The new Premier League season is just days away, and Standard Sport's football reporters have made their predictions for the title, relegation, first manager sacked, and Golden Boot winner.
Title race: Arsenal tipped to retain crown
Matt Verri believes Arsenal are well-placed to defend their title, citing the signings of Bruno Guimaraes and the club's ability to win last season despite a struggling attack. Dom Smith also backs Arsenal, predicting they will drop the fewest careless points. Sam Tabuteau agrees, noting Arsenal have the most settled squad and have added quality depth. Oli Gent says it is difficult to bet against Arsenal after they ended a 22-year wait for the title, while Arthur Ferridge is the outlier, backing Enzo Maresca to send Manchester City back to the summit.
Relegation battle: Promoted trio in danger
Verri expects Hull and Coventry to struggle, though he thinks Ipswich could survive under Gary O'Neil. Smith predicts all three promoted sides will go straight back down. Tabuteau sees Hull and Ipswich as the obvious candidates, but worries about Fulham's risk in hiring Alvaro Arbeloa. Gent highlights the vulnerability of Wolves and West Ham last season, but questions the squads of Coventry and Hull, while noting Ipswich have lost Kieran McKenna. Ferridge says it will be a challenging year for promoted sides, with Fulham at serious risk.
First manager sacked: Arbeloa and O'Neil under pressure
Verri names Sunderland's Regis Le Bris, citing a quiet transfer window and Europa League demands. Smith expects Ipswich to sack Gary O'Neil. Tabuteau also predicts O'Neil will be the first to go. Gent flags Nottingham Forest's Oliver Glasner as one to monitor, but picks Arbeloa, given his poor stint at Real Madrid and the pressure from owner Shahid Khan. Ferridge agrees Arbeloa has a huge amount to prove.
Golden Boot: Haaland the overwhelming favourite
All five reporters pick Erling Haaland for the Golden Boot. Verri notes Haaland is buoyed by a superb World Cup, Smith highlights his goalscoring run for Norway, and Tabuteau says he will carry that form into the season. Gent expects a record-equalling fourth Golden Boot, while Ferridge says there is little to suggest Haaland will stop scoring.
