Premier League Predictions: Who Will Finish Where in 2024-25?

It’s that time of year again – when I take on the annual challenge of predicting how the 2024-25 season will play out for all 20 Premier League clubs.

Tipping Manchester City for last season’s title didn’t require much foresight, but I did manage to score some points by predicting Aston Villa would finish fifth – they even exceeded that by finishing fourth and earning a spot in the Champions League.

Of course, these predictions come with the usual disclaimers – the transfer market could still shift things significantly, but here’s how I see it as of now.

So, while I’ll try to avoid a repeat of my infamous 2015-16 prediction when I tipped Leicester City for relegation only to watch them win the league, here’s my take:

Manchester City
Last season: Champions
Think about betting against them. Then think again.

Under Pep Guardiola’s relentless leadership, Manchester City claimed their sixth Premier League title in seven seasons last year, and their fourth consecutive one, despite Arsenal’s impressive campaign. The core of world-class talent is still there, bolstered by the goal-scoring phenomenon Erling Haaland. City’s vast resources and another £81.5m from Julian Alvarez’s move to Atletico Madrid will only make them stronger.

Young talents like Oscar Bobb and James McAtee are ready to step up, adding even more depth to Guardiola’s already formidable team. It’s a daunting challenge for their rivals.

There will come a time when Manchester City doesn’t win the Premier League – but I’m not sure this season will be it.

Man City is destined to claim the top spot once again. The team’s deep understanding of their philosophy, their wealth of experience, and Pep Guardiola’s unyielding drive for success will set them apart, even amid worries about a lack of fresh signings.. Given our recent history too, you could comfortably regard this as realistic.”

Arsenal
Last season: Second
Mikel Arteta’s team, boosted by the arrival of Declan Rice, pushed Manchester City even closer last season, but couldn’t quite sustain the level of perfection needed to overtake them.

I’m backing them to give City another tough challenge this season, given the wealth of talent they have. The signing of Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori strengthens an already solid defense, but Arsenal may still need a proven goalscorer before the transfer window closes – something they lacked despite last season’s successes.

The title might remain elusive, but they’ll be in the hunt for silverware, and they’ll have the experience of last season’s Champions League to draw on.
Arsenal fan writer Laura Kirk-Francis, featured on BBC Sport’s Arsenal page, shared her thoughts: “Arsenal has every reason to feel optimistic this season. However, the reality is that to reach the top, they’ll need to overcome the toughest competition.”. And I think they will. I’ll be bold – Arsenal will win the league this year.”

Liverpool
Last season: Third
Arne Slot has taken on the daunting task of replacing Jurgen Klopp, but he’s inherited an outstanding squad left by his predecessor.

Liverpool boasts an array of world-class talent, with Mohamed Salah still leading the charge, alongside keeper Alisson, captain Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Slot also has a promising young brigade to call on, with Harvey Elliott poised for a breakout season.

While Martin Zubimendi’s decision to stay at Real Sociedad was a setback as Liverpool searched for a new number six, this squad remains exceptionally strong. They’ll challenge for trophies and secure a top-four finish.

Aston Villa
Last season: Fourth
I predicted Aston Villa to finish fifth last season based on Unai Emery’s expertise, and he exceeded expectations by securing a Champions League spot – a remarkable achievement.

I believe they’ll remain in the top four, having broken through that glass ceiling. This is an ambitious club with a top-class manager and a developing squad. The loss of Douglas Luiz to Juventus will hurt, but there’s plenty of quality elsewhere. Ollie Watkins is a proven Premier League striker who also shone for England at Euro 2024.

Amadou Onana’s £50m move from Everton is intriguing. Although he struggled at Goodison Park, many believe the gifted Belgium midfielder is a future star. Ross Barkley’s return is a gamble, but at £5m, he’s a bargain and showed his quality at Luton Town last season.

Champions League football will add pressure to Emery’s squad, but I’m betting on another top-four finish.

Aston Villa supporter and writer David Michael shared his thoughts on BBC Sport’s Aston Villa page, saying, “Finishing sixth might sound modest, but it really highlights just how much progress Villa has made under Unai Emery. If the team can navigate the expanded Champions League group stages and secure a spot in European competition through the Premier League again, it would mark a truly successful season.”

Manchester United
Last season: Eighth
Erik ten Hag remains in the job after winning the FA Cup last season, but he’s well aware he needs a strong start to avoid renewed speculation about his future, despite signing a new contract.

United haven’t made any game-changing signings, and the injury to teenage central defender Leny Yoro was a major blow. Ten Hag will hope Lisandro Martinez can stay fit, and he knows what Matthijs de Ligt can offer from their time together at Ajax. But De Ligt’s mixed success at Juventus and Bayern Munich raises concerns.

There are many questions to be answered – not least by the manager. Can Marcus Rashford revive his career? What will become of Jadon Sancho? How will Joshua Zirkzee fit in?

There’s also a lot of hope resting on youngsters like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. So, with some hesitation, I predict an improved league position this season – Ten Hag will need it.