Premier League: Five bold predictions for the new season

Premier League: Five bold predictions for the new season

With the new Premier League season just around the corner, it’s that time of year when football fans make their crazy predictions about the upcoming campaign. With Euro 2020 now in the rear-view mirror, attention is turning back to the domestic game and the summer transfer window, where there have been a few interesting developments so far.

Before you head onto the betting exchange, read on as we lay down a few bold claims about what will transpire in the 2021-22 Premier League season!

Manchester United to miss out on the top four

Yep, you heard us. Despite splashing the cash on Jadon Sancho and Raphaël Varane this summer, we’re predicting that the wheels will come off at Manchester United this season. Last year represented something of an improvement for Ole Gunnar Solskjær and co, even if they did agonisingly lose the Europa League final, but it seems as though there still isn’t much in the way of a forward-thinking strategy at the club.

United’s summer transfer plans have often centred on big-name, big-money signings, many of whom have failed to truly do the business in a red shirt. It’ll be interesting to see how Varane and Sancho adapt, but we have a feeling Solskjær will struggle to get the best out of his squad, which could lead to missing out on Champions League qualification.

Liverpool to struggle again

The sight of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez in pre-season training for Liverpool will have come as a balm to Liverpool fans this summer, but there is still a worrying lack of depth in some of the Reds’ key positions. Van Dijk and Gomez will need to be handled carefully as they return to full fitness, and any recurrent injuries could lead Liverpool into another crisis, even with the addition of Ibrahima Konaté over the summer.

There are also concerns over the form of Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané. Liverpool will need more from the pair this season, and if they can’t find their shooting boots then the team could struggle. It’ll be critical for the Anfield club’s chances that they keep their key players fit, and while we think they’ll manage a top-four finish, it might not be plain sailing.

Brentford to finish in the top half

After agonisingly missing out on promotion in the 2019-20 season, few could begrudge Brentford their play-off final success last season. Thomas Frank has proved himself as one of the most astute coaches in the EFL, and now he has the opportunity to test himself at Premier League level. With a shrewd recruitment strategy and a plush new stadium, Brentford are well placed to thrive in the top flight. We’re tipping them to squeeze into the top half of the table.

Rafael Benítez to be the first managerial departure

Everton’s pre-season has not been entirely straight-forward. The controversy surrounding the appointment of former Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez is unlikely to die down in a hurry, and when you combine that with other off-field circumstances that have affected the squad, it becomes clear that Benítez will have quite the job on his hands in the early stages of this season. The signings of Asmir Begovic, Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray have not inspired huge confidence, and if Benítez can’t get his team singing from the same hymn sheet early on, we wouldn’t be surprised to see him walk away.

Leeds United to be relegated

For Leeds United’s long-suffering fans, the 2020-21 season was a welcome moment of joy in the club’s recent history. A ninth-place finish represented a fine start to life back in the Premier League, and now the question is whether or not Marcelo Bielsa and his squad can replicate that success. But following Sheffield United’s dramatic collapse last season having finished ninth the year before, we have a funny feeling that a similar malaise could be in store for Leeds.