Sky Sports predictions

[Stevieboy]

Wolves rock bottom, us 12th.......Man City champs, 'ski missing out on CL.

Report does say that transfers not factored into their alogorithms.......so what's the point.....
Liverpool's squillions spent must make them favourites for Champions?

[Simo]

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/premier-league-predictions-wholl-win-13039210

8 of the 13 mirror journos mention us in the surprise package spot.... which probably means it is less of a surprise!

[bornafulhamfan]

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/premier-league-predictions-wholl-win-13039210

8 of the 13 mirror journos mention us in the surprise package spot.... which probably means it is less of a surprise!

And everyone thinks Cardiff will get relegated and almost everyone thinks that Huddersfield will go down with them which is something I also believe will happen. So we just have to be better than at least one of this bunch: Southampton, Bournemouth, Watford, Brighton, Wolves and Burnley. I think that is more than likely to happen and believe this is going to be a great season for us.

[ron]

Survival first and then creditable performances that make us appear a career enhancement for more quality players are the first two aims imho.

mid/upper table is the bonus.

[MikeW]

Stevieboy - exactly - what's the point?  Us and Wolves have been very pro-active, spent a fair bit and - as I see it - both purchased well.  I reckon mid table with a few surprise results would suit us both.

[Woolly Mammoth]

Sky know no more than the man in the moon, they rely on auto cues for a start.
It's not just about survival and flirting with relegation.
The higher we finish, the better chance we having of attracting players we target.
A good Cup run would also get the blood circulating through the veins of all concerned.

[Burt]

Here's what the Times panel things (apologies in advance for the long read):

Matt Dickinson
Chief Sports Writer

Name the top four in order
Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur. The top two are easy. After that, Maurizio Sarri and Unai Emery must answer questions before Chelsea and Arsenal can be confident of overhauling a discordant United and a Spurs side investing only in a new home.

Who's going down?
Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town, Watford. Again, first two simple but could easily be worse sides than Watford if, say, Rafa Benítez leaves Newcastle or Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion struggle for goals.

Favourite for the sack?
Neil Warnock. Then he can go back to his strength of taking another side up. Or retire.

Who must win a domestic cup competition and who will?
Not sure there can be a "must" but Spurs and Liverpool are obvious picks for "could do with a cup" and "might well".

This season's surprise package
Wolverhampton Wanderers are the most intriguing package. The business model raises questions but, on the field, Jorge Mendes FC looked primed to do well.

The Premier League would be better this season if . . .
The FA and Premier League took a stand for world football and declared a full war on the culture of abuse instead of tinkering around the edges.

Your biggest wish for the season
Jürgen Klopp had it right when he said a smile from José Mourinho. Of course it's intense but this is meant to be fun, right?

Gareth Southgate should look out for . . .
Ryan Sessegnon at left wing back and a tactical plan b — for example the ability to switch to 4-5-1 as when being hemmed back by Croatia.


Oliver Kay
Chief Football Correspondent

Name the top four in order
Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham. I expect improvement from Arsenal and Chelsea, but it might not be enough to make the top four unless there is regression elsewhere.

Who's going down?
Cardiff, Fulham, Huddersfield. That feels harsh, as all three teams and managers performed superbly to exceed expectations last season. Newcastle might have to be careful.

Favourite for the sack?
Claude Puel encountered some problems at Leicester City towards the end of last season. He can't afford to get off to a sticky start.

Who must win a domestic cup competition and who will?
It won't be the first or second priority for either, but Liverpool and Tottenham need something to show for their undoubted progress. Chelsea and Manchester United are more obvious "cup teams", though.

This season's surprise package
Wolves should do well, but would that even be a surprise? Likewise, Ryan Sessegnon at Fulham. I'm really looking forward to seeing him develop.

The Premier League would be better this season if . . .
There's a proper title race for once — and if there's more than one team outside the big six who can ruffle a few feathers like Burnley did last season.

Your biggest wish for the season
The same as the previous answer really. More teams striving to be the best they can be. And, as ever, more opportunities for homegrown youngsters.

Gareth Southgate should look out for . . .
Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund. I don't know how much football Phil Foden, Callum Hudson-Odoi and others will get, but the talented Sancho will get plenty at Dortmund.


Matt Hughes
Deputy Football Correspondent

Name the top four in order
Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester United. City have the players and the manager to become the first club to retain the title for a decade, with Liverpool best placed to challenge following some impressive summer recruitment. The rest of the Big Six all have problems, but Tottenham's consistency and United's star players should give them the edge in the battle for Champions League qualification.

Who's going down?
Cardiff, Huddersfield Town and Watford. Cardiff look the weakest of the promoted teams and are likely to find the step up challenging, Huddersfield achieved a miracle in staying up last season which they will do well to repeat and Watford have been treading water for a while due to their continued managerial changes so could struggle.

Favourite for the sack?
No Watford manager survives a couple of bad months so Javi Gracia needs to start well.

Who must win a domestic cup competition and who will?
Mauricio Pochettino does not agree, but he could do with a trophy to endorse his magnificent work at Tottenham and the Premier League and Champions League are likely to remain elusive. Unai Emery has a knack of winning silverware in contrast and it would be no surprise if he delivered a trophy in a transitional season at Arsenal.

This season's surprise package
Wolves have the players, ambition and transfer market connections to challenge the top ten.

The Premier League would be better this season if . . .
For all the pleasure neutrals took in admiring City's beautiful football on the way to winning the Premier League last season, a genuine title race would be even more thrilling.

Your biggest wish for the season
Many Premier League clubs were quick to seek to capitalise on the interest created by England's successful World Cup and it would be nice if they continued championing international football by releasing players with good grace and even giving opportunities to homegrown youngsters. Don't hold your breath.

Gareth Southgate should look out for . . .
Ryan Sessegnon was never in the frame for World Cup selection as he has only ever played in the Sky Bet Championship, but that will change this season and Southgate is as intrigued as anyone as to how the teenager will cope with the Premier League. With Ashley Young having just turned 33 and Danny Rose out of favour at Tottenham there is a vacancy at left wing back which Sessegnon will seek to fill.


Gary Jacob

Name the top four in order
Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United. City are too strong in all areas and Liverpool should take another step up with committing nearly a net £150 million on players. Manchester United's pre-season suggests the start of the end for José Mourinho but they are still blessed with individual star quality. Tottenham want better quality in front of the defence and are running out of time to rectify it but should still have enough.

Who's going down?
Huddersfield Town, Cardiff City and Newcastle. Huddersfield were the poorest side to survive in recent seasons and it might be harder this time. They, like Cardiff City, will get the odd good result but both sides back quality. Newcastle's signing suggest trouble ahead.

Favourite for the sack?
Claude Puel. The Frenchman enjoyed a stay of execution after ending the season with a victory against Arsenal and a thrilling 5-4 defeat by Spurs. That was due to allowing his players to revert to a more direct style. Previous to that he won just four of 19 games and faced similar criticisms from players to those that cost him his job at Southampton.

Who must win a domestic cup competition and who will?
Mauricio Pochettino gave conflicting messages about the importance of Tottenham Hotspur winning a cup as his priority was finishing in the top four. His players could do with being thought of as "winners" and the club's last trophy is more than ten years ago. Arsenal: FA Cup, Manchester City: Carabao Cup.

This season's surprise package
Wolves. The outstanding promoted team who combined style with organisation and discipline. Rúben Neves is exciting while João Moutinho has experience at the top level despite underachieving at Monaco.

The Premier League would be better this season if . . .
There were at least two fewer teams, less football and only a modest financial drop for relegated teams. When it kicks off 13 or 14 teams are fighting for survival which affects their style of play.

Your biggest wish for the season
More of a willingness to penalise holding and shirt tugging in the penalty area, without the need to use VAR which will not be available in the Premier League this season.

Gareth Southgate should look out for . . .
Ainsley Maitland-Niles. The 20-year-old was energetic, largely composed and one of the positives during a miserable last season at Arsenal. He made 28 appearances in a variety of positions and rarely his preferred option in central midfield.


Paul Joyce
Northern Football Correspondent

Name the top four in order
Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
The signings Liverpool have made have been impressive, the spine of the team is very strong, and they will hopefully push City close.

Who's going down?
Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town, Watford. Hopefully Huddersfield escape, but a lack of goals would be an issue again.

Favourite for the sack?
Javi Gracia. Nothing against him, but Watford never seem the most patient of clubs.

Who must win a domestic cup competition and who will?
No one has to win. Manchester United's focus will switch to them.

This season's surprise package
Fulham. Appear to have spent well and have a good manager in Slavisa Jokanovic.

The Premier League would be better this season if . . .
Managers could not be sacked and had to be in charge for a full season.

Your biggest wish for the season
Steven Gerrard is a success at Rangers

Gareth Southgate should look out for . . .
A reality check. England's performances at the World Cup were overblown.


George Caulkin
Northern Sports Correspondent

Name the top four in order
Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea. Difficult to look past last season's magisterial winners, although Liverpool should offer them sturdier competition this time.

Who's going down?
Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town, Southampton. Huddersfield staggered over the line last season. Fulham and Wolves should be fine. Please not Newcastle United.

Favourite for the sack?
It feels like José Mourinho is doing his best, although a club near the bottom is likely to blink first.

Who must win a domestic cup competition and who will?
It has become a cliche to say it, but Jürgen Klopp could do with a trophy. He'll get one.

This season's surprise package
Do Wolves count as a surprise? The quality of their team, the way they play, the noise in their stadium. Welcome back.

The Premier League would be better this season if . . .
Fear was not the defining characteristic for two thirds of its teams. And if City did not win by 19 points.

Your biggest wish for the season
That Mike Ashley belatedly leaves St James' Park and allows Newcastle to be the club it can be.

Gareth Southgate should look out for . . .
Jonjo Shelvey, whose range of passing offers difference. Shelvey must embrace consistency first.

Fulham have made a number of eye-catching signings this summer, including Jean Michaël Seri
Fulham have made a number of eye-catching signings this summer, including Jean Michaël Seri
PA
Alyson Rudd

Name the top four in order
Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United. Liverpool's ruthlessness and astuteness in the transfer market was almost shocking. This is a club with the stark ambition determined not to be undone by end of season tiredness and lack of depth. Chelsea almost have a tradition of yo-yoing in and out of glory but perhaps the Europa League programme will prevent a higher finish than third.

Who's going down?
Huddersfield, Cardiff, Watford. It was such a log jam in the bottom half of the table last season that it is obviously tempting to plump for the three promoted sides simply because they have a shock coming but Fulham have bolstered their squad beautifully and Wolves look robust. Cardiff are possibly too one dimensional and Huddersfield will surely struggle to repeat the efforts of last season.

Favourite for the sack?
It all boils down to the first batch of results. It seemed callous for Frank de Boer to be sacked while still working out the best route from Beckenham Junction to the Crystal Palace training ground but the fact Palace stayed up sends the message that a lack of boardroom patience can pay dividends. Should Cardiff struggle then Neil Warnock will suffer the added burden of his reputation as being effective only in the Championship.

Who must win a domestic cup competition and who will?
Jürgen Klopp is under pressure to rid himself of the tag of a manager who cannot quite master the final hurdle, José Mourinho will be smarting having lost the FA Cup final to his former club and Mauricio Pochettino cannot keep insisting that cups are unimportant. Of those three Liverpool are best placed and, given City might be more infatuated with Europe, Arsenal might sneak another Wembley appearance.

This season's surprise package
There is cynicism surrounding Everton with eyebrows raised at the £40 million spent on Richarlison but, just maybe, with Wayne Rooney gone, we will at last see the best of Gylfi Sigurdsson as he feeds the ball to the former Watford winger and they become the division's most productive partnership. This would mainly be a surprise because Richarlison's finishing was so frustratingly poor last season.

The Premier League would be better this season if . . .
By April we still are not sure who will win the title and managers stop moaning about fixture congestion. They are only busy if they are successful.

Your biggest wish for the season
That referees play such a blinder that we avoid constant references to what would have happened had VAR been in use. A plane flying a banner over a stadium reading "We are very happy with our manager and are prepared to overlook occasional disappointing performances."

Gareth Southgate should look out for . . .
Any midfielder who shows promise with his distribution but specifically I expect he will follow the progress of Ryan Sessegnon who perhaps should have gone to Russia but who will almost certainly be part of the England team for Euro 2020.


Paul Hirst

Name the top four in order
Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur. Manchester City won the league at a canter and should do so again especially with Riyad Mahrez now in their squad.

Who's going down?
Cardiff City, Bournemouth, Huddersfield. Neil Warnock will provide fireworks from the touchline but his squad lacks quality. Bournemouth and Huddersfield have not invested well enough.

Favourite for the sack?
Javi Gracia. Watford's trigger happy owners say they are fully behind Gracia, but we've heard that one before, right?

Who must win a domestic cup competition and who will?
Arsenal. Unai Emery needs a trophy to earn credit with Arsenal in his first season. He should do so as he has a great cup record.

This season's surprise package
Fulham. They have invested in quality and experience with the addition of Alfie Mawson and André Schürrle. Possible top half finish.

The Premier League would be better this season if . . .
English youngsters like Phil Foden, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Marcus Rashford played regularly rather than sat on the bench or in the stands.

Your biggest wish for the season
That the title race is not over by the new year, as it was last season. Hopefully Liverpool and United will push City hard.

Gareth Southgate should look out for . . .
Mason Greenwood. He is only 16 and is not ready for first team football yet, but the young Manchester United striker is a remarkable talent and possible star of the future.


James Gheerbrant

Name the top four in order
Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur. The clear best three teams from last season, plus Chelsea, who with Maurizio Sarri joining Eden Hazard, N'Golo Kanté et al look best placed to rival them. Liverpool jump two places on the strength of their signings, Tottenham drop one on the basis of their inactive summer and lingering worries over Harry Kane, while Manchester United appear too encircled by gloom to contend.

Who's going down?
Bournemouth, Huddersfield Town, Cardiff City. On last season's performance and this summer's business, Cardiff look clearly the weakest of the promoted teams. Both David Wagner and Eddie Howe are admirable but Huddersfield and Bournemouth's numbers from last season suggest they could be heading for a fall.

Favourite for the sack?
Javi Gracia and Claude Puel look like particularly uneasy fits. Watford have a brutal September so I'll say Gracia.

Who must win a domestic cup competition and who will?
Frankly, I don't think the domestic cups are important enough to be a "must" for anybody. Unai Emery has been an outstanding manager in cup competitions throughout his career and I think Arsenal might get one.

This season's surprise package
Southampton's underlying performance was far better than their league position last season — they'll rebound emphatically.

The Premier League would be better this season if . . .
There was more competitive tension all round. Last season the title race was done by Christmas, there was no final-day excitement whatsoever, and only the battle to avoid the last relegation place even raged past mid-April. More suspense please!

Your biggest wish for the season
England's World Cup adventure initially papered over, then eventually exposed, a terminal lack of control and creativity in midfield. Big seasons for the likes of Harry Winks and Lewis Cook, perhaps even the emergence of a bolter (Phil Foden?), would be hugely welcome.

Gareth Southgate should look out for . . .
Ademola Lookman (who may not remain in the Premier League) and Ryan Sessegnon are the obvious next cabs off the rank, especially given Gareth Southgate's desire to promote from England's successful youth teams.

[Statto]

Cannot understand the love in with Wolves. We were better than them last season and all they've signed since then is a goalie and some other portuguese hasbeen who was good on football manager c. 2009

[Mince n Tatties]

A well known ex player(not Fulham) now pundit,has said we will surprise quite a few of the big boys(whoever they are supposed to be).lol

[kiwian]

I agree with Gary Jacobs and his comment about refs penalising shirt pulling/holding, surely it can't be that difficult??