It’s a measure of Manchester City’s preeminence right now that they’re the bookies’ favorites to win the 2024-25 Premier League title. Yes, they are indeed the best team, but it’s supposed to get more difficult to remain at the top with each passing year.
City took a 4th consecutive title in May – a remarkable achievement that was unprecedented in the 135 years of the top tier of English football. There had been a few threes-in-a-row – beginning with Huddersfield Town in the 1920s, and followed up by Arsenal in the ‘30s. And there have been periods of dominance – Liverpool won 12 titles in the 18 seasons through 1990, for example, with eight wins in an 11-season period in the middle of that, and more recently Manchester United, under manager Alex Ferguson, were champions 13 times in the Premier League’s first 21 seasons. But, of course, no four-in-a-row was involved in either of those football epochs.
Arsenal ran City close last season – just two points behind and a matching +62 goal difference. Still, it’s clear that football fans don’t like betting against a team managed by Pep Guardiola. Certainly a narrow majority of our group of 15 veteran seen-it-all pundits is tending towards the Catalan’s men taking the fifth.
This year, we’re all also asking about favorite current players and favorites historically in the top division. And as usual, we’re not excluding the Championship: Leeds chances of promotion are considered and also Colum McCann writes about Stoke City. Meanwhile, Peter Nolan considers the league from the perspective of an American-born, New York-based, U.S. national team fan.
Jay Mwamba, Irish Echo, Manchester City
For any other club, three defeats in four pre-season games would sound alarm bells. Not Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City who once again start another league campaign as odds-on-favorites to win it all. A fifth straight Premier League title to be exact – and the Cityzens’ ninth since the 2011-12 season. That’s largely due to the managerial skills of one of the sport’s best ever.
It may or may not be Guardiola’s last season with City, but that’s hardly likely to distract from this campaign.
With the exception of goal machine Erling Haaland, his goalkeeping crew, and sometimes bit players Jack Grealish and Josko Gvardiol, Pep turned to his academy talent for the pre-season outing States-side. This as most of his big names recuperated after seeing international duty over the summer in the Euros and Copa America.
There were losses against Glasgow Celtic [4-3], AC Milan [3-2], Barcelona [4-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw], and just one win, against Chelsea [4-2]. Interestingly, City begin the season against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this Sunday.
In the Community Shield against arch foes Manchester United at the weekend, Pep welcomed back some of his big guns. The result was a dramatic late equalizer by substitute Bernado Silva that earned City a 1-1 draw, forcing a penalty shootout that they won.
Aside from the Atletico Madrid-bound Julian Alvarez, there are no significant departures from the Etihad – and just one notable arrival in the exciting Brazilian international left winger Savinho, who’s 20. That means business as usual.
Cutting to the chase, expect another victory parade in Manchester come May; with Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa claiming second, third and fourth in that order.
Two players remarkably stood out for this writer in the pre-Premiership era. Tottenham midfielder Glenn Hoddle, could, in my opinion, have played in any national team in the 1980s. Ditto West Ham’s Trevor Brooking. Both were sublime and intelligent players in a generation when, perhaps, the graft and steel of a Bryan Robson was more appreciated in England.
Scott Silver, freelance designer, Arsenal
After finishing second for the last two years, many would think the Gunners will finally top City and claim their first EPL title in 20 years. Last year we were very close, but losing to Bayern and Villa (3 days apart) knocked us out of both competitions.
And picking up a new defender (Riccardo Calafiori) is not enough to convince me that Arsenal have done enough to overcome city (and possibly Liverpool).
We do have world-class players up and down the pitch, Declan Rice has proved his worth, Bukayo Saka hopefully remains durable and productive, Kai Havertz started finding the net after Christmas, and of course, Martin Ødegaard is a stud.
Do we have enough to lift the trophy – of course we do. We’ve got the right manager and ownership in place, however that’s not enough to overcome City’s deep pockets. It will once again be very tight, and Arsenal have to be very careful not to drop early points against minnows, as we’ve been accustomed to doing. Top 4 Prediction: 1. City, 2. Liverpool, 3. Arsenal, 4. Chelsea. Current club favorite player, Bukayo Saka. Historical favorite player, Thierry Henry (of course).
Christine Kinealy, historian, Liverpool
This season marks a sad transition. No longer will we see the pulsating figure of Jurgen Klopp on the sidelines, witness the bear hugs at the end of a game, and delight in the passionate fist thumps to the fans in the stadium. Those days are over—but millions of Red supporters can feel happy that they lived during the “Age of Klopp.” It was a privilege. To put him in context: the average Premier League tenure is 772 days, which is a little over two years and one month. Klopp was manager of Liverpool for 3,147 days—almost nine years.
Up to the time of writing, the transfer window has been quiet, and it is unclear who will be sold and whose contracts will be renewed. In regard to the former, 25-year-old Spaniard Martin Zubimendi is currently being hotly pursued.
Mo has looked lively in the summer “friendlies,” which is in contrast to his dispirited performances at the conclusion of last season. These games, under Arne Slot, suggest that the fullbacks, rather than staying wide, will keep within the half-space of advanced midfield, providing additional options to play the ball around the opposition box. At the same time, the narrow profile of the fullbacks encourages more direct balls from the backline to the wide forwards. The Klopp counter-pressing continues, but counter-attacks on the flank remain a vulnerability of this concentrated positioning. New signings could change everything.
My player to watch is Conor Bradley. I recently saw him play in Philadelphia and he was strong, confident and energetic. In contrast, I have been bewildered by Darwin Nunez’s performances and have no idea what to expect from him.
Historically, my two favorite players (and I am not alone in this) have been Stevie Gerrard and (King) Kenny Dalglish. As managers, their careers proved to be more chequered that their successes on the field. But, apart from their football skills, I love them for their loyalty to Liverpool—the city and the club. Beyond my team, I had great admiration for the Leicester City players who won the EPL in the 2015/16 season, especially Jamie Vardy and Kasper Schmeichel. I am glad they have been promoted.
One minute’s silence for the people of Southport, Liverpool vs. Arsenal,
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, July 31, 2024. [Photo: Christine Kinealy]
Making a prediction for this year’s results is particularly difficult given the wholesale change in the coaching personnel. A further unknown is the status of Manchester City—will they be found guilty of breaching FFP rules? Early signs are that the transition to Slot has been relatively trauma-free. But, assuming that Manchester City will remain untouched and untouchable, I predict that Liverpool will finish third in the Premier League and will reach the semi-finals in the Champions’ League. As to the other teams to make the top four in the EPL, it could be the same as last year, although West Ham might give Aston Villa a run for their money.
I started and would like to end by paying tribute to Jurgen Klopp. His relationship with the people of Liverpool off the field was as remarkable as it was in Anfield. In 2022, he was awarded the Freedom of the City—the only other foreign national to be given this honor was Nelson Mandela. Jurgen, a massive go raibh maith agat. For those of us left behind, “Walk on, Walk on, with hope in your heart ...”
Anthony C. Murphy, writer, Manchester United
There are more important things going on in the world, but the lads aren't being conscripted yet so, carry on.
Based on nothing but previous burns and flimsy whimsy I predict that Arsenal will finally get there. They have nearly done it and, not that I believe in destiny, it might be their turn. They certainly have the hard-fought battle experience. Man City might just let them in. Man City are ruthless but History dictates that desire fades and empires crumble. I made that bit up.
So, 1. Arsenal 2. Man City 3. Man United 4. Chelsea.
I am a Man United fan so that number 3 is fantasy, but they do usually end up in the top 4. I see Liverpool in transition but maybe it will be smooth? I think Chelsea are better than Spurs. Obviously there could be West Ham or Villa in there but, Europe again.
Man City really have depth when it comes to the season playing out but I fancy something might change this time.
Favorite historical players: The first game I went to was at Old Trafford in ’77/78 versus Crystal Palace. United were losing until Joe Jordan got an equalizer! I loved his smile, I had a tooth gap for years, not in homage.
Later, I saw Eric Cantona play. He was more than a footballer. I'm not talking about his pretensions and quacking philosophicalisations. He meant something. He meant the opposite of Beckham. We needed him. Yes, even his kung fu kick. Ah! The good old days.
Favorite current player, Kobbie Mainoo! He is class. I don't think he'll ever get injured. (anthonycmurphy.com).
Kieran Quilligan, Yonkers resident, West Ham United
Because of the new manager and the new players that have been signed I think it will take them a while to get used to the style of play and each other. I think West Ham will finish mid table, 10 to 12th position. Top four: 1. Manchester City, 2. Manchester United, 3. Arsenal, 4. Liverpool. Current favorite players, Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. Historical favorites, Liam Brady and Ronnie Whelan.
Paul Galligan, labor attorney, Leeds United
Leeds should be able to get promoted this year, but the Second Division (now known as The Sky Championship) is notoriously hard to get out of and Leeds have a history of tragic losses. But I really am confident that Leeds will be promoted. The 49ers owner group is professional, Farke is an excellent manager who brought Norwich up twice. He has now had a year to get the style he wants and he is only a couple of players away from having a solid squad.
John Giles playing for Leeds United in the 1970s. [Inpho/Allsport]
My favorite player right now is Ampadu. He can play in both midfield and at the back and makes no fuss. Having to sell Archie Gray and Cry Summerville was traumatic, but unlike Chelsea or Man City, Leeds are obliged to follow the financial fair play rules. Speaking of which, I like Arsenal for the First Division title over the usual suspects. Favorite players historically, John Giles and Jackie Charlton, of course.
Dom Stingas Paczko, Burton-on-Trent resident, Tottenham
Despite missing out on the top four, Postecoglou could definitely be considered an overachiever last season. His attitude and ethos are already flowing through the club, and more importantly, resonating with the fans. The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has been completely transformed, with every home victory celebrated in ways we haven't seen for some time.
While we are still waiting on the big-name signings, with many of those linked early on (Gallagher, Neto and Toney) seemingly heading elsewhere or staying put. Although Solanke coming in from Bournemouth adds some additional firepower upfront.
Dom and son Alexander celebrating Tottenham's last-minute winner vs. Brighton last season.
Spurs' focus on signing younger talent ready for first-team action is noteworthy. Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray (both only 18) already look like they could play a role, alongside Will Lankshear (19) and Mikey Moore (17), who seem poised to step up from the title-winning under-21s. These young players make established first-teamers like Sarr and Udogie (both still only 21) seem like club veterans.
Realistically, with European football back on the agenda, we do need a couple of those bigger names to come in because, as we all know, "you can't win anything with kids.”
I think we'll probably go one better this year and finish fourth, with the possibility of third depending on how Liverpool manage their transition season with Slott. We could also make a significant run in the Europa League under the new format. In the words of Buffalo Springfield: there's something happening here.
Predictions: 1. Manchester City 2. Arsenal 3. Liverpool 4. Tottenham.
Current favorite player: Vicario. Our 9-year-old son, a goalkeeper for the Winshill Spartans U10s, has quickly made him his new Tottenham hero. It's amazing to think a goalkeeper previously unknown outside of Italy could come in and replace World Cup-winning captain and club stalwart Hugo Lloris with such ease.
Historical favorite: Signing Klinsmann after the 1994 World Cup was still an unbelievable moment for me. We were a club in a mess, and while it ended badly, it was a joy to have him. In today's money, it would probably be equivalent to Everton signing Messi.
Joe Behan, Florida resident, Manchester United
It's Erik ten Hag's final season, unless his team brings a consistent performance on a weekly basis. The win over City saved his bacon but he has bigger fish to fry this time around. Let's be honest here, carrying the likes of Rashford throughout the season hurt the team, and that's more than just on the pitch. Nothing against the lad, he wasn't the only one, but he was out to lunch most of the time. Nothing against any of the players but as long as Harry McGuire is playing United will struggle. Everybody knows United needs a ‘keeper and a striker, two of the most important positions on the pitch, and Ten Hag has failed here. Can't see United winning the league, and a top four is already a reach. This time around a cup will not save a poor finish in the table. Teams like City and Arsenal are not in this conversation; it's the likes of Villa, Spurs, Chelsea and Liverpool who United need to catch, while the Devils lose points across the board. All of the above can be overlooked if and when performance improves, and that does not look like happening not based on the last two years.
Prediction: 1. Manchester City 2. Arsenal 3. Liverpool 4. Villa. Favorite players: Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez. Historically, George Best and Roy Keane.
James Rogers, New York Evertonians
This season promises to be a momentous one for Everton as they play their final campaign at Goodison Park, which has been the club’s home since 1892. The ground, which hosted games in the 1966 World Cup, has seen plenty of success over the years, hosting 8 of Everton’s 9 league-title winning campaigns (the first, in 1891 was at the club’s former home, Anfield). But recent years have been tough on the blue half of Merseyside, characterized by on-field struggles, points deductions, and ongoing uncertainty about the club’s long-term ownership.
But in manager Sean Dyche Everton have a straight-talking pragmatist capable of navigating choppy waters, as he proved by guiding the club to safety with three games to spare last season. Everton fans will be hoping that Dominic Calvert-Lewin, if he remains at the club, will continue the goal-scoring form he showed at the end of last season. After our nerve-shredding dalliances with the relegation zone in the last few seasons, Evertonians deserve to enjoy the final games at “the Grand Old Lady” from the comfort of mid table. But whether we get that is another matter.
My favorite player in the current squad is club captain Seamus Coleman. As Evertonians are only too happy to remind everyone, Coleman was signed for a paltry “60 grand” from Sligo Rovers in 2009 and has been a phenomenal servant to the club. I sometimes wonder if the “Killybegs Messi” bleeds Royal Blue. My favorite all-time player is Neville Southall (full disclosure, I work on his podcast with him!). A generational goalkeeping talent, he was crucial to the success that Everton enjoyed in the club’s heyday in the 1980s.
My predictions for the top: 1. Man City 2. Arsenal 3. Chelsea 4. Liverpool.
Ray O'Hanlon, Irish Echo, Manchester United
Back in 2016 Manchester United, managed by Dutchman Louis van Gaal, defeated Crystal Palace to win the FA Cup. Van Gaal lost his job at Old Trafford anyway. In 2024, United, managed by Dutchman Erik ten Hag, won the FA Cup by defeating arch rivals Manchester City. Ten Hag, who was seen as being under pressure in his job, retained his managership. Beating City is the sine qua non at Old Trafford so losing the Community Shield on penalties to the "noisy neighbors" last Saturday robbed Ten Hag of a perfect curtain raiser to the new season. They say the Shield – League winners versus FA Cup winners – is a big thing to win and not a big thing to lose. But as with the FA Cup final back in May the United against City clash gave this particular Wembley encounter an added psychological importance to both sides.
Manchester United's Denis Law in 1970. [Inpho/Getty Images]
But now on to the season. United finished eighth in the Premier League last season and that put Ten Hag's position in severe danger. That danger continues. A significant improvement will be demanded of the Red Devils this 2024-25 campaign and the signs of it will have to come early. A top four finish is essential. Ten Hag and his men will have to be about their work from the very start and that start is a first game against Fulham. Injuries, as always, will be an X factor and Ten Hag will need all the Dutch luck he can get in this area, if there be such a thing as Dutch luck. Given that he still holds one of the top jobs in world football, perhaps there is.
Predictions, 1. Liverpool 2. City 3. Arsenal 4. United. Current favorite players, Luke Shaw and Garnacho. Historical favorites, George Best and Denis Law.
John Spinks, artist, Newcastle United
As with any good team Newcastle United is a sum of its parts. Eddie Howe’s foundation remains strong as he continues to build. The squad is seasoned and streetwise and presents a litany of potential for this season.
Joelinton, Guimares (Bruno), Isak, Gordon are all players with imagination and technical command. We have had glimpses of Harvey Barnes, same with Tonali who will return after paying his debt to society. Sean Longstaff merits mention, a journeyman, domestique, his work rate allows freedom for his more exotic teammates.
The defense is consistent and cohesive. Schar, Livramento, Burn and Trippier all combine an attacking mindset alongside defensive qualities, new signing Lloyd Kelly looks to be in that category, too. With the addition of Vlachodenos we now have three international goalkeepers.
Favorite Player: Joelinton. He was a missing component when we faltered last season. Apart from his tackling and harassment skills he adds joy to the proceedings.
Top four predictions: 1. Arsenal 2. Man City 3. Villa 4. Newcastle. Taking a chance on Villa but Emory is a savvy manager honed by experience. Spurs and Chelsea are still too vulnerable and like us, “works in progress”.
Favorite player of the past: It boiled down to two local lads, one Wallsend, the other Gateshead. Peter Beardsley and Paul Gascoigne, both incredibly gifted players. “Gazza”, a prodigal son, he squandered his gifts but at his best, he was sublime. Bobby Robson, as England manager, said, “He was as daft as a brush.” Bobby was a Geordie and had seen a few daft brushes in his time. And the winner is Gazza.
Michael O'Sullivan, Jesuit priest, Liverpool
I find it difficult to say how Liverpool might do this year. There has been no buying and selling of players so far and the start of the season is around the corner. I would sell Nunez and Gravenberch. Nunez is very industrious and quick, but lacks finesse and clinical finishing. Gravenberch is young and maybe still developing. Because he is from the Netherlands, Liverpool's new manager Arne Slot may be reluctant to move him on. Slot may also think that because of the nationality link he is well placed to assist Gravenberch's development. Salah has been playing well, I believe, in the pre-season friendlies, but he went into decline last season. Also, his contract is winding down and Liverpool will want to cash in on a sale. Van Dijk is not the same player since his serious injury. I am a big fan of Jota, but can he stay injury free? I like Conor Bradley. He was a revelation last season. The same goes for Endo. Hopefully, Slot will make a good connection quickly with the players and the club.
Re: predicting how the table will look at the end of the season. Again, too much uncertainty at present to be able to give a 1,2,3,4. When is Manchester City going to be penalized for alleged irregularities? What is holding up a decision? That decision could have a significant impact on where they will finish in the coming season. Arsenal still seem to lack a bit of extra bite that would take them further. But they have Declan Rice, who I said two years ago that Liverpool should buy, irrespective of the price. He is a leader as well as a very fine footballer, and person.
Will Villa hold on to Watkins? Will Man Utd kick on from their FA Cup success? Will their manager do better man-management than seems to have been the case last season? There is talk of Kane coming back to Tottenham. Will that happen?
Current favorite player: Diogo Jota. Historical favorites: Kenny Dalglish and Mark Lawrenson.
Paul Finnegan, Irish Business Organization, Chelsea
Well, here we are again with Chelsea. Another year, another manager. I was sorry to see Pochettino go, but I wasn't 100% sure he could create a trophy-winning side either. So we move on to Enzo Maresca. Now that the owners have made it clear they only work with managers that follow orders, I assume Maresca has signed up for this. We'll see. It might work, who knows?
My top four: 1. Arsenal 2. Man United 3. Man City 4. Chelsea.
Of the current Chelsea players I am extremely impressed with Cole Palmer. I also like the look of striker Christopher Nkunku in preseason, where, by the way, it has become clear they need to work on their defense.
Didier Drogba scoring for Chelsea in April 2010 on their way to edging Manchester United for the Premier League title the following month. [Inpho/AFP/Getty Images]
Historically, I think one of the big reasons I ever started following Chelsea to begin with, somewhere in the 1970s, was because of the late Ray Wilkins, a brilliant midfielder. But I would say my favorite Chelsea player of all time is Didier Drogba. He was deadly. Great memories.
Stephen Boland, UPS worker, Liverpool
In February, I got to go to Anfield for the first time in many years – Liverpool were a goal down to Luton at half-time, but won 4-1. It was a great game. The atmosphere was great. This season, Arsenal would be my favorites. They went close last year and they’ve made couple of signings. City keep rolling on. They just lost Alvarez, but they’re in the process of buying somebody else. They’ll still be strong. Liverpool in 3rd and the 4th place will be interesting – at the moment, I’ll say Chelsea.
Liverpool went close last year and nobody expected it and the youngsters did well. I don’t know, the new guy hasn’t made any signings, so it’s hard to know. It might be a different style to Klopp. They were exciting to watch under Klopp as far as I was concerned. They have always played with an attacking style but they’re making more errors defensively that they did in the 1970s and ‘80s.
Favorite current players: Alisson, one of the world’s best goalkeepers, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool born and bred. Favorite players historically, Alan Hansen and Ian Rush.
Niall O’Leary, Irish-dance teacher, Manchester United
My prediction for this season is two words hyphenated: Record-breakers? Treble-winners?
No. It’s mid-table. Casemiro will be benched by October, sold in January, but in-between Ten Haag will be sacked. Keeping the manager who presided over a totally unexpected victory in last season's FA Cup is like coming home and finding a burglar sitting at your dining room table, and then you turn around and make him a five-course meal.
One word: inexplicable. He should never have been there, and upon coming to that realization, he should have been kicked out. Am I talking about Ten Hag or the burglar? Both! Ten Hag has the man management skills of a burglar: Ronaldo, De Gea, Sancho, all great players who are no longer in the Manchester United team, because he didn't want them there. Were their replacements any better? Just like Mick McCarthy and Roy Keane in Saipan, needless personal situations have made things worse.
Yes, we have been unlucky with injuries, but the current group of players, from Andre Onana to Zirkzee, are not capable of success. I think Manchester United will win the Premier League before the next year that has a “3”' in it, but a few trees will have to be uprooted before then. The new sporting director Dan Ashworth, who knows a thing or two about gardening, is the man to finally deliver success...not Ten Haag.
Back to my story: After the burglar has left, Ashworth is the newspaper delivery boy who comes up the garden path on his bicycle.
Oh, how we long for simpler times where there were no Brightons, Brentfords or Salfords to challenge the status quo!
End-of-season prediction: 1. Arsenal, 2. Man City 3. Liverpool 4. West Ham.
Favorite current player, Garnacho, 2nd favorite, Hojlund. Historical favorite, Paul McGrath, 2nd favorite, Niall Quinn. [www.nialloleary.com]
