Our writers’ Premier League predictions

Manchester City are bidding to retain the Premier League title, but will face challenges from the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Donavan Vere says:
Manchester City (66/100)

The big clubs have started flexing their muscles in the transfer market, making it very difficult for the minnows to close the gap. Manchester United and Chelsea have both done very smart business, strengthening key areas in their squads, especially the signing of Romelu Lukaku for Chelsea.

Liverpool could also be part of the mix with Virgil van Dijk back in the side. And while I do think we’ll see an improvement from the mentioned clubs, I believe Manchester City are still too strong, even more so now with the big-money signing of Jack Grealish.

There’s the scary possibility of Harry Kane joining up with Pep Guardiola’s team. That will surely put them clear above the pack, but whether that happens or not, I still see City retaining the Premier League trophy.

Top 6

1. Manchester City
2. Chelsea
3. Liverpool
4. Manchester United
5. Arsenal
6. Everton

Ryan Liberty says:
Chelsea (5/1)

Manchester United have done incredible business in the window and I think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s jigsaw is practically completed. The only other gap to plug could be a defensive midfield player.

Chelsea will also be a factor this year. Thomas Tuchel came in last season and immediately had an impact. I think with a full pre-season, he’ll be able to really get what he wants out of his already very talented side.

Chelsea need a traditional striker to take them to the next level and if they get Romelu Lukaku through the door, they’ll be just that.

No, I haven’t forgotten about Manchester City…of course, they have a brilliant squad and the addition of Jack Grealish makes them that much better. However, history has shown us the league isn’t that clear cut, think United in the 01/02 season buying both Juan Sebastian Veron and Ruud van Nistelrooy – world-class signings only to go and finish third.

However, you might be misled by so-called ‘fraudulent’ pundits who will suggest the league is already over and might even go as far as to encourage you to get behind City with provident fund confidence…stay away from such people we were once told…

Top 6

1. Chelsea
2. Manchester United
3. Manchester City
4. Liverpool
5. Leicester City
6. West Ham

Venal Naidu says:
Liverpool (5/1)

A good pre-season was the key to Liverpool’s last title win and it has been well documented across the media and their social media handles that they have had another great pre-season, seeing the players bonding through more than just football and that is why they are my strong selection to win their 20th league title.

It promises to be a very exciting season with Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea strengthening in key positions but what many pundits have chosen to ignore is that the return of Virgil van Dijk is just as good as a new signing and that should see the Reds even stronger.

A great start is needed and with fixtures against Norwich and Burnley, they should really be able to get the ball rolling and come the end of the season, they should be walking alone at the top of the Premier League.

Top 6

1. Liverpool
2. Chelsea
3. Manchester City
4. Leicester City
5. Manchester United
6. Tottenham

Banele Pikwa says:
Manchester United (8/1)

In my view, the Manchester teams are the best in the league, and it will take a lot of stopping them this season. Last season they finished in the top two of the Premier League and lost in the European finals.

However, Manchester United have strengthened their side, signing Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane. The Red Devils have a complete squad with the right balance and ample quality.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has done well at Old Trafford and he now has a complete squad to compete against anyone in the league. The Reds did well last term and their away form merits respect.

This season I think the Red Devils will go one better and win the Premier League title for the first time since 2013.

Top 6

1. Manchester United
2. Manchester City
3. Chelsea
4. Liverpool
5. Leicester City
6. Tottenham

Jesse Nagel says:
Manchester City (66/100)

It pains me to say this, but… scratch that, I lied. Manchester City is my pick to go on and win the 2021/22 Premier League and I couldn’t be happier if it were to happen.

Apart from the mere fact of correctly predicting the winner of the division, but when Arsenal, the club I adore, have no realistic chance of claiming success, Pep Guardiola’s side become a firm favourite, considering the bad blood between the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea.

Banter aside, Manchester City were near-perfect last season, winning the title by 12 points, and now have bulked up their squad with the acquisition of Jack Grealish, while another big-name striker from the Premier League could be on the way to the blue side of Manchester before the window closes.

All that, coupled with some of the younger players coming of age now, notably Phil Foden and last season’s Football Writers’ Player of the Year, Ruben Dias.

In terms of City’s closest rivals, I can definitely see Manchester United pushing them all the way, with Chelsea leapfrogging Liverpool to be the third-best team in England.

Top 6

1. Manchester City
2. Manchester United
3. Chelsea
4. Liverpool
5. Leicester City
6. Arsenal

Joshua Gaillard says:
Manchester United (8/1)

Manchester United’s decline into mediocrity may well be over. After finishing sixth, third, and second under the tutelage of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the progress is evident and now the Premier League title looms.

The confidence from the board is evident after a contract extension for Ole, coupled by a reshuffling of cabinet which has seen exceptional business in the transfer market take place.

The long-awaited arrival of Jadon Sancho is finally completed, alongside a player Sir Alex himself had his eyes set on when he was at the helm, Raphael Varane.

Players with buckets of experience, youngsters with heaps of ability and talent, as well as marquee signings is a definite recipe for success. Manchester United will reclaim the title of champions yet again.

Top 6

1. Manchester United
2. Chelsea
3. Manchester City
4. Liverpool
5. Leicester City
6. Arsenal

Bryan Naicker says:
Manchester United (8/1)

Manchester United have been steadily improving strength in depth within their squad under the tutelage of former marksman, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who’s led the Red Devils to 4th, 3rd and 2nd-place finishes in the Norwegian’s three full seasons in charge.

Not too shabby at all for a so-called ‘PE Teacher’, considering that the teams he has pitted his wits against were Liverpool whilst they were enjoying their peak Jurgen Klopp era, Pep Guardiola – afforded a blank chequebook to dominate every competition for the Sky Blue half of Manchester, and Chelsea recruiting expert German coach Thomas Tuchel.

I expect a much closer race than previous seasons with up to four or five clubs competing for league honours, depending on how Arsenal fare without European commitments. Ultimately, I see the Reds marching on to their 14th Premier League title (21 overall).

Top 6

1. Manchester United
2. Manchester City
3. Chelsea
4. Liverpool
5. Arsenal
6. Tottenham

Chad Nagel says:
Chelsea (5/1)

Wrestling the Premier League title away from Manchester City this season will take something special, but Chelsea will have no shortage of ammunition to try and achieve that target.

The Blues were the best team in Europe last season and only trailed for five minutes during their ENTIRE Champions League-winning campaign. Just as he said he would, Thomas Tuchel has turned Chelsea into a team that nobody wants to play against.

When he arrived in London, the Blues faced City three times and came out on top of every time. With the crucial signing of goal machine, Romelu Lukaku and Sevilla’s Jules Kounde expected to arrive, I do believe that Chelsea now have a squad capable of winning the Premier League trophy, and are my pick at 5/1.

Top 6

1. Chelsea
2. Manchester City
3. Manchester United
4. Liverpool
5. Leicester City
6. Arsenal