Premier League predictions: Arsenal win title; Chelsea out of top four; Ten Hag pressure; Bergvall a star

The new Premier League season is upon us, one which may well prove to be the most pivotal in years.

We asked Standard Sport reporters to make their predictions for the 2024-25 campaign.

Champions

Dan Kilpatrick: Arsenal.

Doubting Manchester City is foolish but I think the disruption of their impending case against the Premier League may finally unsettle the team, opening the door to Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.

Simon Collings: Arsenal.

Third time lucky for Mikel Arteta’s side, who will have learned from past failures.

Dom Smith: Manchester City.

The sky-blue juggernauts will again be unstoppable, securing a seventh title in eight.

Top four

DK: Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham, Aston Villa

It could be a season of transition for Liverpool, while I don't fancy Chelsea or Manchester United to dramatically improve on last season. Spurs and Villa are both well-coached and have strengthened their squads.

SC: Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham

The top two pick themselves. The fight for the other spots feels open.

DS: Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United

Chelsea ought to finish fourth, but they still can’t ground out ugly wins. United can.

London pecking order

DK: Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Brentford, Fulham

Who knows what to expect from Enzo Maresca's Chelsea but they look as chaotic as ever on the eve of the campaign. West Ham have strengthened under Julen Lopetegui and will be aiming high.

SC: Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Brentford

West Ham have spent well under Julen Lopetegui and could gatecrash the European spots.

DS: Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Brentford

Will be close between Chelsea and Spurs. Won’t be much in it between Palace and Fulham either.

Bottom three

DK: Nottingham Forest, Southampton, Ipswich

I desperately want Ipswich to do well but fear it will be tough for the Tractors Boys in such a competitive top flight.

SC: Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton

The promoted three look weak, but I would also fear for Brentford if Ivan Toney left.

DS: Southampton, Leicester, Ipswich

It’s just so hard for newly promoted teams to compete financially now. All three go down once more.

It’s a big season for...

DK: Erik ten Hag

Offered a reprieve after Manchester United's surprise FA Cup win, Ten Hag is still yet to prove he is up to the job and presided over an historically dreadful League and Champions League campaign last term.

SC: VAR

Wolves tried to get it scrapped last year and most fans loath it. Must improve.

DS: Ange Postecoglou

Results fell away late last season. Now he has the striker he wants, Spurs must improve.

Breakthrough star

DK: Lucas Bergvall

The Swedish teenager looks like a brilliant get for Spurs and could quickly put James Maddison under pressure for a starting place.

SC: Mikey Moore

Only 17 but has already made his debut for Tottenham. Impressed in pre-season.

DS: Christopher Nkunku

Wretched luck with injuries last season. Should score plenty for Chelsea this term.

I’m most looking forward to...

DK: At the moment, the first north London derby of the season on September 15. It's always a great game.

SC: The Manchester City 115 charges saga ending. It has gone on far too long, for all involved in the situation.

DS: Semi-automated offsides. Will be a game-changer for clear decision-making when introduced later this autumn.