Taking a retrospective look at the happenings that unfolded through the 2022/23 season, we saw the traditional hierarchy of the top six teams disrupted by the daring performance of Newcastle United. Arsenal shockingly emerged as a strong contender for the title, contrasting with Chelsea’s unexpected struggle in the lower end of the table, Manchester City’s late charge to secure their 3rd consecutive league title and alas, Leicester City being swallowed in the murky waters of relegation, you could rightly predict how much of fireworks is to be expected ahead of the 2023/2024 campaign.
The early signs of the new season’s appeal are already evident, highlighted by the thrilling curtain raiser between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley. This match sets the tone for what promises to be an enthralling season ahead.
A snip look into the transfer dealings of the league’s teams reveals their determined commitment. Arsenal has already broken the bank by securing the services of Declan Rice for a British record transfer fee. Chelsea are in the midst of yet another signing spree with the addition of 6 summer signings. Manchester United have opted for a modern sweeper-keeper, following the departure of veteran David De Gea. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s intriguing midfield acquisitions are capturing attention.
Newcastle are resolute in their pursuit of another top-four finish, underscored by their record signing of AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali. On the other hand, Tottenham are cautiously holding onto the last thread of hope in retaining their star player, Harry Kane.
With the 2023/24 Premier League’s resumption just a day away, here are FLOS’ predictions for both the European places and the relegation zone.
European Places
1st- Manchester City
There is no overlooking the Cityzens not finishing in the top four. Currently, they are the bookmakers’ favourite to win the Premier League title. How do you top winning the treble? Pep Guardiola’s side come into the season, naturally, as the team to beat, and they are presented the opportunity to become the first English club ever to secure four consecutive league titles. The team has effectively filled the void left by captain Ilkay Gundogan through the acquisition of Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic. Adding to this, just recently, Pep Guardiola’s side unveiled the signing of RB Leipzig’s defender, Josko Gvardiol.
Regardless of the recent achievements of the City team, it’s impossible to overlook the emptiness created by Riyad Mahrez’s departure. The Algerian player, who contributed to 15 goals and 13 assists during their successful treble-winning campaign, leaves a notable gap. While the emerging talent Cole Palmer seems to be Pep Guardiola’s choice for filling the void left by the former African Player of the Year, there’s a concern that he might struggle in pivotal situations. This concern arises especially as Manchester City is in pursuit of an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title.
Irrespective of the doubts, Pep Guardialo’s resume is arguably second to none, and his ability to get the best of this squad will be the difference in Cityzens making history, or burning out.
2nd- Arsenal
The Gunners pushed Manchester City all the way in the Premier League title race, spending 248 days atop the table, Arsenal will hope to go one better in the new campaign. The London side also will have an eye on the UEFA Champions League, qualifying for this year’s competition after a six-year absence. Amidst all the scepticism that has trailed the Gunners since losing the league to Manchester City, Mikel Arteta has continued to increase the depth of his squad.
Supporters of the club have been enthralled by the performances of Jurien Timber and Declan Rice. While the acquisition of Kai Havertz has raised some eyebrows, the German produced a decent performance in the Community Shield win over Manchester City. The club is in the process of finalizing another signing – goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford.
Arsenal are looking to compete on all fronts, with the expectations following last season’s performance for many faithful at the club being to clinch the elusive Premier League crown, 20 years after their historic ‘Invincibles’ campaign.
3rd- Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s men will have their eyes singled on one activity this season which is clinching the Premier League title.
Despite being one of the most in-form sides in the tail end of the season, Liverpool’s poor start proved to be a catalyst in their failure to secure a Champions League spot last season.
Notably, last season marked Jurgen Klopp’s first failure to guide Liverpool to a Champions League qualification, as the team struggled to keep pace for significant stretches of the campaign.
Liverpool are aiming to make a quick reversal of fortunes and judging by their midfield signings one could tell the Reds have something special to unleash in this season’s Premier League.
However, football purists believe the team is a defensive midfielder away from triumph.
The return of the emerging talent Stefan Bajcetic could prove beneficial for Klopp, who appears keen on playing the long game in acquiring the services of Southampton’s Romeo Lavia. Additionally, Brighton’s Moises Caicedo could present another ideal solution to bolster the defensive midfield configuration of the Liverpool squad.
4th- Manchester United
Manchester United has experienced a revitalization under Erik Ten Hag, with the Dutch manager instilling newfound optimism among fans about the resurgence of success at Old Trafford. Securing a 3rd place finish in the Premier League, clinching the League Cup, and making it to the FA Cup final marked a promising inaugural season for their manager. Whether he can sustain this upward momentum remains uncertain.
Having already wrapped up their transfer activities before the opening weekend, the Carabao Cup champions seem well-prepared. However, a cause for concern for many lies in the possibility that the club may have successfully identified the team’s issues after a considerable period but unfortunately, might have signed players who don’t perfectly fit these roles.
For numerous individuals, particularly those well-acquainted with the Dutch manager’s strategies, the players the club has managed to acquire seem tailor-made for his envisioned goals. Nonetheless, it’s impossible to ignore the significant concern of entrusting the club’s offensive responsibilities to a 20-year-old forward who has only participated in three professional seasons.
5th- Newcastle United
The Magpies are poised to once again upset the established order of the big six. With UEFA Champions League football returning to St. James’ Park after a 20-year hiatus, Eddie Howe’s squad is determined to progress and potentially contend for the title.
Additionally, the fans are eager for a taste of silverware, especially after they came close at Wembley during the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United. The upcoming season holds great excitement for Newcastle, largely due to Eddie Howe fostering an unbreakable spirit within the team, coupled with a wealth of talent and a strong desire for success.
Securing another spot in European competition by the end of the season would undoubtedly be a significant achievement for Eddie Howe’s team, further enhancing their progress and reputation.
6th- Chelsea
Guided by Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea is poised to bounce back from their poorest Premier League campaign in modern history. With a new era underway at Stamford Bridge, extensive changes are already in motion, driven by the ambition to restore the club to its former glory. After a disappointing 12th-place finish with a mere 44 points and a paltry goal tally of 38, the prospects of improvement this time around appear promising.
However, Pochettino is now faced with a minor predicament following Christopher Nkunku’s recent ligament injury and the ongoing saga concerning the transfer of Romelu Lukaku to a suitable buyer.
Though Chelsea’s inclusion in our list comes with cautious optimism, the London-based club’s season will only be deemed successful with a return to European competition, at the very least.
7th- Aston Villa
Unai Emery’s appointment as manager has instilled a level of optimism among Villa fans that hasn’t been felt in recent times. This renewed sense of hope has become palpable, evident in the strong momentum the club gained during the latter part of the season following the arrival of the former Arsenal coach.
Emery orchestrated a remarkable transformation, propelling the team to become one of the Premier League’s most formidable forces. Ultimately, they secured a seventh-place finish, earning qualification for the Europa Conference League—a feat that supporters are eager to build upon.
With the notable signings (including Moussa Diaby, Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres) they have made during the summer, alongside with an impressive pre-season campaign, Villa appears well-equipped to vie for another place within the European ranks. This aspiration looks realistically attainable considering their strengthened squad and newfound momentum.
Relegation places
18th- Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves have definitely been uninspiring in recent seasons, and the 2022/23 season appeared a complete nosedive until former Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui took over the reins and helped the club secure a 13th-place finish – a position which was far from achievable going by their form heading into the 2022 FIFA World Cup break.
The situation has taken a bleaker turn for the West Midlands team. Throughout the summer transfer window, the club has consistently allowed some of its most valued players to depart without implementing a clear plan for their replacements. Departures such as Ruben Neves, Nathan Collins, Raul Jiminez, and a host of other players have been sanctioned, while the club has only managed to secure the signatures of Northampton Town goalkeeper Tom King and former full-back Matt Doherty. This lack of transfer activity resulted in the departure of manager and last season’s saviour, Lopetegui, just six days before their season opener against Manchester United.
Reports suggest that the club is still grappling with financial turmoil, despite generating over £100 million from player sales. The club is in disarray and with its trajectory looking darker by the day it is difficult to see how these off-field woes won’t eventually affect the performances on the pitch.
19th- Nottingham Forest
Steve Cooper managed to keep Forest in the top tier last season with a couple of games to spare. But despite his success in a season where he set a record for the most number of signings for a football club, the Garibaldis cannot be overlooked to avoid the drop this season.
Last season Cooper’s side signed more than 20 signings and was put under intense pressure by the owner throughout the course of the campaign.
For the most part of the season, the Welsh gaffer struggled to find his ideal XI, a trend which is expected to continue through the current campaign – given the bulk of players still available to the manager.
Additionally, the club is projected to undergo a significant player exodus – an act which has so far not materialised could further complicate Cooper’s decision-making regarding team selection.
Despite having over 36 first-team players, including 16 defenders, the club are in the market to strengthen.
One cannot help but stare at the circus playing out at the City Ground under the guise of building a Premier League team.
20th- Luton United
In one of the greatest stories in football, Luton Town will be entering the Premier League merely a decade after competing in the National League. Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu has been an integral part of their journey throughout this remarkable transformation. Regrettably, the Hatters find themselves on our list of teams potentially facing relegation this season.
The odds are undeniably stacked against these newcomers, despite their potential to spring a few unexpected surprises. Regardless, our expectation remains that the London-based club is likely to face relegation in the current season.
Nonetheless, regardless of the outcome, every Luton fan will be out to enjoy the ride knowing that the future looks bright for the club.
