PITA’s 2023/24 Premier League predictions

Kenneth Daly

Winner: Arsenal – During the bus parade next May, I hope everyone remembers that I stuck my neck out before a ball was even kicked! Manchester City are, of course, the obvious (logical?) choice, but I’ve trusted the process since Mikel Arteta took over and it has now reached its long-awaited conclusion. Arsenal to win the title, and on the 20th anniversary of the Invincibles campaign too.

Top 4: Arsenal, Man City, Man United, Liverpool – Man City are probably good enough to sneak into the runners-up spot and I expect Man Utd to build on their third-place finish from last season. However, fourth could go to several teams and I doubt Liverpool’s credentials unless they invest before the transfer window shuts. Jurgen Klopp most likely will spend more this summer and, considering they nearly got top four last year even with bad form and injuries, I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt.

Golden Boot: Erling Haaland – Is there any point in mentioning someone else? It could be Eddie’s year but I’ll go for Haaland.

Relegated teams: Luton, Sheffield Utd, Nottingham Forest – The newly promoted sides always lead these discussions and the consensus seems to be that Luton (limited resources) and Sheffield United (sold their best two players) will go straight back down. I’m torn between Forest and Wolves for the third relegation spot but will back Gary O’Neil to pull off another miracle and keep Wolves up.

Surprise package: Brentford – Brentford could be the surprise package again this season like they were in 2021/22, only this time for all the wrong reasons. They will be without Ivan Toney until the new year and have just loaned David Raya to the Champions-elect, which could lead to some on-pitch adversity. Thomas Frank is a great manager so I don’t think relegation is on the cards, but maybe 15th/16th isn’t out of the question.

Continued on the next slide…