Liverpool
Liverpool is a team that has had a successful season thus far. In Matchweek 25, they stand at the top of the table with 54 points – 2 points atop title-contenders Manchester City. So far, the only teams that have bested the Reds are Tottenham and Arsenal, two teams that currently sit in Champions League qualification. There have been several stars running the show at Anfield. Of course, top-quality goalkeeper Alisson Becker and his rock in the defense, Virgil van Dijk, have been balling out all season. Fullback/midfielder Trent Alexander-Arnold has been performing well, scoring two goals and nine assists in 27 matches. Up top, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez have scored 13 and 11 goals respectively. On top of this, new midfield signings Dominik Szoboszai and world-cup-winner Alexis Mac Allister have proven their transfer values. As usual, the star of the show has been Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah. Salah, who has scored at least 19 goals in every season that he’s been in the Premier League (6), has 14 goals in 20 league matches (18 goals in 27 total matches). He has also acquired eight assists. Though he’s been linked heavily with a move to Saudi Arabia, he is, for the moment, Liverpool’s star guy up top. I predict that Liverpool will, once again, finish the season in second place, and legendary manager Jurgen Klopp will leave without another trophy on his shelf.
Manchester City
In my opinion, Manchester City is the best team in the world, maybe the best of all time. As of Matchweek 25, City sits in second place, two points behind Liverpool, though having played one game less. New signings Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku have exceeded expectations, with Gvardiol bringing a new level of size to the left-back position and Doku establishing himself as one of the best 1v1 attackers in the world. In the wake of a devastating injury to top-class CAM Kevin de Bruyne early on in the season, Julian Alvarez, La Arana, has stepped up in a major way. The Argentinean international scored 14 goals and eight assists in 2023-24. Arguably the most complete nine in the world, Alvarez will look to a new role as de Bruyne makes his return back to full form and will prepare for a Copa America that could be Lionel Messi’s final tournament in an Argentinean kit. On the younger side of things, City has promoted the development of Norwegian wonderkid Oscar Bobb and English international Rico Lewis and has purchased the next great Argentinean attacker in Claudio Echeverri. On top of all of this, City boasts a roster full of adaptable and versatile players such as John Stones, Manual Akanji, Jack Grealish, and Rodri. Lastly, one cannot mention City without mentioning world-class manager Pep Guardiola, who has never managed a club to finish in lower than 3rd place, or elite striker Erling Haaland (16 goals in 18 league matches). Both dominate in their specific circles and are widely considered to be the best. In my opinion, Manchester City will win the Premier League, the Champions League, and the FA Cup, completing the Treble for back-to-back years.
Arsenal
Arsenal has been an interesting team this season. Led by star winger Bukayo Saka, the Gunners are third in the Prem and are currently matched up against FC Porto in the Champions League Round of 16. Quietly returned to the limelight, the almost-winners of last year’s season started the year off by winning the FA Community Shield. New goalkeeper signing David Raya has been performing well, with eight clean sheets in 19 Premier League matches. Arteta’s squad will look to do what they almost did last season and fight to dethrone the kings of English football. They currently stand tied with Manchester City in points, though they have played one extra game. I predict this Arsenal squad to finish fourth.
Tottenham
Before the injury to the new no. 10 James Maddison, Tottenham looked like the story of the new season. Without him, they survived, barely dipping in standing, and just recently, he’s returned. With his ability as an attacker mixed with the best technical finisher in the world (Heung-Min Son), the Spurs look to finally have their first truly successful season in years. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, the new manager hire. Ange Postecoglou has completely turned the tables at White Heart Lane, arguing for a more disciplined approach. Coming in after managing for only six years, none of which came in even a top-15 league, the world was suspicious, but Postecoglou proved everyone wrong. The second reason for this success has, of course, been the new signings. Along with the star midfielder James Maddison, Tottenham signed Dutch center half Micky van de Ven (who just recently broke the record for the fastest sprint ever in the Premier League), Welsh winger Brennan Johnson, Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, and Italian left-back Destiny Udogie. All four of these players have made a significant impact on the team and have contributed highly to its success. The last reason is Pombo’s recent goal-scoring ability (Richarlison). Pombo has already notched 11 goals in 23 matches, finally living up to his transfer fee. Overall, the future is bright for Spurs, and I predict them to finish third, passing Arsenal in the final third of the season.
