The Premier League is back on Friday after a 13 week break. Ahead of the new season, our staff writers have given their predictions on the future champions, top four contenders, relegation candidates and Golden Boot winners. They didn’t all agree…
Steve Moorhouse
Top four: Manchester City (C), Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester United
To be relegated: Cardiff, Huddersfield, Brighton
Top scorer: Harry Kane
The title is going back to the Etihad. City were stunning last season and I don’t see how anyone can stop them, even with all the new arrivals at Anfield. The top four is more interesting with new dawns at Chelsea and Arsenal, but I think United and Spurs will cling on. Cardiff look set for a short stay in the top flight and I think Huddersfield and Brighton are likely to join them. The three sides simply don’t have the quality in their squads or management teams that others around them do. Harry Kane will win back the Golden Boot this year. His numbers are so consistent and his 30 league goals would have been enough to win him the accolade in most previous years.
Pierre Bajyana
Top four: Manchester City (C), Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United
To be relegated: Cardiff, Fulham, Southampton
Top scorer: Mo Salah
City are my favourites because they were by far the greatest team the Premier League has ever seen last season, kept all their best players and added Riyad Mahrez to the mix. They’ll rack up between 90 and 95 points and that should be enough. Cardiff will need a miracle but I thought Burnley would go down last year so what do I know. Southampton have Mark Hughes as a coach which, in my book, spells trouble. Liverpool have put five past Napoli and four past Man United recently in pre-season. I expect Salah to reach extra-terrestrial levels this campaign.
Daniel Rugunya
Top four: Manchester City (C), Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea
To be relegated: Cardiff, Huddersfield, Newcastle
Top scorer: Harry Kane
Manchester City were miles ahead of any other team last season and nothing other than a defence of their title would comprise success in the upcoming season. Liverpool have strengthened considerably but I still can’t see them catching the champions. Cardiff look ill-equipped for the rigours of the Premier League, while the mishandling of Newcastle by owner Mike Ashley could have devastating results, especially if Rafa Benitez were to leave the club. Salah was rampant for Liverpool last season, but Kane has proved his mettle at the highest level for about five years now. He is a safer bet.
Jean-Chrétiens Bonfils
Top four: Manchester City (C), Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal
To be relegated: Huddersfield, Cardiff, Brighton
Top scorer: Harry Kane
The Citizens looked as deadly as ever when they dispatched Chelsea 2-0 in the Community Shield. They had a really good pre-season campaign and I don’t see them slowing down any time soon. The winds of change swept over Chelsea and Arsenal this summer with the arrival of Maurizio Sarri and Unai Emery, who’ve brought along a contingent of world class signings. Emery in particular will bring a new brand of fiery football to the League and could very well achieve a top-four first season in charge. While Cardiff were stellar in the Championship, the Premier League is a whole different ball game.
Titus Mutai
Top four: Manchester City (C), Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea
To be relegated: Huddersfield, Cardiff, Watford
Top Scorer: Romelu Lukaku
Manchester City have a strong team from last season and it just got better with the addition of Mahrez. Manchester United will be hoping to build on their second place finish and they have brought in Fred to help with their midfield. Liverpool had a successful transfer window and they will face stiff competition from Chelsea, who will not be playing in the Champions League. Huddersfield and Cardiff will likely be joined by Watford in the fight for survival as they have not done enough in the transfer market to compete.
Jacob Vydelingum
Top four: Manchester City (C), Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester United
To be relegated: Cardiff, Huddersfield, Brighton
Top scorer: Harry Kane
The Manchester City side that strolled to the title last season looks no weaker, while Pep Guardiola has added the talent of Mahrez. I also expect more from Bernardo Silva and Benjamin Mendy this season. Liverpool are well set-up to mount a challenge after a series of strong signings, but I think they’ll fall short. The change of stadium did Tottenham no harm last season, so I don’t see why it would this time around, especially if Kane continues to deliver. Huddersfield and Brighton survived last year but have tough run-ins, while Cardiff seem the weakest side on paper.