August 9, 2023
2023/24 Premier League Predictions
It’s here again, as sure as the summer equinox or the hoaxed moon landings. I’ve hardly had time to take a summer break and once again the football season is upon us and I’m ready to bring you my Premier League Predictions. The Championship games got off to a flyer last weekend and the pre Premiership season trophy was played at Wembley where the FA Cup winners took on last years Premiership winners for the Community Shield.
Manchester City played Arsenal in a pretty tame 1 – 1 draw and Arsenal eventually went on to win on penalties. As far as Premier League predictions go, not many would have seen that coming, particularly many of the bookies who had Arsenal at roughly 3 to 1 underdogs.
So, first piece of Premiership silverware awarded and the games begin in earnest this weekend with Manchester City visiting Burnley at Turf Moor. I’m predicting an away win with this one, even though City failed to lift the Community Shield. City will be too good for Burnley, even with the returning Wout Weghorst, after his loan spell at Manchester United.
So, who do I think will take the Premiership honours this year? Here are my Premier League predictions of runners and riders and who I think will be at the top, and bottom, of the table come the end of the 2023/24 season.
In the beginning
The English Premier League (EPL), established in 1992, stands as one of the most renowned and competitive football leagues globally, captivating fans with its exceptional level of play, thrilling matches, and international star power. Comprising 20 teams, each season sees intense competition as clubs vie for the coveted title.
One of the league’s distinguishing factors is its inclusivity, showcasing diverse teams from various regions of England and even beyond. This amalgamation of cultures not only contributes to the league’s appeal but also mirrors the multicultural society it represents. EPL matches are characterized by their fast-paced nature, tactical prowess, and unpredictability, making every encounter a potential upset.
The league’s global popularity owes much to its ability to attract top talent from around the world. Star players and expert managers are drawn to the EPL due to the allure of challenging competition and widespread viewership. This influx of talent raises the league’s standard and keeps fans eagerly anticipating every match day.
Furthermore, the EPL’s broadcasting reach and commercial success have bolstered its influence in football’s global landscape. The revenue generated facilitates investments in youth development, stadium infrastructure, and grassroots initiatives, fostering a strong footballing culture throughout England.
22 clubs started the very first Premier League and only 11 of them are still in the top flight. The original 22 were: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, Coventry City, Crystal Palace, Everton, Ipswich Town, Leeds United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest, Oldham Athletic, Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield United, Sheffield Wednesday, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Wimbledon (remember them?)
Of those only Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur remain, although several of these 11 have been up and down many times since the Prem League started in 1992!
Let’s start at the bottom
It’s generally accepted that most teams that come up from the Championship find it difficult to play against the “big boys” week in week out and usually find themselves at the bottom of the table come the end of the season. So, who came up from the Championship league this season?
Burnley topped the Championship at the end of last season, followed by Sheffield United as runners up. Both of these gained automatic promotion. 3rd placed Luton, 4th Middlesbrough, 5th Coventry and 6th placed Sunderland all faced the play offs and third placed Luton took the final promotion space. Some would argue that’s fair as they finished third anyway, but that’s a topic for another time.
Of the 3 teams who were promoted, I can only see Burnley, who had several years in the Premiership prior to last season, doing well in the coming season. Vincent Kompany has done a great job at Burnley and I fancy them staying in the Prem come the end of this coming season.
I’m not sure I can say the same for both Sheffield United or Luton. Although a great achievement by Luton, I can’t see them staying in the league come the end of June 2024
Luton were languishing in the Conference league in 2009/10 and it was a good few years before they eventually got out having missed off on promotion chances three times in 4 seasons! After a couple of reasonable seasons Luton found themselves in the Championship after a gap of 12 years, and as mentioned above, finally making it to the heady heights of the Premier league after the play offs.
Sheffield United have more experience when it comes to the Premier League, having been there at it’s inception. But, I still think they will struggle in the coming season.
So, what do we think of their chances of Premiership survival? My Premier League prediction for relegation at the end of the season will be Luton and Sheffield followed by either Bournemouth or Nottingham Forest.
Premier League Predictions – winners?
It’s hard to see past Manchester City winning the Premier league again, but there are a couple of teams who are waiting in the wings to take City’s title.
Arsenal showed last weekend that they shouldn’t be written off. But that was just one game, right? And, in the Premier league would have given both teams 1 point.
I think City will have to have a pretty poor season for them not to win the league again. But, it can happen. A couple of injuries, a couple of contentious decisions and all of a sudden a team can find themselves at the end of a couple of losses.
So, if City do fail to win the league this year, who else could take it?
Well, as we have seen above, Arsenal are there or thereabouts and have strengthened their team this year with the signings of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
Manchester United too have bought a couple of reasonable players and have a few players from the previous season who got better towards the end of last season. Existing players like Garnacho and Mainoo may feature heavily this year. New captain Bruno Fernandez may inspire the team? The return on Martinez at the back. And new signings Mount and the new keeper Onana may give United a better chance this season?
Newcastle too have strengthened their side. But, I still think it a bridge too far for the North East outfit. Liverpool could feature and even Chelsea. I think most other teams will be also rans.
So, my Premier League prediction of the top 4 looks like this: Man City should retain the title. I can see Man United finishing stronger than last season, just behind Man City, followed by Arsenal then Newcastle.
This, of course, is only my opinion and Premier League predictions. There are a myriad of things that can affect the final table.
That’s why we love the EPL!
