Ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season kick-off this weekend, anticipation is at an all-time high. The summer transfer window has seen significant moves, reshaping the top clubs and setting the stage for another thrilling title race.

At the start of every season, fans brim with optimism—this year, surely, will be our year. But reality often bites quickly. As ‘The False Nine’ begins its first season preview, here’s a look at what might unfold.

Manchester City: The Last Dance

What more can be said about Pep Guardiola’s achievements at Manchester City? They’re on the brink of a dominance not seen in the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign at Manchester United. With rumours swirling that this will be Pep’s final season at the Etihad, City are primed for a grand finale—another league title, their seventh in the last eight years.

City have quietly strengthened in key areas, bringing in the promising Savinho while retaining the core of their squad. The departure of Julián Álvarez to Atlético Madrid, while notable, isn’t likely to cause much concern unless Erling Haaland suffers a major injury (spoiler alert: not going to happen). Oscar Bobb looks poised to step into Álvarez’s shoes should the need arise.

Prediction: Manchester City will win another Premier League title in Pep’s ‘Last Dance’ season, with Arsenal posing the only serious challenge.

Arsenal: The Unfinished Symphony

The Arsenal. After back-to-back seasons where they could, and perhaps should, have clinched the title, will this be the year they finally dethrone Manchester City?

Mikel Arteta has enjoyed another productive summer, bolstering an already strong defence with the signing of Riccardo Calafiori. However, the lack of a clinical forward remains a glaring issue. Many were surprised that Arsenal didn’t make a move for someone like Ivan Toney from Brentford.

Gabriel Jesus is a decent option up front, but ‘decent’ doesn’t win you league titles. Arteta has proven he’s the right man for the job at Arsenal, but their title hopes hinge on the possibility of a City slip up.

Prediction: Arsenal will once again push City to the wire, but without a top-tier forward, a second-place finish seems their likely fate.

Manchester United: The Sleeping Giant

Last season was one to forget for Manchester United. Few would have raised eyebrows if Erik ten Hag had been shown the door, but the club’s new owners have decided to roll the dice and give the Dutchman another season.

United have arguably had one of the best off-seasons, alongside Spurs, with signings like Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui strengthening their squad. Garnacho also seems poised for a breakout season.

However, there are still significant concerns: Ten Hag remains unconvincing as a manager, the team has a poor injury record (Yoro is already sidelined), there’s no clear style of play, and Marcus Rashford may be entering a stagnation phase akin to Anthony Martial. Most worryingly, United lack a reliable striker who can score more than 10 league goals.

Prediction: United will be battling for a 5th or 6th place finish, with Ten Hag unlikely to see out the season.

Liverpool: The Rebuilders

Liverpool are entering a new era following the departure of Jürgen Klopp. While the squad doesn’t need a complete overhaul, a new manager often means new players to suit his vision.

This makes Liverpool’s quiet summer all the more surprising. They’ve yet to make a single significant signing, leaving Arne Slot to work with what he has.

Despite this, Liverpool had an encouraging pre-season, but as any seasoned football fan knows, pre-season form counts for little when the real action begins. Their failed bid for Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi means they’ll rely on Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch to fill the number six role, while up front, the continued faith in Darwin Núñez remains perplexing.

Prediction: If Arne Slot manages to win the league, it would be one of the most remarkable managerial achievements of the decade. But that’s unlikely and Liverpool will be scrapping for a 3rd place finish.

Chelsea: The Chaos Contenders

Let’s get straight to the point—Enzo Maresca will be lucky to see out the season as Chelsea’s manager.

The signings are puzzling, team chemistry is lacking, the manager seems out of his depth, and the ownership doesn’t inspire confidence.

That said, Chelsea have a potential league Player of the Season candidate in Cole Palmer, who could single-handedly change their fortunes. However, with opponents likely to mark him closely, it’s hard to see Chelsea thriving.

Prediction: A tough season lies ahead for Chelsea, both on and off the pitch, with a 6th place finish on the cards.

Tottenham Hotspur: The Kingmakers

Tottenham Hotspur—the perennial underachievers. Could this finally be the season they win some silverware?

It’s tempting to say yes. Spurs have had a strong off-season, strengthening key positions, and Ange Postecoglou is settling in well. With another season under his belt, Spurs might surprise a few people this year.

They’re unlikely to be in the title race, but expect strong cup runs and a role as potential kingmakers with their performances against the top six.

Prediction: A strong season that sees Spurs secure Champions League qualification with a 4th place finish and potential key role in determining where the title goes.

Title Prediction

While Manchester City remains the team to beat, Arsenal and Liverpool are poised to be their closest challengers. Arsenal’s style of play and Liverpool’s tactical evolution will push City, but the defending champions’ depth and experience give them the edge. Pep's Last Dance will not be ruined. Expect City to narrowly retain their title, with Arsenal as runners-up and Liverpool rounding out the top three.

This season, like every other, will be full of surprises, but these predictions offer a glimpse into what might be one of the most competitive Premier League campaigns in recent memory.

Let us know what you think in the comments.

The False Nine 2024/25 Season predictions:

1. Manchester City

2. Arsenal

3. Liverpool

4. Tottenham Hotspur

5. Manchester United

6. Chelsea

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