It is that time of the year where we predict the upcoming season, including Premier League predictions this week. Just to clarify, I will review these predictions after the transfer window closes as I think a lot of the division will do serious business in the last couple of weeks of the market. I actually see a lot of clubs stagnating.
Arsenal – 3rd
In terms of finding someone likely to score over 20 league goals, Viktor Gyökeres was the best Arsenal could have got in the market (that was before it became clear that Isak was willing to force a move out of Newcastle). Unless another signing is made, Mikel Arteta might need to change his tactics to convert possession into chances.
The Gunners became too conservative last season and are no longer the most entertaining team to watch. Too many fixtures we did not work the opposition keeper enough. There is a question mark if our manager will let his ego admit his mistakes and learn from them, or do we get another campaign of blaming officials and making up conspiracy theories?
That is ultimately why in the league I do not think we will get over the line. A divide is returning in our fanbase, it once again does not take long for anxiety to creep around the Emirates and, with a slow start (we do begin with tough away games), there will be an overreaction among Gooners. Not enough to bother the Kroenke family, who will be content with another year of Champions League revenue, but we start without that feel-good atmosphere of recent years.
Aston Villa – 8th
Losing on the final day of last season at Old Trafford, days after Man United had lost the Europa League final, was such a missed opportunity for Aston Villa and it has hurt them on and off the pitch. Missing out on Champions League revenue means Unai Emery needs to sell a star name to buy, meaning you could argue the club start the new season with a weaker squad than last campaign, with Rashford and Asensio’s loans not made permanent.
Logically that means a smaller squad will struggle even more juggling Europe with domestic football. However, it is more likely they lift the Europa League than finish in the top four, so yet again dropped points in the league might be accepted if it means another European adventure. If Spurs can finish 17th but call their season a success because they won UEFA’s secondary cup, then why can’
t Villa?
Bournemouth – 13th
It is a compliment to how well they did last season that, as I write this, the Cherries are on the brink of losing the fourth member of their starting back five. While it means they will start this campaign with gaps in their back four, I expect them to spend the money they have recouped in the next few weeks.
That is because they have kept their biggest asset in Andoni Iraola, who you can trust to yet again scout gems from around the world who suit his style. Even if there is a period of transition, they have kept their attackers. Semenyo, Kluivert and Evanilson will score enough goals to keep them away from a proper relegation fight.
Brentford – 20th
Just because of the size of their club, there was always going to be a year where eventually everything caught up with Brentford. They have lost their top scorer from last season, their second highest is about to leave, their captain has left (Christian Norgaard signed for The Gunners this summer), but most damaging of all, they have lost their manager of seven years.
Thomas Frank has been the glue that has held everything together at the Bees since they were in the Championship. Few bosses influence a whole club like the Dane does. So, however Matthew Benham responded this summer, it would be almost impossible for his club not to look vulnerable. Yet so far his response seems to have been to collect the money, which in the worst case will compensate lost revenue due to relegation, at which point he gets the parachute payments.
He could be waiting for the last weeks of the window of course, but replacing Thomas Frank with set-piece coach Keith Andrews does not fill you with confidence. It could be another masterstroke from the club, but I am not so sure.
Brighton – 7th
There was a point in the race for Europe in the run-in where Brighton looked the most likely to be able to put a winning run together. They never recovered from losing the FA Cup quarter-finals on penalties, but finishing just a point behind their record total was a decent debut from the youngest manager in the division’s history.
Fabian Hürzeler had to deal with injuries and new signings settling in, with a suggestion that they will be even better now they have had time to adjust. The Seagulls’ quality recruitment team has been on display again, making a huge profit on João Pedro and replacing him with Charalampos Kostoulas. The 18-year-old has a huge reputation in Greece and can learn from Danny Welbeck.
Burnley – 18th
The Clarets’ latest attempt at top-flight football will almost be in complete contrast to the last time they were promoted. Three years ago, Vincent Kompany lifted the Championship thanks to a brand of attacking football. It is an ethos the Belgian refused to change even when his young squad were struggling to get results.
This time around it is almost the complete opposite principles at Turf Moor. Scott Parker got 101 points last season based on his pragmatic approach. Even though that has been hurt by the loss of James Trafford and Egan Riley, being hard to break down will be the approach to avoiding relegation. Ironically, that probably means they will not be as entertaining to watch as the last time they were in the Premier League, but they will be harder to beat.
Chelsea – 4th
Chelsea remind me of Arsenal when Mikel Arteta became a manager. Enzo Maresca has a young squad who will only get better, yet there will be moments of inconsistency as they learn. While some will downplay lifting the UEFA Conference and even the Club World Cup, it can only help a youthful dressing room gain confidence.
I think their fanbase are more confident than in previous seasons. They can possibly flirt with a title challenge but lack the keeper and manager to get over the line.
Crystal Palace – 12th
They should find out on Monday if they are playing in the Europa League or UEFA Conference this season. Either way, they have known since lifting the FA Cup that they will be in Europe, so it is bizarre a small squad has not been improved.
Oliver Glasner himself has questioned the lack of activity, which will worry Eagles fans as their manager has less than a year left on his contract. The assumption is they are waiting late in the window to do their business to see what deals are left and if Eze and Guehi are still at Selhurst Park.
Steve Parish has shown in the past though he will not be bullied. One of the good guys in the sport, the owner will not do anything that leaves their place in the top flight vulnerable. Remember, they did not win any of their first nine Premier League fixtures last year and ended up with their best ever campaign, so there is no need to panic if things start a bit slow. They currently do not have the squad to handle the Thursday-Sunday schedule, but surely a few dropped positions in the league is worth a European adventure? Will Arsenal relieve them of Eberechi Eze?
Everton – 11th
Leaving Goodison Park and the number of contracts expired meant this was always going to be a period of transition for Everton. Based on numbers, they need to do more business in the next few weeks.
Gooners will know from experience it will also take time to adjust to playing at a new home. That is why David Moyes was just a brilliant appointment, because on and off the pitch he brings calmness. While he will never offer the most exciting brand of football, his man management skills will keep them comfortable in mid-table. If the new owners could find some money for him, he might even surprise a few people.
Fulham – 10th
Currently the team that has done the least business in terms of outgoings or incomings (they have done well so far to keep hold of Robinson). It should be stressed they often wait late in the window to do deals, but so far have mostly been linked with loans.
In the short term that leaves them as a good footballing team who play an attractive style and who, on their day, can beat anyone. Long term though, fans are worried that it is a reflection of the club no longer being a priority to their owners. Next season will stand still, but longer term it could be an issue.
Leeds – 19th
For two seasons running, not only did all promoted teams go directly back down, but it happened with a whimper. This time round the three clubs coming up from the Championship have contrasting strategies to avoid relegation. Leeds seem to be taking the Moneyball approach, putting a lot of emphasis on players with height so they can match opponents physically.
It means while there will be a lack of top-flight experience, it is a squad, if nothing else, that will not get bullied. Do they have that player though who can get into double digits? It is easy for owners to get carried away once they see the money on offer in the top division.
There is nothing wrong with the 49ers having ambition, but it has to be realistic. There were whispers they were going to sack Daniel Farke despite winning the Championship with 100 points. They cannot panic and change managers at the first sign of trouble just to adopt a new approach. They probably will though.
Liverpool – 2nd
Whisper it quietly, but I never thought Liverpool were great champions last season. They simply had a gap at Christmas and no one put them under any pressure, which is a shame as for two years running they physically tired during the run-in.
There will be a campaign where age catches up with Salah and Van Dijk, although Arne Slot mastered the tactic of keeping the Egyptian up the pitch and only involved in the attacking third.
It is funny how many Gooners are suddenly downplaying how good Isak is. In reality, we would be buzzing in May if someone offered you the Newcastle striker on top of Wirtz, Frimpong and Kerkez, making the Reds stronger than this time last year. A talent worth over £110 million once guaranteed you the title. An Mbappé would do that, I am not sure an Isak does.
If he fires you to another Premier League title, he justifies the fee I guess. If he does not, it is a huge waste of money. I think Liverpool call the Toon’s bluff in the last days of the window, certainly not before they play each other.
Man United – 5th
Man United remind me of the state Arsenal were in when Mikel Arteta became manager. The first part in finding any solution is admitting there is a problem, which means accepting you have to go through some ugly times to get to happier days.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Amorim, I think they are willing to go through the process, but are all fans? For a team with zero European football, they could not have recruited a better front three, which at least means the team will believe they can score goals again. With their keepers and defenders, there will still be inconsistencies, but the first target has to be enjoying their football again and making Old Trafford a tough place to visit.
Man City – 1st
Let us make it clear, after four titles in a row and five out of the last six, the likes of De Bruyne and Kyle Walker had earned the right to prove it was not one season too many. Their owners responded in January and the summer with smart signings like Reijnders and Cherki, but it is out of possession they need to drastically improve.
As good as Rodri is, the injury to one player cannot explain the mistakes City were suddenly making in defence and how easy it was to run at them. Football goes in cycles even for the very best teams, and it is almost like the rest of the division has learnt how to combat Pep Guardiola.
Of course, the Spaniard has the ability to adapt his tactics, but the biggest question mark is does he have the energy to rebuild another side? His attention to detail is almost obsessive and he has been so successful for so long that we almost take for granted, physically and mentally, how much it takes to be as successful as he has.
This is a man who had to walk away from Barcelona because he could not emotionally give any more. There were signs last season that the 54-year-old was reaching that point. When you are lifting trophies you can find that lift, it is harder when things start to go against you. Do not forget, Mr Guardiola is not used to chasing.
Newcastle – 9th
As I write this, Newcastle have rejected an offer of £110 million for Isak, but Eddie Howe is talking like a man who does not expect the striker to be playing for the Magpies next weekend.
The club have to be careful. While they do not need the money and it would be a blow to their new image to sell their best player, you need to be careful rejecting over £100 million for someone who does not want to be there. It is not like if they force the Swede to stay, that guarantees a place in the top four.
In 12 months’ time, they could be without UEFA revenue and the striker’s value reduced. So surely they have to sell? Unless the 25-year-old is tactically trying to get some sort of promise that he can move next summer? Why else would he wait for Arsenal and Liverpool to buy forwards before making a noise?
Even before this saga, it has not been the window Geordies assumed. Big names have rejected a move to Tyneside, meaning a small squad will struggle to juggle the European and domestic schedule. That cost them the last time they were in the Champions League.
It is almost like lifting the Carabao Cup did not make the Toon Army the massive club they assumed. Once the best fanbase in the land, I have zero sympathy. If their manager is smart, he has one eye on after the World Cup in 12 months when the FA will have a vacancy. He has hit the glass ceiling at St James’ Park and cannot take them any further.
£120-150 million lets them bring in new faces, but they start the campaign with the mood low and it might take a few months to regroup. Who thought we would be saying that in May?
N Forest – 15th
Near the end of last season, opposition worked out how to play against Nuno Santos’s tactics. They became the classic example of not needing a lot of possession to win games, often soaking up pressure and hitting opponents on the break. It often means if they concede first, they do not know how to respond.
Whatever UEFA competition they play in, it is unlikely they will match last year’s finish. Yet will their owner understand that a small squad might struggle to juggle a European campaign with the domestic schedule?
Where most would, you could envisage Evangelos Marinakis getting impatient and acting with impulse.
Spurs – 6th
I will never forget Spurs losing 4-1 at home on the final day of last season to finish 17th and Ange Postecoglou having the audacity to call that a great season just because he had lifted UEFA’s secondary competition.
Daniel Levy saved football by making it clear a club that size cannot be saying 38 points is acceptable based on what you do in another cup. That would mean as soon as Aston Villa get 40 points, Unai Emery should play the kids in the league and only focus on Europe.
One of the good guys of the sport, there are so many things Thomas Frank will do differently to Big Ange. He will not have his defenders’ starting position so high up the pitch, he will tactically work on set pieces in both boxes, and he will not refuse to try something else if his system is constantly not working.
Crucially though, the Dane has man management skills where he will not panic and will bring calmness to a dressing room, blocking outside noise. Noise that might come from within when some point out if he fails to win a trophy like the man he has replaced. What he will do is finish dramatically higher up the table.
Sunderland – 17th
It is rare that out of the three promoted sides, the play-off winners would start as the best bet out of the three to avoid relegation. That sounds backwards considering they finished 24 points behind Leeds and Burnley, but the Black Cats might look unrecognisable from last season, especially in midfield.
A new team who mostly have not played together before, with the majority never having played at this level, is of course a gamble. Yet so many come up from the Championship content to take the money, with the worst-case scenario being they get parachute payments.
Spending approximately £140 million, Sunderland very early on decided to give this campaign a proper swing. That means the Mackems start off upbeat and positive. Trust me, create a feel-good factor at the Stadium of Light and it becomes a tough ground to visit.
West Ham – 14th
Based on the job he did at Brighton, I thought Graham Potter would be the perfect fit for West Ham, but it became crystal clear that the 50-year-old’s confidence has been burnt at Chelsea.
Accused of being too nice at the Bridge, it is almost like at the London Stadium he is intentionally being grumpy for the sake of grumpiness. Hammers fans are frustrated that David Sullivan is again acting like director of football, finding value such as offering Callum Wilson a pay-as-you-play deal.
They seem like a club standing still though, which will eventually catch up with them, although you have to be quite bad to be in the bottom three. I am not sure the Irons can play a brand of football that will make up for the obvious stagnation off the pitch. Although given how they treated David Moyes, I have little sympathy.
Wolves – 16th
Vítor Pereira has done such a great job as Wolves manager that it has often gone unnoticed that the club were 19th in the table when he arrived in December, yet finished 17 points away from the relegation zone.
It became clear the longer the Portuguese worked with his squad on the training pitch, the better they became, and he will benefit from having a whole pre-season. It is only because of the 57-year-old that I think they will avoid the bottom three.
He has lost 31 direct goal contributions thanks to the departures of Cunha and Aït-Nouri, while replacing them with talent who need time to settle. Yet he was already working on making his team more of a unit and not relying on one talent.
Let me know your predictions, peeps.
As ever, be respectful to each other’s opinions.
Just a bit of fun.
(Will most likely change at the end of the window.)
Dan Smith
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Arsenal -1st
Liverpool -2nd
Man Utd -3rd
Man City -4th
Either we finally win the EPL (less likely), or we fall off so bad (more likely).
I see us finishing 3rd or 4th but hoping we finish 1st. By November, we will have a clearer picture.
I think at this point in time it is entirely impossible to predict who will finish where especially among the top 6 clubs. At the end of September there might be some initial indications.
How sure can you be that City will rebound from last season. Perhaps that was just the beginning of the end?
One thing we can all be sure about though is that Arteta will absolutely find a way to screw out title chance just like he did the last 3 three seasons.
But no worries there is always a ball or two to pin the blame on.
I disagree with City finishing 1st. But thy will certainly be in the hunt. So will we
Liverpool will be tough to beat again
No need to whisper it quietly, Dan (about Liverpool), I’ll gladly shout it 😄 They were very fortunate with many things!
I can’t wait for the season to kick off and it’ll be interesting to see if your predictions are right come May (I hope not 😄)
But all teams need to be fortunate – to one degree or another – when winning trophies. Let’s face it, Arsenal was fortunate to get through the “Invincibles” season undefeated. They sailed very close to the wind on a few occasions back then, but that’s fair enough.
Yes I agree with you, but we didn’t play with 12 men most weeks, Bertie. Many things went Pool’s way – very few injuries, many decisions, non-existent cards etc… the stars aligned for them.
So what does that say about the narratives that have been attached to Arteta’s Arsenal?
Arsenal certainly didn’t have much luck last season. However, according to this author and a variety of disgruntled fans the problems were Arteta’s ego, blaming the officials and conspiracy theories. Injuries are generally considered “excuses” amongst the Arteta “haters”.
The author has given no rational reason why Arsenal could not win the league but focused on very woolly narratives which feed into the pessimism and negativity of certain fans.
And then there is you David, blibdto ALL Artetas failings and look for excuses to excuse failure. Get OFF your box.
Blind too
So injuries are all Arteta’s “failings” and “excuses”. You need to take a more nuanced view of the world. Arsenal have progressed over the last few years and are amongst the best teams in Europe. Arteta is already one of the best managers in Europe. Last season actually further demonstrated his ability to manage in quite difficult circumstances.
If all you are seeing are “failings” and “excuses” then you really need help.
Arsenal are looking good to mount a great challenge for what is likely to be a highly competitive season.
What Arsenal don’t need now are the moaners and whiners who can’t see the progress that has been made during Arteta’s time as manager.
Seems to me no one is quite ready as season kicks off. Got to fear for Brentford and Bournemouth. All the fancied runners have question marks having brought in players and changed formula. I predict a season of goals against and shock results. Whoever concedes the least I think will win it.
6th. Liverpool – flukey last season due to easy fixture list at start, inherent vice in their stamppot of a squad will now get found out with the ugliest of fixture lists, and their signings from splaffing this summer are risky – this is the beefed up English Premiership not Eredivisie what depth of cover do they have at CB, across the frontline and at 6? They will be lucky to make top 4.
5th. Villa. Arsenals Bogey side for a reason. Will be strong defensively. Top manager gets top performances. No champions league so best players rotated.
4th. Newcastle. anyone want to play them every Week? The ‘of course not’ answer means something. Overly reliant on injury prone Isak though unless they can exchange him for a couple of options they can rotate – Wissa and Jackson Prem Proven.
3rd. Man City will concede too many goals again, their scattergun on signings won’t address a defensive unit now in therapy and a midfield without Rodri I expect to spend a long while in transition.
2nd – Chelsea, strong outs and ins this summer – they are always best in transfer market – previous signings settled in now, Chelsea are the main threat.
Champions Arsenal. – Reasons why not? More than enough evidence 2nd half last season Arsenal defence wasn’t good as normal – do Madrid realise Saliba half the power without Big Gabby beside him? abysmal defending set pieces for too long now, greedy tactical tweak of 2 defenders 8 midfielders unbalanced things especially with orders to take excessive risk in possession – will continue to giveaway too many naff goals until all this addressed. Also not enough goals from open play.
For me the dangerous floaters are Chelsea.
Now I know they buy a player every 24 hours. But if their manager can put out the right 11 more often than not, then Chelsea will be dangerous.
While I don’t see Manchester United as title contenders this season, if their front line clicks, they’ll be a team that’ll put a spanner in the works of the teams that are chasing the title.
Manchester City will be hurting form last season, and I expect they’ll be closer this season.
Liverpool with their front line are obvious contenders.
And as for out lot, the Arsenal. Well, if we play with more tempo and more directness allied with a good supply line to Gyokeres, then maybe just maybe🤞, we can buy some trophy polish before the League title goes into our recently bare trophy cabinet. 😉
1 – Arsenal
2 – Chelsea
3 – Man City
4 – Liverpool
🙏
Well, I think if the predictions in the article turn out to be correct then that’s likely to be bad news for Arteta.
Personally, I don’t know how the 2025-26 season will finish. I hope Arsenal will win it, but that’s all it is – a hope. It’s all guesswork at this stage, but also with a large “dollop” of bias, as many fans from the likely contenders will be re-working similar predictions in their club’s favour (surprise, surprise).
For example, nobody (and I mean nobody) this time last season would have predicted either City not challenging very hard for the title yet again or Liverpool winning it eventually by a double figure margin, with City 13 points adrift of them. You never can tell, so I’ll wait and see.
This season is really intriguing in that there is no clear favorite despite all big teams having bought big and well. They all have their strength and weakness.
We replaced an ageing Partey who couldn’t physically cover the defensive midfield anymore, finally brought a real striker and boosted our squad depth with really good signings. Still question remains on the left wing quality and if Arteta will revert back to a more open creative football like in 22-23 to crack open low blocks which cost us heavily last season.
Liverpool are having a blockbuster window with big popular signings. Attack will be mega if Isak arrives but their defense is looking weak. They’ve also only upgraded on the starting 11 and have a relatively weak squad depth. Banking on being lucky with injuries again is a big risk.
Man City have bought many good players but not mega signings like we used to see them. They do seem in the middle of a rebuild. Rodri new injury could expose the defensive frailty while delaying his return to form.
Heart says it’s our year cause we are due 1 lucky season where things go more in our way be it fitness or sheer luck
I have no quarrel with these predictions because everyone has a right to dream but we should not read too much into them. Games are won on the pitch, not computers. Fortunately, the waiting game is soon coming to the end. My gut feeling, which I can’t call a prediction, is that this is Arsenal’s year. Why do I say so? Looking through the team from back, through midfield, around the wings and then the forward line, I see strength all around. If we can avoid injuries, and add Ezirechi Eze, things will get even better. I am not going to force my analysis on anybody but I will keep it securely somewhere until the end of the season.
I would obviously love to see my Arsenal win the league this season and feel that if we get Eze it will be a big boost He could play either on the left wing or play as creator in chief should Odegaard have off spells as he did last year No one else had mentioned it but I feel that Arsenal should not rely so much on Lewis Skelly although he’s a great prospect he’s prone to make rash challenges as the two red cards one later rescinded that he gathered last season I would be inclined to play White and Timber as first choice full backs pending on fitness I would like to see Kiwior stay and if we do end up getting Eze would be prepared to lose Martinelli as his fee should be significantly more than any fee received for Trossard
1) Arsenal 2) Liverpool 3) City 4) Chelsea 5) United
If we get Eze, been a great window, though so have our peers. Still, we finally have all the pieces. A fully fit defense could give us the edge.
I think and hopefully this will be Afc’s season. The capture of Gyokeres and Zubimendi going to be the best transfer happened this season in the whole Europe. The team is really well balanced now as it will not over relaying on individual brilliant. All the partnership in the team will give more fluid to the system and will be more unpredictable. Calafiori is better in attack and he will suits better as Martinelli partner. Saka and Martieneli will have plenty of space as they’ll not be overburden anymore cause Gyokeres gonna cause plenty of chaos for opposite. Zubimendi is a class act and will shine more higher up the pitch with his great skill sets as having a better suits Rice as a 6 behind him. If they would only need one more signing that will be Eze. This guy has mad skills and creativity! One of the best attacking midfielder around Europe.
The two very different profile team this season;
#1: Raya
Timber Saliba Magalhaes Calafiori
Zubimendi Rice
Odegaard
Saka Gyokeres Martinelli.
#2: Raya/Arrizabalaga
White Mosquera Kiwior Skelly
Norgaard
Nwaneri Eze Merino Madueke/Jesus
Havertz.
Just my opinion.
I’m not going to back another club to finish above Arsenal. You don’t finish 2nd 3 years on the trot unless there is a stability attached to the club. Just think what it might have been had those red cards so early in the season not happened. I hope lessons are learned
Liverpool were NOT affected by anything close to the level of injuries that Arsenal had and as said above, Salah and VVD are not as young as they used to be. Klopp hadn’t left a sinking ship either.
The conversation in late January and early February was about clinging on to top4 and although the football wasn’t pretty with important players missing for long periods throughout the season, the team played through the challenges far better than expected
Arsenal
Liverpool
City
Chelsea
Utd
Newcastle
Spurs
Forest
Brighton
Palace
That forecast shows I’m not into betting
Sue
I hope, too, that’s it’s going to be Arsenal’s season (at long last). Clearly we can’t carry on indefinitely without silverware. Even Crystal Palace has now exactly matched Arteta’s total – and in just a few months at that! Surely pause for thought, if nothing else.
I don’t totally accept your premise that because Arsenal has finished runners-up for three seasons that it’s necessarily going to help for the fourth attempt. It could (hopefully not though) equally show that while Arsenal is consistent, for a variety of reasons they are consistently not quite good enough.
I know it’s not what you’re saying, but I do remember well a remark in a post this time last year (from a regular, almost fanatical, contributor) that because Arsenal had finished runners-up twice (then), it was going to be “their turn” for sure in 2024-25.
As they say in the disclaimers, the “small print”, in adverts, “Past performance does not guarantee future results.” – and that remains appropriate for 2025-26. As always, we’ll see what happens over the 38 games.
Fair comment Bertie
No club deserves to win it based on 3 second place finishes- absolutely right there. As you alluded to, I believe the determination showed by hanging in after Jesus and Havertz were injured pointed to a big improvement in mentality. The lack of it previously has been pointed to the reasons for falling short against City.
I’m backing Arsenal because they’re my club. I’m not suggesting we will of course
Arsenal won 16 of 18 points in a run in and won more games in a season than they have ever done in the PL. In the last few years this has not been a team lacking mentality.
I would agree with Bertie’s point that Arsenal have just not been quite good enough. However, being second consistently does indicate that Arsenal are good enough to challenge and with some improvements could win the PL.
Just saying in that time we failed to beat
Everton
Forest
Man United
Villa .
Brentford
Palace
West Ham
Cherries
Hanging in ?
I would double check our league results in 2025 Sue
Dan
When the collective wisdom of many JA posters suggested that top4 was in serious doubt, I thought hanging in there wasn’t a bad call.
Yes Sue, they hung in for 2nd. Pity like the two previous seasons, we couldn’t hang in for the real prize.
Reggie
If I quote injuries that disrupted cohesion then I’m either an Arteta apologist or making excuses. 😊
I’m expecting a closer fight from all the usual suspects this season
Adding to your point about the previous 2 seasons it appeared to be lack of a winning mentality. Nothing particularly wrong otherwise. That’s what sorts out the men from the boys and something Arteta has to address. Never give up or think that a lead can’t be overtaken
*SueP
| Rank | Team | Reason to Prove Me Right
| 1 | Arsenal | Arteta’s continuity after midfield exits (Jorginho, Partey, Tierney) plus Rice’s leadership and a new striker push them over the line for the title. |
| 2 | Liverpool | New boss Arne Slot maintains Klopp’s pressing intensity, integrating smart signings to offset the losses of Díaz and Núñez. |
| 3 | Manchester City | Guardiola’s tactical flexibility keeps them dangerous despite defensive injuries and fixture congestion from multiple competitions. |
| 4 | Nottingham Forest | Nuno Espírito Santo crafts a tough-to-beat side at home, and shrewd signings propel them to an unlikely Champions League spot. |
| 5 | Chelsea | Maresca’s tactical clarity overcomes exits of Félix, Madueke, Kepa, and Petrović, with a rejuvenated attack delivering a strong season. |
| 6 | Newcastle United | Howe’s disciplined shape and effective set pieces keep them in European contention despite injury interruptions. |
| 7 | Manchester United | Amorim’s arrival stabilizes the squad, but transitional growing pains hold them back from the top four. |
| 8 | Aston Villa | Emery rotates smartly for Europe, keeping them competitive in the league without burning out. |
| 9 | Brighton & Hove Albion | Hürzeler builds on De Zerbi’s foundation, but adaptation time sees them plateau just inside the top half. |
| 10 | Tottenham Hotspur | Postecoglou’s attacking football excites but defensive frailties cost points, leaving them mid-table. |
| 11 | Fulham | Marco Silva keeps them organized with clinical home form ensuring safety and a comfortable finish. |
| 12 | Bournemouth | Petrović’s arrival solidifies the defence, while counter-attacking football secures key wins. |
| 13 | Crystal Palace | Glasner copes well without Olise by leaning on Eze’s creativity, ensuring mid-table security. |
| 14 | Sunderland | Promoted side adapts quickly under Mowbray, using defensive discipline to avoid a relegation scrap. |
| 15 | Everton | Moyes’ pragmatism after replacing Dyche delivers just enough results to stay up. |
| 16 | West Ham United | Potter steadies the ship after Lopetegui’s poor start, but fixture congestion keeps them near the drop zone. |
| 17 | Leeds United | High-intensity pressing under Farke keeps them above water—barely. |
| 18 | Brentford | Lack of Toney for part of the season and limited attacking reinforcements see them fall into trouble. |
| 19 | Burnley | New manager Scott Parker struggles to maintain Kompany’s vision, and defensive leaks lead to relegation. |
| 20 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | Pereira’s late-season arrival fails to fix poor finishing and defensive instability. |
@Admin
Kindly delete the 1st post please… \Made a mistake
| Rank | Team | Short Reason to Prove Me Right |
| 1 | Arsenal | Arteta adapts after losing Jorginho and Partey in midfield and Tierney at left-back (sold to Celtic), reinforcing depth smartly and maintaining a settled defensive core; consistent performances against fellow top-six sides give them the edge in the title race, with the potential signing of a creative attacker like Eze adding another dimension. |
| 2 | Liverpool | Arne Slot replaces Klopp seamlessly, integrating smart signings to offset the loss of Díaz and Núñez while keeping the team’s high pressing effective. |
| 3 | Manchester City | Guardiola’s tactical flexibility keeps them dangerous despite defensive injuries and fixture congestion from competing on multiple fronts. |
| 4 | Nottingham Forest | Nuno Espírito Santo builds a disciplined, compact side that turns the City Ground into a fortress and secures surprise Champions League qualification. |
| 5 | Chelsea | Enzo Maresca’s clear tactical plan overcomes the exits of Félix, Madueke, Kepa, and Petrović, with a rejuvenated attack driving them forward. |
| 6 | Newcastle United | Eddie Howe’s defensive discipline and set-piece threat keep them competitive, even amid injury setbacks. |
| 7 | Manchester United | Ruben Amorim steadies the ship, improves structure, and develops younger players, but transition costs them a top-four place. |
| 8 | Aston Villa | Emery manages the demands of European competition with smart rotation, keeping Villa in the top half. |
| 9 | Brighton & Hove Albion | Fabian Hürzeler maintains possession quality but needs time to fully implement his ideas, leading to a slight plateau. |
| 10 | Tottenham Hotspur | Thomas Frank tightens the defence and adds structure, but the attack takes time to click after the managerial change. |
| 11 | Fulham | Marco Silva’s consistent approach and strong home form deliver a comfortable mid-table finish. |
| 12 | Bournemouth | Djordje Petrović strengthens the defence, while sharp counter-attacking play earns big results. |
| 13 | Crystal Palace | Without Olise, and possibly losing Eze, Glasner leans heavily on defensive organisation to keep them clear of the drop. |
| 14 | Sunderland | Mowbray’s disciplined defensive unit adapts quickly to the Premier League, avoiding a relegation scrap. |
| 15 | Everton | David Moyes’ pragmatism after replacing Dyche ensures survival, though goals remain scarce. |
| 16 | West Ham United | Graham Potter steadies results after Lopetegui’s poor start, but European fatigue limits improvement. |
| 17 | Leeds United | Daniel Farke’s pressing style and Elland Road’s atmosphere keep them just above the drop zone. |
| 18 | Brentford | New manager struggles to match Thomas Frank’s tactical stability, and Toney’s absence hits hard. |
| 19 | Burnley | Scott Parker can’t replicate Kompany’s possession control, and defensive gaps lead to relegation. |
| 20 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | Vítor Pereira’s mid-season arrival can’t fix finishing woes or defensive frailty. |
Very impressive.
Unfortunately, you don’t (and you can’t, of course) take account of the individual and/or cumulative effect of the “known unknowns”, which always come into play in football. For example, injuries, suspensions, drop in form of particular players or, even, across a team. Yes, squad strength/depth can mitigate some of those, but it’s not a given as, for example, City fans would confirm last season.
As others have suggested in posts, a combination of any/all of these can materially effect a team’s chances across a whole season or, at least, at key periods. It’s not possible to factor them in, you just have to wait and see what effect they have when they happen.
There are usually some factors that will affect teams to a variable extent over the course of a season. However, according to some Arsenal fans, these “unknowns” are all just excuses when they affect Arsenal.
Yes, but some of them can be excuses of course. That’s when those arguments veer into “they’ve all got it in for us”, which is often not the case.
FAMOCHI,
WOW, you don’t do things by halves’ do you.😂👍
I don’t disagree too much Dan, City and Liverpool have managers that can actually achieve and win it. I think Arsenals failure for 3 seasons, is highly significant. And good reasons why which Arsenal football club has not sorted. It will be between Liverpool and City but which way round? I think we will be fighting Chelsea for 3rd. They have made tremendous progress.
We 100% have the squad but we struggle in many pressure situations and under achieve.
Agree with most of the article. I, like the author, didn’t rate Liverpool last year the football gods were on their shoulder every step of the way. Helped by a terrible Man City side and an inconsistent Arsenal. I’m not going down the route of injuries because it happens to everyone (except Liverpool last season). Man City lost Rodri for virtually the whole season and Haaland and de Bruynne for part of it. Having watched the Community Shield highlights, I think van Dijk is even slower than last season and Liverpool (without Isak) will struggle to retain their title. If City get a quality right back before the window closes, I have them winning it otherwise I fancy us lifting the first title in 21 years. Chelsea are the dark horses who could cause a lot of grief. Probably going to be the most competitive EPL in many years.
Hi Andrew, hope you’re well. And he (VVD) has signed a new deal!! I hope most teams (especially us) take advantage of that leaky defence. I agree with you, it’s going to be a fantastic season 👍
I don’t know who will eventually win it but i am 100% certain it won’t be man city(pep will run away after another trophyless season).my pick is either Arsenal or chelsea but i wish and hope Arsenal wins
Arsenal win it , if our prayers are fit, without injuries. With Viktor and zubimedi Arsenal have a balanced team.
This is going to be an exciting season!!
I just hope Mikel is sensible!!
Sometimes, having too many players is worse than not having enough.
Mikel will have to try and keep everybody happy, but that will become more difficult if we get knocked out in the F A Cup and the League Cup.
I will keep my fingers crossed that we go far in both competitions.
Guys…if arsenal stay fit…we are very likely the best team in England currently…Liverpool or city will not outplay us…those first 10 games will tell us all we need to know
The great oversight I have noticed in many of the football comments from different sources is the concentration on forward players and almost total neglect of the backline players. Most of the teams have put their emphasis on acquisition of wingers, attacking midfielders and forwards with less emphasis on defenders. Arsenal is one of the few teams that have put emphasis on defence and I strongly believe this is what will determine Arsenal’s season. When push comes to shove, it is the team with the stronger defence that will prevail. I wonder whether many people questioned themselves why inspire of all the injuries, Arsenal still managed to finish in the second place. It was because of the defence. That is why we ended up with so many draws and few losses. We were let down by lack of fire power upfront. If we didn’t have a strong defence we might have ended in midtable! So, the many commentators who are excited about the Summer window had better be advised to examine how many teams have reinforced their defences. I believe the defence is going to be the determinant factor this season.
Correction: inspite instead of inspire.
Arsenal will win the league
We can then agree with this that if Arsenal does finish second . . .
It is well beyond expectation and as such – a wonderful season.