BBC pundits' pre-season Premier League predictions resurface and one has nailed it

TV and radio pundits at BBC Sport were asked to pick their Premier League top four ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, but only one person managed to make the perfect prediction.

Many of the 27 pundits who took part in the BBC piece correctly predicted a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title for Pep Guardiola's men.

Manchester City came out on top when goals from Phil Foden [2] and Rodri ended Arsenal's slim hopes of winning a first league title since 2004.

A total of 26 out of the 27 backed City to come out on top this summer, with former England international Ellen White being the only person to tip Arsenal for gold.

"Arsenal were so close last year and they have added to their squad really well," White said. "They need Jesus back because I don't think Havertz is a number nine, but they won't be short of goals - I am a big fan of Leandro Trossard."

In terms of the other selections, few tipped Aston Villa to make such an impact under Unai Emery this season.

That being said, former defender Stephen Warnock put all his cards on the table ahead of their Premier League opener against Newcastle as he backed his former club to secure Champions League football.

Explaining his predictions at the time, Warnock said: "United were bailed out massively last season by Marcus Rashford's incredible form after the World Cup, but he couldn't sustain that and I am not sure they have got anyone else who can take over when he's not in top form."

He added: "I've been out in the United States covering the Summer Series and I was lucky enough to go down and watch Villa train and speak to Emery. When you see what he's about and how he works, it's very impressive.

"Looking at that, and the form they were in under him last season, I think they might sneak in."

Image credit: Getty

As seen below, the 42-year-old's final standings had Manchester City as winners, Arsenal runners-up, Liverpool third and the over-achieving Aston Villa in fourth.

"Chelsea are going to improve, definitely," Warnock added. "They could sign another four players before the end of the window and suddenly we all look stupid for not putting them in the top four.

"They will be close anyway, because of Pochettino and how he is trying to change the culture within the squad - they looked better when I saw them in pre-season and if they spend more money and bring in two or three top quality players then I think they will get fourth ahead of Villa."

Image credit: BBC Sport

Villa, of course, secured Champions League football for the first time since 1983 after fifth place Spurs suffered a 2-0 defeat against Manchester City on May 14.