Mirror Football has attempted to predict the outcome of the upcoming Premier League season, forecasting a title defence for Arsenal and a top-three finish for Manchester City despite the departure of Pep Guardiola.
Arsenal and Liverpool Lead the Pack
Arsenal are predicted to finish as champions. Mikel Arteta can move forward without the constant pressure of being the domestic bridesmaid, having got that monkey off his and his club's back. Arteta has one of the strongest squads and should be able to use the experience of winning a title to do so again. A dynasty is within his grasp.
Liverpool are predicted to finish second. Andoni Iraola has taken charge at the perfect time, because they cannot be as bad as last time out. The team lost its identity under Arne Slot. While the leap from Bournemouth to Anfield is a huge one, Iraola appears to have some magic in his methods. Victor Munoz and Jeremy Jacquet are two top class signings in important areas, and Iraola needs time to stamp his mark.
Manchester City and Manchester United in Transition
Manchester City are predicted to finish third. Life after Pep will be a strange and difficult sensation for Enzo Maresca and his squad. Guardiola instilled winning into the club's DNA, and Maresca will be expected to keep the silverware coming. If City sell Rodri to Barcelona, he will leave behind a hole almost impossible to fill. Maresca is still inheriting a squad packed with world class talent, which now includes Eliot Anderson.
Manchester United are predicted to finish fourth. Their transfer window has not been great, while the future of Marcus Rashford remains in limbo. Michael Carrick also has the demands of Champions League football to deal with. He has built some confidence and togetherness.
Mid-Table and Relegation Battles
Aston Villa are predicted to finish fifth. Unai Emery is riding the crest of a wave, having won the Europa League title to secure Champions League qualification. But key midfielder Youri Tielemans has been sold to United, while Morgan Rogers has gone to Chelsea, to be replaced by Alejandro Garnacho. Chelsea are predicted to finish sixth under Xabi Alonso, who has taken on a huge challenge.
At the bottom, Fulham are predicted to finish 18th, with Alvaro Arbeloa having no experience of managing in the Premier League and dealing with the loss of Harry Wilson and Raul Jiminez. Ipswich Town are predicted to finish 19th, with Kieran McKenna gone and replaced by Gary O'Neil. Hull City are predicted to finish 20th, with the club's owners having invested little in new signings, relying mostly on free transfers.
