EPL 2023/24 SEASON PREVIEW & PREDICTION

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 emerging 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 triumph 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 new season.

A snip look into the transfer dealings of the league's teams reveals their determined commitment. Arsenal has already shattered their transfer records by securing the services of Declan Rice. Chelsea are in the midst of yet another signing spree. Manchester United has opted for a modern sweeper-keeper, leading to 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 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 Premier League already underway the season already promising loads of excitement here are our predictions –made in no particular order for the 2023/24 Premier League season.

EUROPEAN PLACES

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.

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 n eye on the UEFA Champions League. Amidst all the scepticism that has trailed the gunners since losing the league to Manchester City, Mikel Arteta has continued to increase the legs in 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 club is in the process of finalizing another signing – David Raya from Brentford.
Arsenal are surely looking to compete on all front and the only improvement on last season’s performance for many faithful at the club is to clinch the elusive Premier League crown.

Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s men will have their eyes singled on one activity this season which is clinching the Premier League title.
Despite starting off the season in style, Liverpool unexpectedly fell short of securing a Champions League spot last season due to a string of disappointing outcomes.
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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 they've made during the summer, 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

West Ham
The Hammers look set to continue their unimpressive league trajectory that saw them record more wins in Europe than in the Premier League last season.
The sale of captain Declan Rice may have done the clubs finance a world of good but definitely not their on-field play.
The midfielder sale leaves a large hole in the centre of West Ham's team. Nevertheless, the team now boasts a European trophy to celebrate, having clinched the Conference League title last season. As a result, they are set to participate in the Europa League, showcasing their progress on the continental stage.
The club definitely needs to sign more to avoid the drop this season. Making our projection based on players they are linked to, safety doesn’t appear assured for the East London club.

Nottingham Forest
Steve Cooper managed to keep Forest in the top tier last season with 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. Additionally, the club is projected to undergo a significant player exodus, which could further complicate Cooper's decision-making regarding team selection.

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.