Former Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling has made a bold prediction for the upcoming Premier League season, snubbing traditional powerhouses Manchester United and Chelsea in favor of some unexpected top-four contenders.
The 2024-25 Premier League season is set to kick off with Manchester United facing Fulham at Old Trafford, while defending champions Manchester City will take on Chelsea in what promises to be an exciting opening weekend. Despite City being the favorites to secure their fifth successive title, Stelling believes that their dominance may finally come to an end.
Instead of backing the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, or even Chelsea, Stelling has thrown his support behind Jurgen Klopp’s replacement, Arne Slot, to lead Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut season in charge. This unexpected prediction has raised eyebrows among football fans and pundits alike.
Stelling’s top-four forecast includes Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and a surprise inclusion of Newcastle United. This would mean disappointment for Manchester United and Chelsea, who have had their fair share of struggles in recent seasons. Aston Villa and Tottenham would also miss out on a top-four finish according to Stelling’s predictions.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Stelling explained his reasoning behind his choices, highlighting Liverpool’s potential for a strong comeback after a challenging season and expressing concerns about Manchester City’s squad depth and off-field issues. He also mentioned the impact of injuries on teams like Newcastle United, who he believes have a strong chance of securing a top-four spot if they can stay relatively injury-free.
Meanwhile, a recent Betfair survey revealed that Anfield has been voted as the stadium with the best atmosphere in the Premier League, further adding to the anticipation for the upcoming season. Football fans across the country are divided on their predictions for the league title, with many expecting Manchester City to continue their dominance, while others see Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United rounding out the top four.
As the new season approaches, the excitement and anticipation among fans are at an all-time high. With unexpected predictions and surprising twists in the top-four race, the 2024-25 Premier League campaign promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable ride for football enthusiasts around the world. Let the games begin!