It’s that time again. With the new Premier League season almost upon us, here is part one of my predictions for where every club will finish.
There have been managerial changes, plenty of movement in the transfer market and, for several clubs, the added challenge of European football. Here’s how I see things playing out.
Arsenal – 1st
If you include Michael Carrick, seven of last season’s top 12 start the new campaign with different managers from this time last year, making the champions favourites to retain their title simply based on being the more settled club.
The assumption was that once his young squad got over the line, Mikel Arteta would prioritise improving us offensively. So far in this window, we have failed to improve our attack, which could be a chance missed.
Unless we do that before September, the Gunners will have to rely on their defensive ability to be better than the rest again.
Bear in mind opponents will be more prepared for our set pieces.
Our manager has always stressed success and failure can be decided by the smallest of details.
How they cope with Saliba’s back issues and how they manage players’ workload after the World Cup could decide the title race.
Yet now this squad has the experience of getting over the line. Gooners should be able to enjoy the run-in this time.
Aston Villa – 6th
Villa are getting used to once a year having to be creative in the market to adhere to PSR rules.
I think Manzambi could be a really exciting signing, and Ganacho is the type of character their manager gets the best out of, but you could argue Villa start the season weaker than how they left last campaign.
They failed to stay in the top five the last time they had to juggle Champions League football, but you know Unai Emery won’t let things fall apart too badly.
Brentford – 18th
I learnt last summer never to write off Brentford, with Keith Andrews one of the managers of the year.
It would seem harsh to ask: will there be second-season syndrome for the coach?
Thiago scored 40 per cent of their goals last season, so there is pressure on the Brazilian to prove he wasn’t a one-season wonder. Although you trust their recruitment team to introduce us to another hidden gem.
There are examples of a team taking poor form from the end of one campaign into another.
The Bees only won one of their last 10 league games, which suggests opponents had worked out how to play them.
A good start could be crucial for confidence.
Brighton – 9th
You see a theme with teams in the Europa or Conference League.
Small squads will struggle with the Thursday-Sunday schedule, but it’s worth it if it means a European adventure, and Brighton start as favourites to lift the UEFA Conference League.
The Seagulls’ last time in Europe saw them finish 11th after finishing sixth the season before.
Yet Brighton are one of the best-run clubs in the country. They know the squad has lost some experience and new faces will need time to settle, but those in power won’t panic.
Bournemouth – 12th
With the transition of a managerial change, Bournemouth have resisted cashing in on key talent like they did 12 months ago.
Iraola played a unique style of football, so it might take time for the team to learn a new ethos under Marco Rose, although the German’s need for a high press and lots of running will be the same.
Yet the Cherries have the experience of Iraola not winning in his first nine games in charge, meaning no one on the South Coast will panic if it takes time to adapt.
This is a group, remember, who last lost in January, although not having Kroupi for a few months will be a blow.
I said it about Palace 12 months ago: Bournemouth should enjoy being in Europe for the first time ever. If that impacts them domestically – and it will because of the squad depth – it’s worth the adventure.
Chelsea – 3rd
I have felt for a while that the Blues remind me of Arsenal in Arteta’s first years as manager.
Good young players let down by a lack of experience and how the club is run off the pitch.
I said it at the time he was appointed: Alonso doesn’t accept the vacancy at Stamford Bridge if certain assurances are not made. So Chelsea fans should be relieved that at least their owners have done some self-reflection.
On paper, Chelsea have one of the best midfields in the division. Henderson and Welbeck will set standards in the dressing room, while zero European football means they can spend all week on the training pitch focusing on one opponent.
That’s massive.
Massive enough to be champions?
They would need a new keeper, CB and striker.
Coventry – 14th
Frank Lampard has created a feel-good factor in the whole city, and it’s crucial they take advantage of that momentum from the Championship by getting points on the board early.
Given what this club has gone through since they were last at this level, you sense their fans will never abandon the team even in the sticky moments.
It helps that their manager, as a player and as a coach, knows the Premiership. He’s a winner who will have the highest standards.
I don’t know if Haji Wright, Thomas-Asante and Ellis Simms can score goals in the top flight, but their boss will play a style of football that gives them the best chance to.
Keep an eye on dead-ball situations as well because Arsenal could have competition for being king of the set pieces.
Crystal Palace – 10th
The Eagles have somehow managed the best couple of years in their history despite selling key talent.
This summer that continued with their manager and Locroxic leaving. Mateta could yet join them.
The reason Glasner left Selhurst Park is he felt Steve Parish was not showing enough ambition to take advantage of qualifying for Europe.
Like last season, a small squad will struggle balancing the domestic and European schedule, but it will be worth it if it means an adventure in the Europa League.
Everton – 8th
The Toffees will be hard-working, tough to beat and well-organised, and as long as they have David Moyes, street-wise enough to be safe in midtable.
You sense some Evertonians are getting frustrated and want more excitement, but not enough has happened in the transfer window yet which is going to change their fortunes.
Maybe they can get a creative loan like they did with Grealish.
Their manager is in the final year of his contract. Don’t make the mistake that so many have with their boss and think the grass is greener without him.
Fulham – 19th
I have felt for a while that Fulham have been guilty of standing still – maybe why Marco Silva left – and that can eventually catch up with you.
This might be that season?
Arbeloa was treated unfairly at Real Madrid, but that doesn’t change that he’s an unknown quantity who’s used his connections at the Bernabeu to bring in a couple of players who equally don’t know the English game.
It’s a lovely place in London to live, and it’s not a case of them not having flair at Craven Cottage, but if things go wrong, who’s the leader?
Last campaign it was Harry Wilson, and you’ll be disappointed that Leeds could get him to agree to a contract while you couldn’t.
This dramatically goes one of two ways.
Dan Smith
What do you make of these predictions, Gooners? Do you agree with Arsenal retaining the title, and which of Dan’s calls do you think he has got completely right – or completely wrong? Let us know in the comments.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…
My prediction is:
Top 3
1. Arsenal
2. City
3. Chelsea
Bottom 3
18. Sunderland
19. Ipswich Town
20. Hull City
yeah I was tempted Steph to just put three who came up in relegation but I thought I go wild lol
thought of Sunderland though as your see in part 2
You could be completely right Dan lol
I think Sunderland will struggle this season too. European football just seems a bridge too far…
After yesterday’s game, I tip us for back to back titles.
Yesterday was more about Man City playing poor than us looking super duper. First of all it was the missing press – they pressed us out the games at Wembley and their gaff a few months ago – they couldn’t get a team press going yesterday, was that the players they were missing or something the new manager has changed? Maresca. Is the manager good enough now or still too much to learn? I thought Anderson was deployed too far forward so struggled to get on the ball. City’s bench looked weak. Of the title contenders we are best for squad depth. Haarland was anonymous and went off early again. Could whatever issue he has had all 2026 mean he is struggling for full match fitness?
Perhaps Man City will have such a troubled season they won’t be our nearest challengers? So who? Of title rivals So many new managers and squads without depth. Even Villa have ripped it up for team rebuild.
What you didn’t say about Chelsea Mr Smith, is what seems so obvious to me what their problem is. Politics. Chelsea are like a murderous medieval gangster film – in fact this made the front of tomorrows Financial Times. Does the fact the chairman walks across pitch into dressing room to share his views lead to the disconnect between players and club that was so obvious last season not least when they refused to put effort in at Brighton so the manager was sacked? That Chairman in dressing room sharing his thoughts with the players, those thoughts are not even the same as the owners. Each camp will have their own spy’s and special agents. A medical team who wound up Maresca patronising him who can and can’t start and how many minutes each allowed. A transfer unit who buys whoever they want. In fact with chairman and owners not on same page, how many transfer guru’s do they have amongst the levels of back room politics> Why have all those issues, that torpedoed them last year, vanished just because highly rated Alonso is head coach?
Its a bit early to say that Arsenal will be top or Fulham will be relegated.I hope Arsenal win but I remember Leicester winning in 2017.
Easy to see us as the favourites right now. It’s just hard to imagine any other logical outcome since every other team is so seriously flawed. With City’s evident issues it’s even looking feasible that Chelsea could squeeze past them into 2nd unless they’re are able to recruit before the window closes.
Coventry looking good to be the survivor from the promoted clubs. They scored 97 goals in the Championship last season, if they get half that in the PL they should be OK. I have them at 16th or 17th.
Brentford relegated seems unlikely to me.
Fulham though, quite possibly. There will be an almighty battle at the bottom of the table this year.
Longest time….everyone, Its been months I had been here, moreover I became a first time dad few months ago, the euphoria of parenthood took grip of me.
My top 10
1. Arsenal
2. Tothenham
3. Chelsea
4. Manchester city
5. Sunderland
6. Manchester United
7. Liverpool
8. Brentford
9. Fulham
10. Coventry
Mishael Leashim,
Congratulations on becoming a first time Dad. But I can clearly see all those sleepless nights have got to you.
Spurs to finish second?. 😂🤣👍
I have a feeling spurs will improve massively but maybe 2nd’s a stretch
@ ML
Congrats on becoming a Dad.
Like Derek I am not convinced about Tottenham with the high playing staff turnover that they could finish as high as 2nd. Maybe top 6.
If Liverpool sign Barcola I’m goer go for them
Top3
Liverpool
Arsenal
City
Liverpool will sign Barcola as PSG don’t want him there now they have been stockpiling forward options, so movement on price will happen fast in the coming hours.
Carragher doesn’t really want him does he? Is Barcola special because the media tell everyone he’s potentially available, unlike other options – moves from PSG to another club and worth about £70M in two years time {that’s how transfer window charade works isn’t it} – or is he actually special?
Well we will have to wait and see if they sign him !
And make no mistake Arsenal want him too .
@ DK
I expect Liverpool to be in the top 3 if they get Barcola but not convinced by their defence to finish in number 1 spot with their changes.
Same. A 35 year old VVD will still be the core of their defense and he didn’t look all that great even last season. I don’t see the squad depth for Liverpool either. All their signings will have to have been amazing, including Munoz. I think they do land Barcola but that just papers over the cracks. Their defense and midfield are not on the same level as us and I think even Chelsea are stronger in that area.
Dan kit,
Afternoon. Does the new Liverpool manager Iraola have the expertise to lead his team to the title? Just to
Well, I’ll go for a top Five!
1.Arsenal
2.Man United
3.Man city
4.Chelsea
5. Liverpool
Battle for the title between Arsenal and Utd interests more the fans in Africa. Hotly anticipated fixtures!
Completely WRONGS: 18th Brighton, 19th Fulham, 14th Coventry.
Completely RIGHT: The Defending Champions Arsenal to become back to back Champions after 90 (ninety) years.
Brighton and Fulham have squads capable of avoiding relegation. I trust the Spanish Arbeloa to do the job. EPL is allergic to Lampard so again he’ll perform poorly.
The internet was in black and white 90 years ago! And mobile phones were wired to a wall.
Liked it mate lol. Owners of Internet and mobiles phones were crying over high taxes and fees imposed by Musk’s SpaceX co. It was unreasonably exorbitant!
18th Brentford
I never go into seasons have us first just because I think it’s bad mojo. But I think the stars are aligning for us to retain the title. Our rivals are all going through transitions with all of them having new managers and questionable holes in their squad, while we don’t have any main problem areas. We just have to hope a major injury doesn’t occur and we can keep the intensity of the level of play we had last season. But also worth remembering how tough winning even 1 premier league match can be and that they rarely come easily. There will be a title race for sure, I’m just currently struggling to see who it will be, but we’ll get our answer as the season goes on. As things stand though, we are surely the big favorites to win again.
For my guesses I’ll do top 5, bottom 3 why not. I can’t bring myself to type out us as first in fear of jinxing anything so…
1. 👀 👀
2. City
3. Chelsea
4. Liverpool
5. Villa
….
18. Leeds
19. Ipswich
20. Hull
United will have a meltdown again once reality sets in and it will be as beautiful as it always is.
Agree with RSH about jinxing our prospects however:-
1. 👀 👀
2. Man City
3. Liverpool
4. Chelsea
5. Utd
6. Villa
7. Brighton
8. Spurs
9.Brentford
10. Bournemouth
RSH and SueP,
I guess the eyes have it. 😂👍
What about……
Arsenal
Liverpool
Chelsea
Man city
Man u
Arsenal to defend their crown with 88 points plus
Brentford will not be relegated and i don’t think we will retain the League.
Grandad
I’d really appreciate knowing your opinion on why we won’t retain our title
Well Sue, we won the League last season because of our defensive resilience ,based on an excellent back four and a top class Keeper.The absence of Saliba and Timber who ‘s injuries are a real concern,substantially weakens our team and i do not believe their replacements will be of the same calibre.I am confident we will be able to control possession in most matches given our strength in midfield which has been enhanced by the acquisition of Guimares, but unlocking deep lying defences will remain a problem I suspect unless our front three are given more freedom to interchange.Most Arsenal fans highlight a weakness on the LW as being our main problem, but I believe we are equally predictable on the right with neither Saka nor Madueke impressing me last season.I only hope Odegaard can maintain the excellent form he showed at the World Cup and in the Community Shield victory, and that the frustrating Eze can become more effective as an option for our Captain.When it comes to Arsenal Sue I tend to take a more pessimistic attitude than I did in the past.In that way I find disappointing results are not as important to me as they once were.That may sound strange from someone approaching their eightieth birthday ,and while health, family and friends are my priorities in life, an Arsenal win still delights me and gives me a surge of adrenalin.Let’s hope my prediction is completely wrong Sue.
But Grandad,even if you think we are flawed,don’t you think the rest of the teams are more flawed than us? Yes Saliba and Timber will be a big miss but our defensive solidity is not just down to the defenders. What makes an Arteta team so good defensively is that everyone defends,including the forwards.
I expect our attack to improve as well. Saka,just like Odegaard,struggled with fitness and that impacted his performances. Havertz for me is a big reason why our attack is bound to improve.We missed him last season because he’s so good at combining with the wingers. An improved midfield and improved attack should make up for a slightly weakened defence.
Thanks for your considered reply Grandad.
I’ve tentatively nailed my colours to the mast in favour of Arsenal repeating their success from last season.
This is not based in particular on our ability but more based on how the numerous new managers get on in charge of the so called top clubs that they now manage.
At the time Arteta gave one of his first interviews, I was immediately struck by the steeliness he showed. He has maintained this steeliness even when the club was transitioning from the divided team he took over to the position Arsenal are in currently and when most of us were anxious or at worst wanting him out during the lean periods.
Although Arsenal do have those 2 injuries, I feel as confident as I can (until Friday night 😱) that the club are occupying a position of strength, whereas the chasing pack have new managers apart from Carrick and Emery. Villa have lost players, Carrick is now dealing with Europe. The others have big clubs and big expectations so it’s quite possible they need more time to develop and show their prowess.
Thanks Sue and Derek.For what its worth,i think Liverpool will be rejuvenated this year under their very able new Manager, who.s Bournemouth side were a joy to watch.
Listening as I am to White and Jordan, apparently Arsenal are in advanced stages of negotiations with Villa for Konsa
good news
Grandad,
Having read on previous posts you’re admiration for Balanga of Brighton, what’s you’re take on him now possibly joining Manchester United.
Grandad, Onyango and SueP,
Having read all you’re respective posts, I have to say they all have merit, and can agree with all of them. 👍
What Derek? You also think Arsenal won’t win?
Now, now SueP,
I don’t make predictions. I learnt the hard way from being a young supporter dancing around my front room when 2-0 up with 5 minutes to go thinking we won.
My wise Dad said don’t count you’re chickens, and 5 minutes later it was 2-2. My face was a picture, thankfully Alan Sunderland scored a last minute winner and we beat United 3-2.
But it taught me a sobering lesson. Therefore, you won’t catch me making predictions. Why do you think I don’t join in Dans prediction page. Once burnt, twice shy as they say. 😂
Maybe I should have said I agree with most of what you and Grandad and Onyango said. 👍
Thursday the first day of the season for managers’ pressers and mw1 predictions. Hopefully Arteta will be asked about Konsa, title expectation, game time for academies, possible ins and outs.
Here’s me singing the same old song again in response to Grandad and co. I don’t think the temporary losses of Saliba and Timber will be as painful as some believe. Of course we’ll miss a player of Saliba’s stature but we can compensate for that minor setback by strengthening other areas such as by being more direct and reducing the situations where we lose the ball and are caught flat on the counter. Timber for me was a frustrating player to watch. A very solid number five or six but a frustrating wingback who practically killed every attacking move we made once we got anywhere near our opponents penalty area. In comparison to our rivals ,who all have new managers as well as new recruits who will need time to adjust. Arsenal are in a much more stable position with Arteta’s main headache being who to start and who to leave on the bench. My positive mindset is based on some of the free flowing football we demonstrated against City. Hopefully this wasn’t a one off and more a sign of the type of football this group of players is capable of. Can’t wait for Coventry tomorrow to find out.
Looks like whatever we fans believe is just pointless meaningless dribble and Arsenal have gone ahead and signed Konsa. Another central defender to add to the stockpile. More boring negative football to come. What will happen once Timber and Saliba are fit? Do we cash in and sell them. I would have liked to see the money better spent on a real wingback, If not a Hakimi type player,even Cash from Villa sounds better than having to once again watch Timber wearing the number 2 jersey. With Villa also selling their future away, it looks like the only real rivals we’ll have this season are Liverpool and Man.United, with City, Chelsea and the Spuds close by.
yes fans opinion is pointless vs a manager who sees players every day because manager is paid to take emotion out of deciosns
Of course I don’t expect Arteta to listen to me or any other fan for that matter, more of a case that we would see things on a similar wavelength and perhaps believe in the players he already has and thus splash the cash elsewhere. Talk about defensive overload.
@ DS
OT: Season starts tomorrow. Are you running the prediction league?
If so I wish to give my Ist prediction now (as I am going to be on the roads tomorrow and probably have to miss the Ist game) and the rest when the article comes tomorrow.
Arsenal 4 – 2 Coventry. High scoring.
Shall send the rest of the predictions either Friday night or Saturday morning.
BBC today interviewed 17 pundits 16 said Arsenal retain the crown except Shay Given. Also the algorithms of the AI and Opta’s Supercomputer placed Arsenal top. What a season!
go back this time last year mate and see what the same peeps / AI we’re saying
a different kettle of fish this time; a team that broke the curse and began to play with swagger coupled with instability around the camps of direct rivals
Amba,
Having looked on the BBC Website 28 pundits made their predictions. 25 back Arsenal for the title. And 3 back Manchester City for the title.
The 3 being. Joe Hart, Paul Robinson and Shay Given. All former goalkeepers coincidentally.
Yes DEREK yours is correct 89% gave Arsenal the title. As you rightly said imo all the 3 may have spoken of partisanship and animosity; 2 are ex City and Paul a Spurs man.
Of course it is obvious we need to strengthen our left side attack but for me ,what is crucial to being in the mix come the end of the season, is keeping David Raya fit.
1. Gunners for life
2. Chelsea
3. Man Utd.
4. Man City
5. Liverpool
6. Brighton
7. Everton
8. Spurs
9. Villa
10. Bournemouth
11. Coventry
12. Sunderland
18. Ispwish
19. Brentford
20. Hull
EJS,
Spot on season opener prediction.Raya has no a reliable back up. Berta overlooked that spot
Good day Just Arsenal Family!
I’ve been out for some time. My mum had been on admission at the for over 4 months and finances has been scarce. I pray for her quick recovery.
Well, with regards to this new seasons predicted position on the league:
I’ll go for the first five as follows:
1st: Arsenal
2nd: Chelsea
3rd: Man UTD
4th: Liverpool
5th: Tottenham Hotspur.
Ayan,
I’m sorry to hear of you’re mother’s issues. I hope like you she soon makes a swift recovery. 👍
Thanks Derek!
Grateful 🙏
Ayan,
👍👍
Chin up Ayan
Hope your mum recovers.
My parents and older brother have passed away a while ago and I was one of their carers along with my wife and sister.
Currently, my wife is having a similar problem for her mother.
I know what it feels like.
Make sure you take of yourself as well during these times. You may find watching a match the best form of mental release.
IDG, wise words 👌👍
Ayan, wish your mum a speedy recovery fella 🤞
Ayan, in these moments there are more important things than football. Wishing your mum a speedy, long term recovery.
35 questions presented to Arteta in his first presser. He suggested he had back to back titles at City. He gets info about transfer rumours even from his kids. Skelly 100% stays. There are key departures (Martinelli). He praised Aussie Gooners who usually woke up in the middle of the nights to watch Arsenal games. Injuries handicapped Arsenal for winning most games by a smaller margin. He and the players unusually had longer summer rest days
Chelsea front 3 of Rogers, Pedro and Palmer can be defenders nightmare
.
Their non European involvement means it won’t be easy for the team aspiring to be the champion