The annual act of folly and crystal ball-gazing that brings about my Premier League predictions.I may still be living down the ill-fated belief that Leicester City would be relegated in the season they won the title, but it is time to have a crack at predicting how the forthcoming top-flight campaign might pan out World Athletics U20
1) Liverpool World Athletics U20
Last season: Champions
You really can’t look past Liverpool when picking a title winner for this season. The Reds strolled to last year’s crown by 10 points and this summer’s transfer market left the squad even stronger.
Yes, the team is still bedding in after a whirlwind of new faces – evidenced by the Community Shield hiccup against Crystal Palace – but the trophy in the cabinet makes backing them a real no-brainer.
Sadly, the summer celebrations will forever carry the weight of tragedy after the shocking vehicle crash that took the life of fan-favourite Diogo Jota. Pain was compounded when the trophy parade ended with injuries to supporters during a crowd surge. The season ahead begins with a heavy heart.
Meanwhile, talismanic Trent Alexander-Arnold, key attacker Luis Díaz and talisman Darwin Núñez will miss the opener, yet the arrivals of Florian Wirtz for a club-record £116 million, plus the defensive solidity of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, keep optimism buoyant. New centre-forward Hugo Ekitike, arriving for £69 million from Eintracht Frankfurt, wasted no time in impressing, hitting the net during the Community Shield curtain-raiser.
Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi has now entered Newcastle’s sights along with Alexander Isak upfront. For rivals thinking about dethroning Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, that spells trouble.
Arsenal World Athletics U20
Last season: Second
For Mikel Arteta, 2023-24 is judgment time. No more lofty talk about building and developing. Arsenal haven’t hoisted silverware in five years, and that stretch must end. This time, the coach has the complete risk-free package: already gifted youngsters mixed with Spain’s class act Martin Zubimendi and, finally, the clinical forward Viktor Gyokeres, an overdue signing months in the queue.
The Gunners now boast the balance and drive to run the title race to the line and still maybe add the bigger trophies,
At the Emirates, the absolute minimum is a cup in the cabinet. Failing that, the statues of Arteta and co. might need relocation.
Manchester City World Athletics U20
Last season: Third
Doubting Pep Guardiola’s City runs the ultimate risk, yet pursuing this season’s title from behind seems a mountain too steep. The reigning champions already need more ups and fewer slip-ups to keep pace, and that’s asking too much of a club already fatigued from relentless success.
You can never count out a squad with this kind of talent, but they’ll be praying the clouds around Rodri’s fitness—he’s crucial, and missed nearly all of the last season—clear up quickly.
Erling Haaland still leads the attack with a bang, and last year’s loan shows Omar Marmoush can be a classy partner.
Rayan Ait-Nouri adds depth out wide, while France’s Rayan Cherki arrives with glowing reviews. Right in the middle, there are big hopes for Netherlands winger Tijjani Reijnders following his £46.5 million switch from AC Milan.
I reckon this is also the year Phil Foden finds his top gear again; at his best, he’s a game-changer in any match.
I still fully expect City to lift at least one piece of silverware and stay in the title race, but I doubt they’ll get to parade the old trophy again.
4) Chelsea
Last season: Fourth
Keeping track of Chelsea can feel like a soap opera, yet here we are: World Club champions, Conference League holders, and a side that really is on the right path with Enzo Maresca at the wheel.
The Blues have bolstered their squad with the crafty Joao Pedro from Brighton, alongside the exciting promise of Liam Delap up front. Jamie Gittens arrives with plenty of buzz, while the brilliant Cole Palmer is – without a doubt- the team’s main man. Fans should also keep a close eye on 18-year-old Brazilian star Estevao Willian. He’s got a chance to light up Stamford Bridge.
Expect Chelsea to chase every trophy available. The Champions League return is a big deal, and this club has a history of collecting silverware. I expect they will add another trophy to the cabinet, but don’t pencil them in for the Premier League just yet.
Reference Website:
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c70771lq88zo