“I see more than two teams competing for it” - Alan Shearer makes bold Premier League prediction, ranks Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea
Alan Shearer has predicted where Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea, among others, will finish on the table at the end of the 2024–25 Premier League season. The new campaign will kick off tomorrow as Manchester United host Fulham at Old Trafford. Arsenal and the other teams will play their respective opponents the following day.
Shearer, however, has given his opinion of how it will pan out for some of the big six clubs and newly promoted sides at the end of the season. The league’s all-time top goal scorer believes that the 2024–25 Premier League campaign will be more than a two-horse race as opposed to what it was in the last two seasons.
Shearer thinks the story will be different this season, with more teams competing for the title. He said:
''I think it'll be a really tight race for the Premier League title this season, and I see more than two teams competing for it. I think the usual teams you'd expect to be up there who've already spent a few quid will put themselves in better positions than what they were last year.
''There's still so much that can happen in the transfer window. If Arsenal go out and sign a statement center forward, then I really think they would have an excellent chance of winning the title.
"I think that could make the difference for them. Keep in mind how brilliant they were defensively last season, but they've now gone out and spent a fortune on another really, really good defender in Riccardo Calafiori. I still think they do need to strengthen in that center-forward position, and that could make the difference."
As for Manchester United, the former Newcastle United man predicted they would narrowly miss out on the Champions League places, saying:
"It's a big season for [Ten Hag] and Man United because they're going to have to improve massively in terms of the league campaign. They did win a trophy like they did the previous year, but in terms of the league position, they are going to have to improve.
"I was reasonably impressed with them in the Community Shield, and with the additions that it looks like they're going to make in the coming days, there's no doubt they'll improve."
Alan Shearer’s prediction of where Chelsea will finish on the table was a gloomy one. The English legend predicted the Blues would miss out completely on European football and finish ninth despite their heavy spending. He said:
''Chelsea are an unusual club for what they've done, how many players they've signed, the money spent and the business they've done along with the decision to sack Mauricio Pochettino when they did. I don't see them getting into the top four at all. They're not ready yet."
Manchester United finished eighth on the table last season, which was their worst-ever in the league. Arsenal were runners-up for the second consecutive time to Manchester City, while Chelsea finished sixth.
Manchester United are interested in Arsenal target Danilo Oliveira – Reports
Manchester United have reportedly entered the race to sign Danilo. As per TBR Football, United contacted Nottingham Forest to ask about Danilo. While the Tricky Trees are open to selling him, they want nothing less than €40 million for the Brazilian midfielder.
Meanwhile, before Manchester United started making moves for Danilo, HITC reported that the Gunners were also considering a move for the 23-year-old. Arsenal initially looked for his services when he was at Palmeiras but didn’t make an offer at the time before Nottingham Forest jumped at the opportunity. Since moving to City Ground, Arsenal have been keeping tabs on him.
Danilo Oliveira joined Nottingham Forest in 2023 for a reported fee of €20 million, and he has scored six goals and provided four assists across competitions.