Premier League 23/24 prediction

Ollie Jones - 4/8/23

Another season of Premier League football is underway, that brings with it the highs and lows of fighting for titles and European qualification, and unfortunately the heartache of relegation. We have already given our predictions for the season ahead, like players to watch, player and young player of the season and our prediction of the first manager to be sacked in the Premier League 23/24 Season Preview

In this article, I will outline my prediction for the final Premier League standings come May 2024. Let us know your predictions in the comments below!

20th - Sheffield United

The blades make a return to the top flight after their relegation in 2021, which came after a fantastic first season in the Premier League with Chris Wilder, where they finished 9th. Since then, Paul Heckingbottom has guided them back to the Prem, after automatic promotion last season, missing out on the title to Burnley. Unfortunately for United, I believe their first season back in the top flight won't be as successful as that of the 2020/21 season. Losing their star man Ndiaye to Marseille, Berge and important characters in the dressing room like Billy Sharp will make their survival chances slim. There has been a lack of investment in the playing squad and a clear lack of proven Premier League experience. The signings of Aaron Trusty and Hamer are promising however I don't believe it'll be enough to keep them in the division, and will sadly make an immediate return to the second tier. With Paul Heckingbottom being my prediction for the first manager to be sacked

19th - Luton Town

One of the fairytale stories of last season was Luton Town's incredible promotion, as they were only a League Two side as recently as 2015 and weren't even a football league club in the 2013/14 season. While the entrance to their away end was grabbing the headlines, it couldn't be understated the incredible job Rob Edwards and his players have done. This season they will be a small fish in a very big pond and it may be a little too much to expect them to be able to retain their Premier League status. The re-signing of Nakamba and additions of Chong, Jacob Brown and Giles are astute, ensuring that even if they are relegated, they will be a strong side back in the Championship.

18th - Wolves

The first potentially controversial prediction is that I believe Wolves will be relegated this season. We have come accustomed to big teams being relegated in recent years, as the gap between established Premier League sides and newly promoted sides has shrunk thanks to the large financial reward of promotion. This saw Leicester, Southampton and Leeds relegated last year, and all newly promoted teams surviving. Wolves' financial woes and problems with FFP are evident, making them a potential candidate to join that list. The sale of Neves and loss of Moutinho worsening the situation. The estimated £45 million fee on Cunha leaves Wolves with little manoeuvrability in the market to replace key figures. The retention of Lopetegui could've given them a small glimmer of hope, however his departure only worsens their predicament.

17th - Bournemouth

The cherries shocked everyone last year when they steered clear of relegation when most tipped them to finish rock bottom. Gary O'neil did a great job but has since been relieved of his duties, but replaced with the exciting prospect of Andoni Iraola, who's recruited Kluivert, Kerkez and Aarons. The aim of this season will likely be to just survive again and doing so would be a great achievement. There are definitely teams worse in quality than them so they have a good chance in doing so, however I believe it'll be by fine margins and they'll finish 17th.

16th - Nottingham Forest

Forest's transfer window has been a lot quieter this summer but the already large squad has already proved they are Premier League material, as the gamble of splashing out over an estimated £150 million in transfers earned them 16th last year. I believe they will enjoy another season out of the relegation zone if they can continue their fantastic home form. However I believe their away form may hold them back from kicking on this year, as they only won 1 game on the road last season, if they can fix this, they should place higher.

15th - Crystal Palace

Palace have rather unsurprisingly settled for mid-table mediocracy in past seasons, as this ensured survival, but have never looked able to reach the heights of European football. Their priorities have never been more evident than keeping Roy Hodgson at the helm for this season, as although he will almost definitely ensure survival, progression up the table seems unlikely, showing a lack of ambition from Steve Parish. Their dependance however on Zaha cannot be understated, and losing him on a free to Galatasaray will be a huge loss. While I believe Eze will have a great season and Olise will only improve this year, the lack of quality all over the pitch may catch-up on Palace and although relegation may be a stretch, I believe they'll have a poor season that'll see them tumble down the standings and in my opinion, finish 15th.

14th - Everton

The failings of the Everton board and owner has seen a huge club endure years of decline that accumulated into Everton experiencing two consecutive relegation scraps, only surviving last season thanks to a dramatic win over Bournemouth. This mismanagement has also hampered the Toffees' ability to rebuild for the future, as the issue of FFP is there for all to see, therefore free signings, loans and transfers in instalments, look like the only way for Everton to make additions. The free signing of Young and loan of Danjuma are promising, as well as adding the young talent that is Chermiti. However the need for a starting striker is evident and failure to get one could see them finish lower than 14th. However if they can do so and keep Calvert-Lewin fit, combined with the fact that Sean Dyche will have a full season to work with, I believe they will have a better season that'll see them survive and finish 14th.

13th - Fulham

Fulham were one of the surprise packages of last season, as they finished 10th on their return to the Premier League under the management of Marco Silva. Although their form tailed off towards the latter stages, mainly thanks to the suspension of Mitrovic, they were still mightily impressive. This season, they have retained key players like Paulinha and added experience in Adama Traore, Jimenez and the exciting prospect of Calvin Bassey. If they can continue to fend off interest for Mitrovic from Saudi Arabia, they could be in for another year of survival, that although may not grab the headlines like last year, should ensure Premier League football at Craven Cottage into the 24/25 season.

12th - Burnley

After Burnley's incredible season in the Championship last year, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Kompany's free flowing attacking football, inspired by his mentor Pep Guardiola, to light up the Premier League and achieve survival, and in my opinion, go one better and achieve a comfortable mid-table finish in 12th. They've made some impressive acquisitions like Trafford, Berge, Beyer, Redmond and O'shea, while still being linked to last year's star man, Nathan Tella. If they can re-sign Tella, it'll only improve their chances of an impressive season but nevertheless, Kompany has already proved his ability and has made Burnley an exciting outfit.

11th - West Ham

The Hammers 22/23 season was one of both delirium and disappointment, as they won only their second ever European trophy, the UEFA Conference League, while slipping down the table and even fighting against relegation at some stages, only finishing 14th. The loss of Declan Rice is undoubtedly going to hurt and the possible departure of Paqueta may change this prediction drastically. Like last season, West Ham will have to balance the domestic and European fixtures, as they take part in the Europa League, after their Conference League success, this may also damage their Premier League form. However, they have invested the Rice money well so far, singing Edson Alvarez, and have been linked with Maguire, who despite his torrid time at Manchester United, could do very well for West Ham. David Moyes' future still hangs in the balance, but if they stick with him, I believe they could achieve an 11th place finish.

10th - Brentford

The major talking point going into this season for Brentford is the loss of Ivan Toney, who has been crucial to the Bees' recent success. Schade, Mbuemo and Wissa will be tasked with filling an Ivan Toney sized hole, but will struggle to replicate his form. Brentford have dipped into the market to buy Nathan Collins and Flekken but I believe they should once again to find a replacement for Toney. The absence of an out-and-out striker will likely see them fall down the standings, however, I believe the underrated Thomas Frank will be able to once again guide them to an impressive placing.

9th - Tottenham

Another team going into this season without their star striker is Spurs, after club legend and record goalscorer Harry Kane left for Bayern Munich in search of trophies he's been craving his whole career. It is still unclear who will be tasked with replacing him, whether this is Richarlison or possibly a new addition is in the pipeline. The Spurs squad has been upgraded in defence where they lacked quality last season, bringing in Vicario to replace Lloris and the brick wall of Micky Van de Ven at centre back. Although doubted by many, I believe Ange Postecoglou is a great appointment and will be successful if given time to implement his philosophy. However the loss of Kane will be heavily felt and success won't be making its way to this side of North London quite so soon, in my opinion.

8th - Brighton

One of the most impressive and admirable teams currently in the Premier League, from the running and recruitment of the club as well as the style of play of De Zerbi, is Brighton. Last year's 6th place finish was incredible, securing the club's first ever appearance in a European competition. I believe that they are in for another great season both in the Premier League as well as going deep into the Europa League. Although this may mean that form will be more inconsistent this year, the quality and depth of the playing squad is fantastic. Despite losing crucuial players like Mac Allister, Caicedo and Colwill, Brighton should still be confident going into this season, which is a testament to their brilliant recruitment. Because of the introduction of European football into their schedule, I have predicted a slightly lower finish, but considering how other teams have struggled with this in the past, an 8th place finish should be considered a success.

7th - Aston Villa

Another impressive season in 22/23 was Villa's incredible resurgence under Emery, securing 7th and European football, despite early relegation fears under Steven Gerrard. Aston Villa's ambition is clear with Emery being financially backed this window, adding exciting talent like Diaby, Pau Torres and Tielemans. With Emery at the helm, things are only looking up at the moment for the Villains, and Emery's fantastic European record means they are strong favourites for the Conference League title. However the loss of Mings to injury in the Newcastle game could play a huge part in their fortunes, as he has been an important leader in the side. It is easy to forget that Villa were only promoted back to the Premier League in 2019 and hadn't broken into the top 10 until last year, therefore to play in Europe and finish 7th again would be fantastic.

6th - Liverpool

The 22/23 season for Liverpool can be considered a failure by the Reds' standards, as they finished only 5th, not qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since the 16/17 season. While they'll be favourites for the Europa League, I don't believe their Premier League standing will improve on last year. The rebuild process is fully underway at Anfield, selling Henderson and Fabinho while releasing Keita, Firmino and Milner. This has helped reduce the wage bill and made way for the impressive captures of Szoboslai and Mac Allister. However losing out on Caicedo and potentially Lavia to Chelsea would be damaging, as they enter the season without a holding midfielder. If not replaced, it could cost Liverpool dearly this year.

5th - Newcastle

What a time to be a Newcastle fan, Champions League football will be returning to St James' Park this season! The incredible job Eddie Howe did to guide Newcastle to 4th last year shouldn't be glossed over and with the already talented group of Isak, Botman, Guimaraes, Wilson with exciting additions of Tonali and Barnes, make repeating this feat not unlikely. Newcastle don't look to be slowing down and another season of Geordie joy seems inevitable. Although, depth may be lacking, as they're still reliant on the likes of Longstaff and Murphy off the bench, for example, which will make it harder to finish in the top 4 again this season. This is why I predict a 5th place finish, which will still be remarkable considering their woes under Mike Ashley.

4th - Chelsea

It is hard to predict what lies ahead for Chelsea this season, as a new manager and largely a whole new playing squad try to rewrite the wrongs of last season, which saw them finish a measly 12th. With Pochettino in the dugout, an owner not afraid to put his hand in his pocket and a young, exciting squad, this season could go either way for the Blues. I believe players like Jackson will impress and existing members of the squad like Reece James and Enzo Fernandez will have a great season. If they can sign Caicedo too, it will only strengthen the argument that they'll have a great season. The lack of European football may be a charm, giving them a chance to reset and full focus on the league. That's why I think they will finish a much higher 4th place.

3rd - Manchester United

The Red Devils enjoyed a solid first season under Ten Hag, finishing 3rd and picking up some silverware in the Carabao Cup. The serial winner with Ajax has already started rebuilding Man United and has added to them by signing Mason Mount, Hojlund and Onana to replace De Gea. I believe Rashford will have another great goalscoring season and United will cement themselves as a team consistently qualifying for the Champions League. While it may be too soon to challenge Manchester City or Arsenal to the title, if they can continue the upwards trajectory under Ten Hag, then 3rd place should be attainable once more.

2nd - Arsenal

So close, but so far, the story of Arsenal's 22/23 title charge. The race to the title was fiercely challenged between Arsenal and Manchester City, with City reigning victrious. Arteta has built an incredible squad, that has only improved with adding Rice and Timber. However unfortunately for the Gunners, I believe they'll miss out on the Premier League trophy for a second year in a row, as the winning machine of Man City will likely be just too strong once again this season. However best of the rest would highlight how far Arsenal have come under Arteta. I believe if anyone can take the crown from Man City, it'll be Arsenal.

1st - Manchester City

Who else but Manchester City? Off the back of an awe-inspiring treble, Manchester City have never looked so complete. With the tactical genius that is Guardiola and goalscoring machine of Haaland, it'd take a very special team to knock these off their pedestal. This dominance over world football hasn't showed any cracks and it would be a surprise to not see them lift the title again at the end of the season. If they do so, it will be just as impressive as the last, as retaining this dominance is an achievement only the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson could produce. Therefore, in conclusion, I believe Manchester City will be victorious once again, and will be crowned CHAMPIONS.

That wraps up our predictions, let us know your predictions in the comments below. Subscribe to the newsletter to stay posted with new articles and check out our other articles below. All our articles are free, so if you did enjoy, a share or recommendation would be greatly appreciated, thanks for reading.