Forest, Southampton, Ipswich

Kieran McKenna had Ipswich playing attractive, expansive football in the Championship, but I think he might encounter the problems Vincent Kompany had at Burnley in the Premier League. Southampton won't have enough quality to stay up, while Nottingham Forest will finally drop down after a couple of close calls.

Nas Jabbar - Ipswich, Southampton, Nottingham Forest

Tipping two of the three newly-promoted clubs to go straight back down. I don't think they are strong enough to survive the drop and I reckon Forest, who struggled last season, will join them.

Ben McCrum – Ipswich, Southampton, Leicester

Three up, three down. Ipswich could surprise us, but the other two will struggle.

Top scorer

Tom Marshall-Bailey – Mo Salah

I watched him play for Liverpool against Arsenal in pre-season and was really impressed with him. Looks raring to go and I'd back him to be one of the primary reasons Liverpool maintain a top-four position.

Rory O'Callaghan – Erling Haaland

Who else? If he avoids injury, Haaland should walk it again this season. Cole Palmer is my dark horse if the Norwegian suffers a dramatic dip in form.

Josh Lawless – Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland will be the top scorer for the third season on the trot. He was born to score goals and will hit 30 in the Premier League once again for City this term.

Ryan Smart – Erling Haaland

After two Golden Boots in a row, who else? 27 goals in 31 games was a 'disappointment' by his high standards last season - don't expect that to happen again…

Marcus Chan – Erling Haaland

Simple choice, the goal machine will again win the Golden Boot.

Alex Brotherton – Erling Haaland

It will be closer than in his first two seasons at City, but Haaland will win a record-equalling third successive Golden Boot.

Nas Jabbar – Alexander Isak

Twenty-one goals in 30 league appearances last season is some going. I'm fully expecting him to score 25+ goals this season.

Ben McCrum – Darwin Nunez

He's the best forward in the league, we just don't know it yet.

Player of the Season

Tom Marshall-Bailey – Martin Odegaard

He's Arsenal's most important player and his goalscoring and creativity is the reason I see Arsenal edging City out. Arsenal might not have a prolific goalscorer like Erling Harland but in Odegaard I think they have one of the best attacking midfielders in the league who will contribute plenty.

Rory O'Callaghan – Rodri

Arguably the best player in the world right now, certainly the best defensive midfielder and the most important player in City's team. It's rare that defensive players win these type of awards but he could buck the trend.

Josh Lawless – Erling Haaland

Phil Foden took the gong last season, with Haaland struggling for fitness. After a summer off and a proper pre-season under his belt, expect Haaland to dominate the league again.

Ryan Smart – Kai Havertz

This prediction will either go one of two ways, you feel. But make no mistake - this is a massive season for Kai Havertz. He's 25 now, and will probably lead Arsenal's attack this season. He's improved his chance conversion and knows his way into the penalty area. If the goals start flowing, he could be key in the Gunners' title challenge.

Marcus Chan – Martin Odegaard

One of the finest players in world football, I expect Odegaard to play a huge role in leading Arsenal to Premier League glory.

Alex Brotherton – Phil Foden

After a disappointing Euros, Phil Foden will remind non-City fans (again) exactly why he's the best English player of his generation, capitalising on the departure of Julian Alvarez and the phasing out of Kevin De Bruyne.

Nas Jabbar – Kevin De Bruyne

He'll be instrumental in helping Man City making it five league titles in a row.

Ben McCrum – Kevin De Bruyne

De Bruyne will get back to his best and break his record for Premier League assists in one season.

Best signing

Tom Marshall-Bailey – Yankuba Minteh

A slightly left-field one. I think he looks a great fit for a Brighton team who will score plenty but concede plenty too. Has looked sharp in pre-season and I think he could help the Seagulls make an outside push for Europe.

Rory O'Callaghan – Max Kilman

A tricky one as there hasn't been too many eye-catching transfers. But West Ham look to have built a strong team for this season and reliable former Wolves captain Kilman could be a great player for the club for years to come.

Josh Lawless – Dominic Solanke

Dominic Solanke is arriving at Spurs with huge pressure after signing in a £65 million switch from Bournemouth, but he's a guaranteed goalscorer and I'm tipping him to find the net a lot in white – and get himself in the England squad.

Ryan Smart - Crysencio Summerville

Crysencio Summerville could have almost had his pick of Premier League clubs this summer after a superb season with Leeds. With pace, dribbling and a superb right foot, the 20-goal winger should terrorise defences this season. A £25 million fee could end up being a steal.

Marcus Chan – Matthijs de Ligt

Just 25 and with a point to prove, De Ligt has all the qualities to make himself the heartbeat of United's defence.

Alex Brotherton - Yankuba Minteh

He never managed to play for Newcastle, but Brighton will get the best out of Yankuba Minteh. He impressed for Feyenoord last season and will bring the spark back to the Seagulls.

Nas Jabbar - Niclas Fullkrug

West Ham United have got themselves a bagsman and it only cost them £27 million.

Ben McCrum – Emile Smith Rowe

Smith Rowe will shine in a team where he is the star player, if he can stay fit.

Biggest flop

Tom Marshall-Bailey – Joshua Zirkzee

I'm not convinced. It feels like one of those predictions where I could end up with egg on my face but I was surprised United went for another young forward who plays on his own up top when they already have Rasmus Hojlund. Someone in the Ivan Toney mould made more sense to alleviate some pressure on Hojlund. I think he'll struggle to adapt to the pace and intensity of this level.

Rory O'Callaghan – Mason Mount

Mount's debut season at Manchester United certainly didn't go to plan, with the former Chelsea star missing the majority of the campaign through injury. United fans will be hoping for him to have a fresh start this term and begin repaying his £55m price tag, but I could see him struggling again even if he stays fit.

Josh Lawless – Pedro Neto

Pedro Neto was a completely unnecessary signing for Chelsea and his injury record is also incredibly concerning. While a great player, I think his hamstring problems will continue to plague him and he will have a difficult season at Stamford Bridge.

Ryan Smart - Chelsea

This has all the hallmarks of being a nightmare season for the Blues. A managerial change they didn’t really need to make. A total of 43 players on the books before the first game. And European football thrown in there for good measure. It’s a huge job for the inexperienced Enzo Maresca.

Marcus Chan – Dominic Solanke

A huge price tag comes with big expectations, can he handle it? I'm not too sure.

Alex Brotherton - Niclas Fullkrug

Sorry to disappoint you, but big striker summer will not become big striker winter. Fullkrug had a great season with Borussia Dortmund and then with Germany at Euro 2024, but in the Premier League he'll struggle to have the same impact as a starting number nine.

Nas Jabbar – Tottenham

I'm not massively convinced with their business this summer. Think they'll struggle this season and finish outside of the European spots.

Ben McCrum – Pedro Neto

Another unnecessary signing. I'm not sure if he'll play too much, and may struggle with injuries.

Bold prediction

Tom Marshall-Bailey – Tottenham to win a trophy

Yes, you read that right. I think they will finally end their silverware drought with a Carabao Cup success, but it will impact their league form.

Rory O'Callaghan – Wolves to finish top half

Wolves could have a decent season under Gary O'Neil, but only if they find quality replacements for Pedro Neto and Max Kilman.

Josh Lawless - Ruud van Nistelrooy to become Manchester United manager

The addition of Ruud van Nistelrooy to Manchester United’s coaching staff is a very interesting one and I think it points towards him getting the permanent job at his old club. Erik ten Hag is still under immense pressure at Old Trafford and I can see a scenario where he gets the boot and Van Nistelrooy is promoted.

Ryan Smart – Southampton to beat the drop

Not many fans thought Southampton could get back to the Premier League last season, and there wasn't much conviction that they would get through the play-offs either. But they did, and in some style. Russell Martin's possession system and confident demeanour should convert well into the Premier League - it will just need his players not to repeat the costly mistakes Burnley made last season.

Marcus Chan – Aston Villa to finish in the bottom half

It will eventually come crashing down for Unai Emery and the Champions League won't help Villa's league form.

Alex Brotherton – Slot-ball will be great

Arne Slot's first season at Liverpool will be better than either of Jurgen Klopp's final two campaigns. Slot's possession-based style won’t blow teams away like Klopp's 'heavy-metal' football did, but it will help Liverpool’s defence tighten up and see them stay in the title race until the end of the season.

Nas Jabbar – Crystal Palace to fight relegation

If Crystal Palace sell both Marc Guehi and Joachim Anderson this summer, they'll be in a relegation fight.

Ben McCrum – Aston Villa to finish outside top six and go trophyless

Villa will struggle with demands of the Champions League, and other teams will improve.