City favourites again but Arteta could pip Pep.
24/25 Premier League predictions...
Here we go again. I’ve tended to back Manchester City for the Premier League title under Pep Guardiola; best manager, best squad etc. A safe prediction, I know, and City will be favourites again. But this season, Arteta may just have Pep’s number…anyway, enjoy the season…
1.Arsenal. Strengths: building towards title individually and collectively; Arteta’s drive; Rice’s dynamism; defensive organisation and depth enhanced by Calafiori and Timber; Emirates unity, belief and backing. Concerns: still lack a goalscoring centre-forward for all Havertz’s contribution as a false 9; workload; Partey’s injuries; Arteta not rotating and resting enough.
2. Manchester City. Strengths: Guardiola’s intelligence and relentlessness; Haaland’s goals; muscle memory, City know how to get over the line; Bernardo Silva’s guile; Ruben Dias’ leadership; Savinho’s direct promise; focus on 115 charges, which City deny, could foster siege mentality. Concerns: will miss Alvarez’s contribution; Bobb’s ill-timed injury; workload; speculation over Guardiola’s future; focus on 115 charges, which City deny, could prove a distraction.
3. Liverpool. Strengths: Van Dijk’s leadership; Salah flying again; Anfield support; Alexander-Arnold’s passing; Jones and Elliott’s season to shine amidst England interest; Nunez will surely, finally get his radar working; Mac Allister’s class; Alisson still elite keeper; Jota always a threat. Concerns: life after Klopp; Slot may need time to understand intensity and relentlessness of season; players may also need time to absorb switch from intensity of Klopp to more possession-based under Slot; frustration at missing out on Zubimendi.