Rating My Start of Season Premier League Predictions

Now that the 2023/2024 Premier League season has concluded, it is time to react to my original table predictions. If you are interested in reading the article I am referring to, click here.

20. Sheffield United (prediction: 19th)

We are starting off strong here. Yes, I missed the real position by one spot but we do not need to get into the specifics. To be fair, it was clear that Sheffield United were going to struggle this season and most predicted that they were going back to the Championship, but this season was horrific. The Blades let in 104 goals and only won three games. Derby County holds the record for the worst Premier League season in the 2007/2008 season, but Sheffield United are up there.

19. Burnley (prediction: 13th)

Okay, this one was bad, I overestimated how good I thought Burnley would be but after their season in the Championship under Vincent Kompany and his modern playing style, I thought they would surprise us. However, after a lack of signings to strengthen their team, it proved costly. Burnley did show signs that they are capable of being a solid Premier League team and I do not think it will be long before we see them back in action in England's top division. 

18. Luton (prediction: 17th)

This one was not bad, I truly thought they were going to pull off a miracle, and for parts of this season, it seemed as though they would pull this off. Rob Edwards should be proud of his team because they put on a show all season. Every team that traveled to Kenilworth Road knew it was not going to be a straightforward match. Unfortunately for them, the squad was not strong enough but I hope to see them back in the Premier League soon. 

17th. Nottingham Forest (prediction: 16th)

Again, this was a solid prediction. This team not only dealt with a potential second-season syndrome but also a points deduction. And yet, they still survived for a third season. Forest surprised me, while I did predict them to stay up I was not completely sure about this choice. Luckily for them, certain players stepped up: Chris Wood netted 14 goals, Morgan Gibbs-White was absolutely everywhere, and Anthony Elanga was decent. If they invest wisely this summer, I believe they can push for a mid-table finish next season.

16th. Brentford (prediction: 10th)

Yup, this is bad, I underestimated the impact Toney's absence would have on the club. I thought Wissa and Mbuemo would step up and while they were good, they were not good enough and Toney's return was pretty underwhelming. I would not be worried, with good investment and the right mindset, the Bees will be back competing for a top-table finish next season. 

15th. Everton (prediction: 18th)

I am not mad about this one, they were fighting against relegation the past two seasons and they also experienced a points deduction, this was a simple mistake. To be fair to Everton they deserve all the credit, Sean Dyche's men crushed it, and the team is starting to look like the Everton of old. However, I think it is time to sell DCL and Neal Maupay and invest in a 15-20 goal striker next season. Beto is solid, but he is too inconsistent to be a starting Everton striker. Overall, I expect big things from this squad next season especially since they will be moving into their new stadium. 

14th. Wolves (prediction: 20th)

Another truly awful prediction, but to be fair to me, I made this prediction when Julien Loupetegui was in charge. Gary O'Neil did a wonderful job with a Wolves team that was not that strong and had some injuries. Last season Wolves looked like a team that did not care anymore, but this year was a different team that played for their manager, with a few new additions, this team will be dangerous. 

13th. Fulham (prediction: 11th)

Not a bad prediction, obviously the lack of a consistent striker until the end of the season hurt the Cottages. However, compared to their impressive tenth-place finish last season, this season was a little disappointing. Marco Silva would have wanted his team to push for European football. The issue was the lack of consistency from the players: Andreas Perreira was not as good as last season, and Raul Jimenez continues to be a shadow of his former self since his head injury. The highlight for Fulham was Joao Palhinha who continued to lead the team every match, and Rodrigo Muniz who seemingly scored every game towards the end of the season. If they spend their money well and keep hold of Muniz and Palhinha, Fulham will have no problem staying in the Premier League next season. 

12th. Bournemouth (prediction: 14th)

Again, this a solid prediction, but I must congratulate Iraola on a very impressive first season with the Cherries. From going winless in his first nine Premier League games to a 12th place finish is fantastic. Dominic Solanke netted a ridiculous 19 goals and will be looking at Gareth Southgate for a seat on the plane to Germany this summer. Overall, Bournemouth looked like a completely different team this season, besides Solanke, players like Zabarnyi, Semenyo, Kluivert, etc. played a big part in Bournemouth's season. If the Cherries can keep hold of their star players and strengthen other positions, a European spot is achievable next season. 

11th. Brighton (prediction: 8th)

This is not the worst guess, and judging by Brighton's inconsistency this season, clearly I was being generous. It did not help that they sold Moises Caicedo and Alexis MacAllister, two players who were instrumental in Brighton's success last season. Further, their transfer business was mediocre: Ansu Fati was a poor piece of business due to injuries, Baleba was solid but was never going to fill Caicedo's shoes in one season, and João Pedro was good, but not consistent enough. We must also understand that Brighton played a lot of games this season because of their involvement in the Europa League, this caused the club to deal with a hefty injury list. A season away from Europe will benefit the Seagulls to push for a higher finish next season With good investment, Brighton will pose a threat to other clubs competing for European places.

10th. Crystal Palace (prediction: 16th)

This was during the Roy Hodgson era, which if that remained, the 16th place prediction would have been an accurate prediction. What an impact Oliver Glasner has had on these players! Eberchi Eze, Michael Olise, JEAN-PHILLIPE MATETA!? Who would have predicted that the French forward would bag 16 goals this season? Do not get me started on the electric Olise-Eze partnership, UNSTOPPABLE. I am aware that it will be hard for Palace to keep hold of the duo, especially with Olise seemingly one step away from a move to Old Trafford this summer. However, if Crystal Palace can use the money they get from the Olise transfer wisely, the Glasner era will continue to cause problems in the league. 

9th. West Ham (prediction: 12th)

I underestimated West Ham, I was impressed with their summer spending but I did not think they were capable of finishing in the top half of the table this season. I did not expect Paqueta, Bowen, and Kudus to play so well all season. I also felt that David Moyes was not capable of the West Ham job and expected this season to be an inconsistent mess. Now, it would not be fair to ignore West Ham's dreadful away record this season which cost them a place in Europe. On top of that, the team was okay at home, meaning that a ninth-place finish was impressive, but it could have been better. With David Moyes leaving the club, it might be good for West Ham to appoint Roberto Di Zerbi who has also left Brighton; his playing style will excite the West Ham fans, and with the players the club has, Di Zerbi wouldl be a solid fit.

8th. Manchester United (prediction: 4th)

Well, who would have predicted this. After a top-four finish last season, it seemed as though United were going to kick on. But with a horrific injury list, a plethora of mistakes from Onana, and weak-minded players, this was a season to forget. The only positives from this season were Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund, these three will play big roles in the seasons to come. All I will say is this summer needs a massive removal of players from this club, especially players on big wages who are not good enough (EX: Marcus Rashford and Casemiro). Also, keep Ten Hag, he is not the problem, trust the process. 

7th. Newcastle (prediction: 6th)

Not a bad prediction, yes it is a bad season compared to last season but injuries, Champions League football, and a season-long ban for Tonali did not help. However, what a season for Isak. More players in the summer and Newcastle will be right back where they want challenging for top four. 

6th. Chelsea (prediction: 7th)

Congrats to Pochettino, for a while it seemed as though Chelsea was going to end in 12th, but their end-of-season form helped the Blues to Europa League football for next season. What a player Cole Palmer is, 22 goals as an attacking midfielder is extraordinary! If Nicolas Jackson can be more consistent in front of goal, along with big summer business for the midfield and defense, and if Nkunku can stay fit, Chelsea will be up there for a top-four place next season.

5th. Tottenham (prediction: 9th)

Yes, this is bad, but I was skeptical of Ange ball. In all fairness, that team was conceding way too many goals, and that cost them in some matches this season. If Ange can improve his defense tactically, and sign a solid striker and a couple of midfielders, Spurs will be pushing for the top four again. 

4th. Aston Villa (prediction: 5th)

What a prediction, this would have been spot on if it were not for Tottenham's inconsistency toward the end of the season. All the credit has to go to Unai Emery and his players. Villa looked unstoppable all season and even took part in a title push until the winter months. Ollie Watkins take a bow! Top assister in the league and 19 goals is incredible. We also have to give credit to other players: McGinn is proving to be a true leader in that team, Douglas Luiz, Diego Carlos, Pau Torres, Leon Bailey, etc. were all fantastic. I am excited to see Villa in the Champions League next season!

3rd. Liverpool (prediction: 2nd)

Not bad, but not the best for Klopp's last season for the Reds. It seemed as though Liverpool were going to win the Premier League but a bad run of form knocked them out of what was a highly contested race between Arsenal and Manchester City. Still, after last season's fifth-place finish, a place in the Champions League is solid. It will be interesting to see who leaves Liverpool after the surprising news of Jurgen Klopp’s exit from the club. 

2nd. Arsenal (prediction: 3rd)

I did not expect Arsenal to take City to the final day. I thought that after last season's collapse, the Gunners would not be motivated to do it again this year but I was wrong. What a signing Declan Rice has been for the Gunners, without him, I do not think a title push would have been possible. Credit also has to go to Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel + Saliba, and Raya who stepped up in the crucial games this season. With a better left-back and maybe right-back, Arsenal can certainly win it next season. 

1st. Manchester City (prediction: 1st)

BORING! This was not an impressive guess. And I can tell you right now that I predict they will win it again next season. The Premier League is Man City's league and I am tired of it. I want to see a competitive league, not a farmers league! All that aside, City is an incredible team with an amazing coach, four titles in a row is impressive and I expect it to be five. I thoroughly believe that unless another rich owner buys a big 6 side, or if Newcastle can put their money to good use, Manchester City is capable of winning ten Premier League titles in a row, and that is scary.