My Premier League Predictions: 2022/23

The Premier League… The most enthralling division in the world and internationally worshipped by fans permanently glued to their screens craving their weekly football fix. The dust has settled somewhat, so it felt like a bit of fun to give my predictions for the season ahead.

The discourse will be segmented into various topics, incorporating my opinions on both teams as a whole as well as projecting individual player performances. I will no doubt fall wide of the mark, in classic prediction style, but let’s give this a go…

The Title Race

🏆 - Manchester City

2nd - Liverpool

Although a mundane prognosis, it would truly go against the grain to predict the title winners as nothing other than Manchester City. With Pep Guardiola at the helm, they have become a machine for some time now, where consistency is at the heart of their success. The six-time Premier League winners are not only beating teams, but are coming out victorious in compelling fashion. They have amassed 19 goals already this season, in only 5 matches, emphasising their habit of blowing teams away. However, on two occasions, the Citizens have had to come from behind to secure points on the board, against Crystal Palace (4-2) and Newcastle (3-3). This demonstrates the belief in their attacking strategy to stay patient and they will reap the rewards. The most apt way of stopping City has been, for some time, effective counter-attacking and it will be fascinating to see whether many teams can match up against City in this regard. Last season, Tottenham Hotspur managed to attain the double against City by utilising this game-plan, and in recent times have proved to be The Sky Blues’ kryptonite. Although it could be said some should use this as a blueprint for three points, Spurs’ edge with the world-class talents of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son makes this perhaps more difficult to achieve, and unsustainable.

Ways of preventing City’s star-studded attack have only been exacerbated by the summer arrival of Norwegian juggernaut, Erling Haaland. In just 5 matches, he has scored 9 goals, including breaking a Premier League record by getting back-to-back hat-tricks in the quickest time recorded. It is quite simply frightening to see a world-class marksman being added to City’s attack, particularly considering they still won the 2021/22 title without an out-and-out striker. Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus departed but with the addition of Argentine, Julián Álvarez, City have a prodigious attacker to take the mantle in case Haaland’s sketchy injury record haunts him again. Prolific in his motherland, Álvarez has already transferred his form to the Premier League, scoring 2 goals in 4 matches. City look, quite frankly, a scary proposition! I feel this season, City will win the league quite comfortably, perhaps by more than 10 points and may even reach triple-figures again.

In second-place, despite their recent inconsistencies, I can see Liverpool remaining City’s closest challengers. In the 9-0 hammering of Bournemouth, the Reds demonstrated their firepower, and surprisingly managed this feat without any goal involvements from their talisman, Mohamed Salah, whilst their last-minute victory over Newcastle shows their continued resilience and habit of late goals. I believe Liverpool will still have a respectable season, and although they have experienced their worst start to a season under Jürgen Klopp, this is in part down to their extensive injury list. Currently, they are without Naby Keita, Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Calvin Ramsey and Darwin Nuñez (suspension). And…. breathe! These injury troubles will most certainly simmer down in the coming weeks and months, to facilitate Liverpool’s rise back to ascendancy.

However, I remain doubtful the Kop will see the Reds reach the lofty heights of previous years. The rationale for saying so is three-fold.

The End of the Cycle

There are murmurings of parallels with Liverpool’s downturn in form to Klopp’s last season at Borussia Dortmund, and the concept of an ‘End of the Cycle’ is not unprecedented. At Dortmund, Klopp found himself battling relegation for much of the 2014/15 season, after great success competing with Bayern Munich prior to this. The frustrating aura created when fans’ expectations reach such a high level can affect on-pitch performances in times of adversity. Players can become mentally exhausted with the overly-familiar methods of particular managers, and motivation is hard to maintain. It is common that teams who have experienced immense success may need a significant refresh after the 4-5 year period. Notable Premier League examples include Chelsea in 2015/16 and Tottenham post-Pochettino. Footballing icon, Sir Alex Ferguson, famously stated multiple big signings are needed year-on-year to keep players on their toes, and to maintain competition for places. Liverpool’s Starting XI has remained relatively consistent over the past five seasons, and some much-needed alterations may help them move into the new cycle.

Despite my apprehensions, Klopp has recently signed a new contract, signalling his intentions to be the figurehead of Liverpool’s rebuild, and there are certainly worse managers to take on this project! It may be felt that the club are strategising a move away from older players, in favour of giving younger talent a chance. The Athletic wrote a piece underlining Liverpool’s reliance on older players, noting how they started six players over the age of thirty against Fulham. The club have been seen to still be overly-reliant on considerable game-time from 36-year old veteran, James Milner and 32-year old Jordan Henderson. Other players in the squad have markedly slipped from their standards. Since the end of last season, Fabinho has shown less frequent dominant displays compared to before, whilst Trent Alexander Arnold’s defensive frailties have surfaced once more. What has been most alarming has been Virgil van Dijk being a shadow of his former self. Against Fulham, he was bullied by Aleksandar Mitrovic, and was seen to back off too much from opposition attackers striking in games against Crystal Palace, with Wilfreid Zaha, and Manchester United with Jadon Sancho. The Liverpool faithful must be hoping this is a temporary issue, or perhaps a hangover from last season’s gruelling fixture list, and not age starting to catch up with these players. Only time will tell…

It may be time to enter the new cycle by recruiting new talent in most obviously, midfield. The club have long been linked with Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, and he could add some much-needed box-to-box energy to Liverpool’s ageing midfield, but this appears to be more likely next summer. The club have since signed Arthur Melo as a stop-gap on loan until next summer.

This transition to youth may bring with it less success on the pitch in the short-term, but major benefits in the long-term. Highly exciting starboys Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho are fast-becoming fan-favourites in light of their impressive starts to the season, and this is testament to Liverpool’s renowned recruitment. I am excited to see how Klopp’s men fair in the coming years, and no doubt, further trophies are only round the corner…

Is Salah a Waning Force?

The Egyptian King has undeniably proven to be one of the Premier League’s finest ever wingers, becoming the most pivotal player in Liverpool’s dominant period. He has scored 122 and assisted 49 in only 198 appearances during his Liverpool career, in that time winning three Golden Boots and one Playmaker Award. However, since his unfortunate failure to achieve international silverware with Egypt to the hands of Senegal, his form has taken a major dip. His xG/90 has fallen from 0.80 last season to 0.58 this season, whilst his influence from open-play has also dipped, as he has only scored 7 in the last 28 games from open play, since the conclusion of the African Cup of Nations.

However, arguably off-the-field distractions over contract negotiations may have played its part in affecting his focus during the back-end of last season, but these doubts have since been put to bed after his contract renewal in July. it is immensely difficult for such an instrumental player to maintain such high standards for so long, and with a re-jig in his dynamic across the Liverpool’s front three, it is only fair to assume it may take a little bit of time to see adaptation. After all, form is temporary, class is permanent…

The Missing Mane

Speaking of the front three, the well-known trifecta of Salah-Firmino-Mane has evolved in the past 24 months with the additions of Diogo Jota and Luis Díaz, as well as the club’s new record signing Darwin Núñez. Mane’s departure is being regarded as one of the key reasons for Liverpool’s struggles. He was magnificent at the end of Liverpool’s 2021/22 campaign. scoring 14 times in his last 24 games for the club. He remained astoundingly consistent throughout his tenure at the Reds, and it is always going to be difficult to replace such a headstrong player with world-class dynamism and impact. Mane’s touchmap during his time at Anfield, shown below, demonstrates the wondrous energy and mobility he provided for the team.

Despite his energetic start to the season, Roberto Firmino has undoubtedly began to regress, but has offered a credible squad option. Diogo Jota started life in Anfield on fire, chipping in with goals in key matches, but has since hit a goal drought, failing to score in his last 13 games, whilst also struggling with fitness. Luis Díaz, on the eye is mouthwatering to watch, with his dribbling acumen making him a nightmare for defenders and it is hoped he will take the mantle from Mane.

This then leaves Darwin Núñez. His start to life at Liverpool has been a mixed one, from standing out in the Community Shield and providing an instant impact against Fulham, to erratically receiving a red-card offence against Crystal Palace. The Uruguayan may feel the pressure to live up to his substantial transfer fee and following in the footsteps of legend, Luis Suárez, but his eye for a goal may go some way to achieve the praises of the many.

The Top 4 Battle

3rd - Tottenham Hotspur

4th - Arsenal

5th - Chelsea

6th - Manchester United

Now this is a difficult one to call…. Amongst the expected teams likely to compete in the race for Champions League football, there is a curious cocktail of teams rebuilding (Chelsea & Manchester United) and those more settled and reaching perhaps their highest level (Tottenham & Arsenal).

The Red Devils’ Rebuild

So let us begin with 6th Place, Manchester United. The Red Devils have won their last three games and are finally showing signs of team spirit and growth after starting the season in shambolic fashion. Under the tutelage of Ralf Rangnick and Ole Gunnar Solskjær, this historic club was faltering to a standard fans and pundits alike felt was unpalatable. Although, in Erik ten Hag, United have a progressive, tactically creative manager who may get the best out of their young players. In recent weeks, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford have shown signs of improvement, working in unison to create impactful goals for the team, which is promising for United fans.

However, ten Hag will have a challenge on his hands in respect of team selection. At the centre of this is the small matter of re-integrating one of the most coveted and exalted players of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo. This summer has been a tumultuous one for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner, who seemingly wished to leave the club, but no clear-cut suitors were found. The transfer window has now closed, and ten Hag has spoken up Ronaldo as a part of his plans. This will be interesting to see, because as highlighted in my recent article on the Calciopoli Scandal and Juventus’s rise back to the top, I accentuate how starting Ronaldo will bring with it individual brilliance and plenty of goals, but will diminish the team’s tactical plan in regard to pressing and cohesiveness.

As the graphic below shows, United have spent a whopping £227.4 million this summer, contributing towards the Premier League’s highest ever outlay on players in one summer, at £2.1 billion. United’s spending has swung between bringing in experienced professionals and up-and-coming stars. In Casemiro, United bring in a five-time Champions League winner who will provide much-needed steel in the base of midfield and will then allow Bruno Fernandes and the newly signed metronome, Christian Eriksen, freedom to create. In the front-three you would expect Jadon Sancho on the left, new signing Antony on the right and perhaps a reborn Marcus Rashford through the centre. This is the area of most debate, as ascertaining whether to start Rashford, who is still struggling for confidence in front of goal, or CR7, at centre forward is a curious one.

This is a fascinating time for the United faithful, as expectations have tempered in light of previous managers’ showings, but due to the enormity of the club, the pressure will be on ten Hag if form slows down to an unacceptable level. He has started well, and I feel he will come close to the Top 4 this season, but having to juggle the big personalities in the dressing room and tackle Europa League football with their infamously laborious ‘Thursday nights’ may just be the counteracting factor.

Chelsea’s New Era

At 5th, I have predicted Chelsea will narrowly miss out on Champions League football for the first time since 2017/18. The last twelve months have been turbulent, to say the very least. A change in ownership has brought with it some patience amongst Chelsea fans and acceptance there may be a transitionary period looming. New owner Todd Boehly’s has already stamped his authority on the Blues, by spending the most of any club this window and bringing in some excellent players. This was fundamental to ensure that the club could compete this season, as there was a big Antonio Rudiger-sized hole that needed filling. The signings of Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana have gone some way to offset the nerves of Chelsea fans, as these two will provide great options for Chelsea’s defensive rebuild. In Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling, they have also brought in two players well-versed in scoring goals in the Premier League, whilst Denis Zakaria, from Juventus, will help sure up an ageing midfield.

However, Chelsea’s start to the season has been disheartening at best, with losses to Southampton and Leeds displaying how it may take some time to gel these new signings and ensure synergy flows through the team. I predict their form will oscillate throughout the season, and the pressure on Thomas Tuchel from the Chelsea hierarchy will only intensify their ongoing issues. As a result, I feel they will be fighting out with fellow re-builders United for 5th place.

Arteta’s Young Guns

In the Champions League places, I envision not many points will separate the two North-London sides, with Arsenal finishing in 4th and Spurs in 3rd. Firstly, on Arsenal, their perfect start to the season is the antithesis of their situation this time last year. Throughout his tenure at the club, Mikel Arteta has continually been on a tightrope in keeping his job, but the Arsenal board’s faith in his tactical plans and managerial education, has paid off. The scenes emerging from Amazon’s All or Nothing: Arsenal documentary reinforced the notion that the players are singing on the same hymn sheet, complying with Arteta’s demands. The club has valued gradual growth and entrusting young players in their sanguine journey back to the Top 4. Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard are improving game-on-game, whilst the return of young Frenchman, William Saliba, has been an encouraging one for his development. Furthermore, signing the duo of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City has been a masterstroke, with both bringing leadership and great link-up play to the team. The latter is chipping in with goals and assists, making him arguably the signing of the summer.

However, despite understandable optimism, I feel their form will subside at times over the course of the season and it is not expected that they will keep up this unsustainably impressive form. Firstly, the club’s opening five fixtures were very kind to them, coming up against:

Crystal Palace (A)
Leicester (H)
Bournemouth (A)
Fulham (H)
Aston Villa (H)

According to FootyLabs, this made their fixture difficulty rating the ‘easiest’ in the league, with many of the above struggling to find form this season. The Gunners have fixtures including Manchester United and Tottenham fast-approaching them, and it will be an intriguing test to see how far they have developed.

Secondly, in the same way as Manchester United, the impact of Europa League football as almost a Poison Pill on a club’s form cannot be understated. It is a widely understood pattern that Premier League teams’ form suffers as a result of playing these Thursday night matches so close to the weekend games, impacting their preparation and tiredness, partly due to the lengthy travels abroad. Although Arsenal have worked on their squad depth, I still feel they are not as strong as their rivals in certain areas. Thomas Partey, an instrumental figure in midfield, is injury-prone, with the drop-off quite large to Albert Sambi Lokonga or Mohamed Elneny, whilst Granit Xhaka still proves to be inconsistent. A failed deadline day move for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz demonstrated their intent to improve in this area, but they were left frustrated in their pursuit for the Brazilian. In attack, I would also say the depth behind Jesus and Saka leaves a lot to be desired. Arsenal are a difficult one to predict this season, as they have started so strongly; the outcome of the coming weeks will be a good measure of their progress.

Conte’s Spurs

Since the emotional departure of Mauricio Pochettino from Spurs in 2019, the club experienced a decline, with a re-build long overdue. The appointments of José Mourinho and Nuno Esperito-Santo were fruitless, whilst the recruitment was ineffective, with significant outlays on exciting talents such as Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso (to name a few…) not living up to expectations. However, under the guidance of the club’s Managing Director of Football, Fabio Paratici, the club has seen a change in fortunes. The experienced Italian has re-connected with the highly impressive Antonio Conte, who brings with him an ever-present commanding aura and tactical plans that can match the very best in the league. The signings of Dejan Kulusewski, Cristian Romero, Rodrigo Bentancur and Ivan Perišić have been a roaring success, all improving the starting XI in a plethora of ways. The Italian duo have also ameliorated the Lilywhites’ squad depth concerns too, by bringing in the divisive figure of Richarlison as well as the talented Malian, Yves Bissouma. There is serious competition for places and the club appears to be on the up. Since Conte has taken the reigns at Spurs, only Liverpool and Manchester City have amassed more points than Tottenham,

Furthermore, Tottenham are still picking up points in periods of questionable form. This season, I feel they have not reached the heights many high-profile pundits expected, as they have struggled to dominate games at times. Against Wolves (H), Chelsea (A) and West Ham (A), Spurs picked up points despite lacklustre performances, but the ability to grind out results in this fashion demonstrates the growth of the team’s mentality. In those three matches and Southampton (H) on the opening day, Spurs gained 8 points, a positive outcome considering they lost all four of the equivalent fixtures last season. Tottenham are likely to improve game-on-game and with the addition of Perišić, the left-side of defence has a new attacking dimension. I feel three factors will make Spurs’ performances more convincing in the coming months.

Firstly, Spurs’ Champions League Group-Stage draw was very favourable. In their group, they have Marseille, Sporting Lisbon and Frankfurt, the latter a side who last season won the Europa League but finished 11th in the Bundesliga and lost their talisman, Filip Kostić. In a season where matches are coming thick and fast due to the Winter World Cup, a less competitive group will make team selections more flexible for Tottenham, perhaps giving them the edge over their domestic rivals.

Secondly, the return of Cristian Romero from injury will be a great boost to the flow of Tottenham’s build-up play. The front-foot Argentine is arguably Spurs’ most important player outside of Kane and Son and the quality in the play out from the back is stark when he is not on the pitch. Davinson Sanchéz deputises defensively quite well, having not conceded when playing for Spurs in over a staggering nine hours before the 1-1 draw with West Ham. However, his ability to play out from the back and the limited nature of Emerson Royal on the ball on Spurs’ right side has clearly affected the team’s ability to follow Conte’s pattern-based style, with teams focusing their press on Spurs’ right side. The Passmap graphic below exemplifies this impact, as against West Ham, the play was forced towards this more vulnerable side, away from Davies and Perišić. The return of Romero to the starting line-up in the coming games will have a positive impact.

Lastly, Heung-min Son’s ineffective form at the start of this season has been a frustrating one for both Tottenham….and Fantasy Football fans! Last season’s Golden Boot Winner occasionally has periods of form where he looks a frustrated figure, but usually snaps out of it and rediscovers his imposing best. Chances have been provided to the South-Korean but he seems more hesitant in front of goal, and it is clear a goal would help his confidence. I feel once he gets going, it will vastly improve Tottenham’s performances, as his clinical finishing in front of form is remarkable. The below graphic from 2021 shows he has for some time over-performed his xG in emphatic fashion.

I envisage Spurs will nab 3rd place, not by much I must say, due to the strength and unity of the squad they possess. It is very difficult to discount Antonio Conte’s managerial supremacy when delivering results and I am excited to witness the most competitive Top 4 race in some time!

The Best of the Rest

Newcastle United

I feel this is a rather uncontentious forecast. Since the Saudi-led consortium taking over Newcastle in October 2021, the long-term project has been executed wonderfully and on-the-pitch, The Magpies look really promising. The atmosphere surrounding the club has made the stadium electric, making it increasingly difficult for away sides to impose themselves on The Toon. Since their loss to Manchester City in December 2021, they have only lost once at home, demonstrating the Twelfth Man effect, and the improvement around the club. The recruitment has focused on steady and not sudden growth, making smart signings across the team, without any short-term gambles. Bruno Guimarães has proven to be a revelation in the centre of the park, forming a formidable partnership with Joelinton, who has experienced an incredible renaissance over the last twelve months, owing to his position-change. The signings of Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier and Alexander Isak are commendable, as all have already shown no signs of requiring an adjustment period into the team. Isak was one of the breakout stars of Euro 2020, and already scored away to Liverpool on his debut, whilst Trippier has provided experience and a real set piece threat to the side, scoring three times from free kicks already.

Newcastle will no doubt continue their impressive form with Eddie Howe silencing many of the doubters by delivering consistently positive results. With no European football to contend with this season, they are likely to really challenge for a Top 6 space, but I feel this may be one season too premature. Exciting times ahead…

The Relegation Scrap

18th - Everton

19th - Nottingham Forest

20th - AFC Bournemouth

Bournemouth’s Struggles

Again, a thought-provoking task and one hard to predict but Bournemouth at 20th feels like the least challenging decision. Their start to the season, although consisting of unluckily scheduled matchups against Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool, confirmed many’s apprehensions over their transition back to England’s top division. Their 9-0 mauling to the hands of Liverpool settled Scott Parker’s fate, as he has since been relieved of his services, but the lack of work in the transfer market has only gone to widen the gap between the Cherries and their relegation rivals. They have only spent £26 million compared to Fulham and Nottingham Forest who have spent £62.2 million and £157.3 million (!) respectively. As a result, their financial deficiencies will make it unforeseeable for them to compete with their relegation rivals. The difficulties centre on the lack of firepower up top, particularly because they were over-reliant on Dominic Solanke’s goals, which totalled 30 in the Championship last season. His record in the Premier League has left a lot to be desired, making it hard to believe he will progress into a 10+ goal a season striker. It is therefore troublesome to ascertain where the goals will come from and the club are in a strenuous period whereby a miracle may be needed to stay up. Could Sean Dyche be the miracle worker they need..?

Nottingham Forest - A Long Term Vision?

The Midlands club have spent an astronomical amount of money this summer, spending over £150 million, a figure greater than Manchester City. The rationale behind this may derive from Forest fans’ painful wait since the 1998/99 season to witness their historic club back in England’s elite competition. Owner Evangelos Marinakis is understood to have invested millions into the club’s training facilities in a bid to launch a long-term project in the Midlands, and since last season, his son, Militadis has been integral to the club’s vision:

'It was at the end of June when I started becoming more and more involved with this magical club, and with every day that passed I fell in love with it even more'
- Militadis Marinakis

Forest have broken the British record for making the most signings in one transfer window, totalling a remarkable 21 players. Some of the recruitment is very encouraging, most notably the acquisitions of Morgan Gibbs-White, Taiwo Awoniyi, Neco Williams and Emmanuel Dennis. However, I still believe they will struggle to find a way of harmonising such a uniquely large influx of players to the club, akin to Fulham in 2021 when they spent similar levels of money. It would be a shame if a club this rich in history goes straight back down, but with the parachute payments, a great manager in place and the young talent they possess, i could visualise them coming straight back up in a better position. They may survive if The City Ground harbours the energy of the Forest fans and becomes a fortress this season, but with established Premier League teams desperately spending to stay afloat this season, this will prove challenging.

Everton’s Time

Last season, Everton looked in real danger of being relegated for the first time in their long history. Mismanagement from the top to the bottom, along with unsuccessful player recruitment has left them languishing at the base of the Premier League. The failure of Dele Alli to return to his best and his astounding downfall from a player once at the top of his game is sad to see, and it would have given Everton a much-needed attacking boost if Lampard could have worked some magic on the two-time PFA Young Player of the Year. He has since been loaned to Beşiktaş in Turkey, leaving many dumfounded as to what went wrong.

Losing Richarlison to Tottenham is also a significant blow and now Everton rely on being spearheaded by 21 year-old, Anthony Gordon, who they resisted advances from for a fee in the region of £60 million. The bright Englishman has provided energy and now attacking output, having scored twice already this season. Calvert-Lewin’s injury troubles are a real concern for a player who is finding it hard to recapture his previously excellent form, but the emergence of Alex Iwobi as a key figure in the squad has helped subside this somewhat. I feel Fulham are the closest rivals to Everton in their relegation battle, but Mitrović’s relentless goalscoring will be just enough, I believe, to keep Fulham up. Lampard, a man used to success in the game, is under pressure and needs a reaction from his players and quickly…

The Golden Boot Race

🏆 - Erling Haaland (34 Goals)

2nd - Harry Kane (26 Goals)

3rd - Mohamed Salah (20 Goals)

4th - Gabriel Jesus & Heung-min Son (17 Goals)

5th - Darwin Núñez (16 Goals)

6th - Aleksandar Mitrović & Raheem Sterling (15 Goals)

The less said about this, the easier. it will undoubtedly be City’s goal machine, Erling Haaland, barring any significant injury. I foresee the Norwegian surpassing Mohamed Salah’s record of the most goals scored in one Premier League season, in 2017/18 with 32, by reaching the mid 30s in goals.

The usual culprits (Kane, Salah, Son…) will attempt to stay hot on the heels of Haaland but the power Manchester City possess and the deliveries of Kevin de Bruyne will prove too much in this race. One to Watch for me is Aleksandar Mitrović. Already starting the season in fine form and fresh from his record-breaking season in the Championship last term, I would really enjoy seeing him proving the doubters wrong and going beyong the 15-goal mark.

Honourable Mentions & Predictions:

Wilfried Zaha & Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
(14 Goals)
Ivan Toney & Aleksander Isak (13 Goals)

The King of the Assists

🏆 - Kevin de Bruyne (20 Assists)

2nd - Dejan Kulusevski & Gabriel Jesus (13 Assists)

3rd - Mohamed Salah (12 Assists)

4th - Trent Alexander-Arnold (11 Assists)

5th - Heung Min-Son & Bukayo Saka (10 Assists)

6th - Phil Foden & Ivan Perišić (9 Assists)

De Bruyne has proven to be a magician in City’s side for years, and consistently involves himself in the top of the assist charts, when fit. This season, he has the finishing capabilities of Haaland in front of him, who can slot chances away with just a sniff of a chance. The Belgian is currently averaging 0.6 xA/90, the highest in the league and has already racked up 3 assists in 5 matches. Such a consistent player like de Bruyne is likely to continue this form, and so it is a no-brainer to choose him in this category.

Player of the Year

NOMINEES:

Harry Kane

Kevin de Bruyne

Aleksander Mitrović

🏆 Erling Haaland

Mohamed Salah

Gabriel Jesus

The focus of the football world is becoming more and more engulfed in the goal and assist numbers of the league’s most enthralling talents. This is why I feel this season, there will be no defensive nominees for the award. For the reasons already discussed in previous categories, I can see Haaland winning this award too, because it is likely he will be The Main Man in City’s pursuit of Premier League and Champions League glory.

Young Player of the Year

NOMINEES:

Prior to discussing my prediction for this category, it is worth noting the rules in relation to the YPOTY award have changed quite recently. Players must have been aged 21 or under as of 1 July immediately preceding the start of the season. This is a shift away from the previous age-limit of 23, which included players such as Raheem Sterling being 24 at the time of the award, being regarded as “young” in footballing terms.

As a result of these new regulations, although a tedious prediction, once more I believe Haaland will receive yet another award. It is possible to collect both awards, a feat achieved by players such as Gareth Bale in 2012/13 and Cristiano Ronaldo in 2006/07.

The most interesting addition to my nominees list is Southampton’s Roméo Lavia, the 18 year-old midfielder signed from Manchester City in the summer. He has looked intelligent on the ball, tenacious in the tackle and even scored a beautifully measured curler against Chelsea last week. He looks like a gem in the middle of the park and it is testament to Southampton’s new transfer policy of picking off young stars from big clubs’ academies. His teammate, 20 year-old Armel Bella-Kotchap is another one to watch, and I predict an exciting future for him too in a Southampton shirt.

Final Premier League Table 2022/23 Prediction

So here it is… my final prediction. It is a hard one to call in many places, but on balance, I feel there are not going to be many shockers. Football is a beautiful yet unpredictable game and come May, I will be fascinated to look back at how accurate my crystal ball was…

1 Manchester City

2 Liverpool

3 Tottenham Hotspur

4 Arsenal

5 Chelsea

6 Manchester United

7 Newcastle United

8 West Ham United

9 Brighton & Hove Albion

10 Crystal Palace

11 Leicester

12 Wolves

13 Southampton

14 Aston Villa

15 Leeds

16 Brentford

17 Fulham

18 Everton

19 Nottingham Forest

20 Bournemouth

My Premier League Predictions: 2022/23

The Title Race

🏆 - Manchester City

2nd - Liverpool

The End of the Cycle

Is Salah a Waning Force?

The Missing Mane

The Top 4 Battle

3rd - Tottenham Hotspur

4th - Arsenal

5th - Chelsea

6th - Manchester United

The Red Devils’ Rebuild

Chelsea’s New Era

Arteta’s Young Guns

Conte’s Spurs

The Best of the Rest

Newcastle United

The Relegation Scrap

18th - Everton

19th - Nottingham Forest

20th - AFC Bournemouth

Bournemouth’s Struggles

Nottingham Forest - A Long Term Vision?

Everton’s Time

The Golden Boot Race

🏆 - Erling Haaland (34 Goals)

2nd - Harry Kane (26 Goals)

3rd - Mohamed Salah (20 Goals)

4th - Gabriel Jesus & Heung-min Son (17 Goals)

5th - Darwin Núñez (16 Goals)

6th - Aleksandar Mitrović & Raheem Sterling (15 Goals)

Honourable Mentions & Predictions:

The King of the Assists

🏆 - Kevin de Bruyne (20 Assists)

2nd - Dejan Kulusevski & Gabriel Jesus (13 Assists)

3rd - Mohamed Salah (12 Assists)

4th - Trent Alexander-Arnold (11 Assists)

5th - Heung Min-Son & Bukayo Saka (10 Assists)

6th - Phil Foden & Ivan Perišić (9 Assists)

Player of the Year

NOMINEES:

Harry Kane

Kevin de Bruyne

Aleksander Mitrović

🏆 Erling Haaland

Mohamed Salah

Gabriel Jesus

Young Player of the Year

NOMINEES:

🏆 Erling Haaland

Harvey Elliott

Bukayo Saka

Roméo Lavia

William Saliba

Anthony Gordon

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