The 2024/25 Premier League season is fast approaching, and the writers at This Is Anfield have taken the opportunity to make their predictions for the upcoming campaign. With Liverpool set to kick off their season against newly-promoted Ipswich, there is a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. Let’s take a look at what the writers have to say.
Matt Ladson believes that Arsenal will clinch the top spot, followed by Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham in the top four. Ladson also predicts that Nottingham Forest, Leicester, and Southampton will face relegation. As for the first manager to be sacked, he points to Enzo Maresca. In terms of surprise teams, Ladson mentions Crystal Palace, provided they can hold onto their key players and keep Oliver Glasner at the helm. When it comes to the best new signings, Ladson highlights Riccardo Calafiori and Yankuba Minteh, players he believes Liverpool should have been interested in. As for the worst new signing, he humorously states that anyone who signs for Chelsea is making a foolish decision.
Jack Lusby’s predictions differ slightly, with Manchester City taking the top spot, followed by Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United. Lusby predicts that Nottingham Forest, Southampton, and Ipswich will be relegated. Like Ladson, he also believes Enzo Maresca will be the first manager to be sacked. West Ham is Lusby’s surprise team, commending their excellent transfer business. He also highlights Calafiori, Andre Onana, Minteh, and Micky Wieffer as the best new signings. However, he humorously points out that Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s £30 million price tag is a bit excessive.
Joanna Durkan’s top four predictions align with Ladson and Lusby, with Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Tottenham claiming the coveted spots. Durkan predicts that Ipswich, Southampton, and Nottingham Forest will be relegated. Like the other writers, she also believes Enzo Maresca will be the first manager to be sacked. Fulham is her surprise team, but not in a positive way. Durkan thinks Aston Villa made a good move by signing Amadou Onana, considering him a standout new arrival. As for the worst new signing, she jokingly asks how long she has to go through Chelsea’s list of signings.
Sam Millne’s top four predictions see Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham leading the pack. He predicts that Nottingham Forest, Wolves, and Ipswich will face relegation. Like the others, he points to Enzo Maresca as the first manager to be sacked. Bournemouth is Millne’s surprise team, and he believes Yankuba Minteh is a great signing for Brighton, even though he was sold to comply with PSR regulations. In terms of the worst new signing, Millne believes Chelsea’s squad is a mess, making it difficult to choose just one player.
Henry Jackson’s top four predictions align with Lusby’s, with Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United claiming the coveted spots. Jackson predicts that Southampton, Nottingham Forest, and Leicester will face relegation. He believes Nuno Espirito Santo will be the first manager to be sacked. West Ham is his surprise team, and he highlights Calafiori as a standout new signing. However, he expresses doubts about Ross Barkley’s return to Aston Villa, stating that he may fare better in a smaller club like Luton.
James Nalton’s top four predictions see Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Tottenham leading the pack. He predicts that Ipswich, Fulham, and Southampton will be relegated. Nalton believes Marco Silva will be the first manager to be sacked. Leicester is his surprise team, and he highlights Jean-Clair Todibo as an excellent new signing for West Ham. He also mentions Emile Smith Rowe and Pedro Neto as good players but risky signings due to their fitness records.
Karl Matchett’s top four predictions align with Ladson and Jackson, with Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and either Newcastle or Tottenham claiming the spots. He predicts that Ipswich, Southampton, and Brentford will face relegation. Matchett believes Thomas Frank will be the first manager to be sacked, expressing concerns about the stagnation at Brentford. He mentions Wolves and Palace as his surprise teams outside of the “Predictable Eight.” Matchett commends Daichi Kamada’s free transfer to Palace, calling it a tremendous signing. He also points out Dewsbury-Hall and Igor Thiago as poor signings for Chelsea. Additionally, he humorously remarks that Lewis Dobbin may not enjoy the Aston Villa bench any more than the Everton bench.
As the writers at This Is Anfield share their predictions for the upcoming Premier League season, it’s clear that there is a mix of excitement, humor, and analysis. While each writer has their own unique take on the top four, relegation candidates, surprise teams, and best and worst signings, one thing is certain – the 2024/25 season promises to be another thrilling and unpredictable ride in the world of English football.