Scott Thornton’s 2024/25 Season Predictions

Manchester City are the favourites to win a 5th consecutive Premier League title and it’s easy to see why. Pep Guardiola’s side saw off a challenge from Arsenal and Liverpool last season as they put together a fantastic winning run. The Citizens were unbeaten in their last 23 league matches, scoring an average of 2.61 goals per game.

It’s been a quiet window for City thus far, but they are well-equipped to deal with the rigours of another season, even if the sale of Julian Alvarez goes through. Pep’s tactical nous and desire to evolve his team each season makes City a formidable foe. Therefore, I’m backing them to get the job done once again.

This one will come as no surprise. Erling Haaland has been the lethal forward everyone expected to see since coming to the Premier League. He beat the league record by scoring 36 goals in his debut season at City. Last season, he followed that up by scoring 27 goals and Erling looks set for another clinical season.

Haaland is a powerful runner and is capable of stretching the opposition defence. He faced criticism from some members of the media last season for his limited involvement in build-up but there is no doubting his prowess in front of goal. Erling is presented with an abundance of opportunities at the point of the most lethal side in world football. He averaged 4.16 shots per 90 minutes last season and had the highest xG of any forward in Europe’s top leagues.

We’re sticking with Manchester City for our Champions League winner. They were beaten by Real Madrid in the semi-finals of last year’s competition, but they were unfortunate to bow out. Carlo Ancelotti’s men were under siege before winning the penalty shootout at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola’s team had 33 shots to Real Madrid’s eight.

Since secured their first Champions League title in 2023 and they look set to be contenders for the foreseeable future. Their imperious form in the business end of the season means they fear nobody deep into the knockout stages. Moreover, they are enjoying a 20-game unbeaten run (in 90 minutes) at the Etihad in this competition.

Mikel Arteta lifted the FA Cup in his first season as Arsenal boss. Since then, he has transformed the Gunners into a force. However, silverware has proven elusive since that triumph. Arsenal have finished 2nd in the last two seasons and cup success could relieve the pressure that is building on this great squad to get over the line.

Arsenal have won the FA Cup on 14 occasions, more than any other side. The Gunners conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League last season with their opponents averaging just 0.76 goals per game. They were knocked out of the FA Cup by Liverpool. The Gunners squandered a wealth of chances before Jurgen Klopp’s team scored two goals in the last 15 minutes. They certainly have what it takes to lift the FA Cup this term.

Aston Villa snatched fourth place ahead of Tottenham last season and have had a busy summer since. They have been able to spend around £150m on players after some big sales. Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen, Cameron Archer, Jaden Philogene, Samuel Iling-Junior, Lewis Dobbin, Enzo Barrenenchea and Ross Barkley have all been brought in.

Unai Emery masterminded two victories over Arsenal last season and a home win over Manchester City. His Villa side are tough to beat, and they have the potency in attack to hurt anyone. Therefore, I’m backing them to finish in the top four.

Back-to-back promotions have seen Ipswich move into the top tier of English football for the first time since 2002. Keiran McKenna has earned many plaudits for the way his team play and it’s difficult to argue that they aren’t a tremendously well-run club.

Nevertheless, the jump to the Premier League is big so I expect them to fall just short in their attempts to escape the drop.