Alan Shearer has given his predictions for the upcoming Premier League season, suggesting that the status quo could remain at both ends of the table. Last season didn’t offer much of a title race due to Liverpool’s dominance and consistency from the get-go.
They have splashed out significant sums, including the British-record signing Florian Wirtz, in an attempt to secure back-to-back titles. Alexander Isak might still make a move to Anfield, and Shearer can’t see past the Reds as champions.
Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland have returned to the top flight. They’ll be keen to break the worrying recent trend of promoted teams being relegated straight back to the Championship.
However, Shearer has predicted that all three will only enjoy one year in the Premier League before returning to the second tier. This would mark the third consecutive year that the three promoted teams fail to survive, further emphasising the gap between the top flight and the Championship.
Arsenal are tipped to finish second for the fourth consecutive year – a prediction that won’t please Mikel Arteta. He has invested heavily, bringing in Viktor Gyokeres as his No.9, but may still fall short of the prize he is so eager to win, with pressure mounting.
Manchester City had a quiet season last term and are starting a year without Kevin De Bruyne for the first time in a decade. Despite bolstering their squad, Shearer hasn’t backed Pep Guardiola and his team to reclaim their crown, instead placing them in third.
Manchester United, who hit a new low last season, have bolstered their attacking line-up as Ruben Amorim seeks to turn their fortunes around. However, the pundit predicts an improved but not Champions League-worthy performance.
He believes that Chelsea and Newcastle – two clubs with contrasting summer experiences – will both finish above the Red Devils. Newcastle’s fate may depend on whether Isak stays or if they can secure a top-tier replacement.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have had no trouble attracting attacking talent. Nottingham Forest, last year’s dark horse, will now have to juggle domestic duties with Europa League commitments.
This is uncharted territory for them, but Shearer still backs them to finish in the top half of the table. Tottenham, having sacked Ange Postecoglou despite his European success, are entering a new era.
Thomas Frank faces a daunting task, but Shearer predicts an eighth-place finish for Spurs, just behind Aston Villa. The Midlands club has reaped the benefits of Unai Emery’s leadership, but intense competition at the top could see them slip again.
Brentford, now under Keith Andrews’ management, are tipped to narrowly escape relegation, finishing 17th. West Ham, despite Graham Potter’s first full season at the helm, are also expected to face a challenging year.
For teams like Everton and Crystal Palace, another year of secure mid-table football is on the cards. The Eagles will be participating in European football, although not in their preferred competition.
Fulham, Wolves and Bournemouth are expected to remain relatively safe. Brighton, sitting at tenth, might have aspired for more under Fabian Hurzeler.
Shearer’s forecasted Premier League table
1. Liverpool
2. Arsenal
3. Man City
4. Chelsea
5. Newcastle
6. Man Utd
7. Aston Villa
8. Tottenham
9. Nottingham Forest
10. Brighton
11. Bournemouth
12. Crystal Palace
13. Everton
14. Wolves
15. Fulham
16. West Ham
17. Brentford
18. Leeds
19. Sunderland
20. Burnley
*Predictions from Betfair.