Alan Shearer's predicted final Premier League table is bad news for Manchester United and Man City

6 days ago 76

The Premier League is fast approaching, and Alan Shearer has assessed all 20 top-flight clubs as he predicts the final standings for the upcoming season

Alan Shearer has predicted the full Premier League table for next season(Image: PA)

Alan Shearer has given his predictions for the upcoming Premier League season, suggesting that the top and bottom of the table could remain largely unchanged.

Last season, Liverpool dominated the league with their fast start and consistent performances. Arne Slot's side have invested heavily in their squad, including the British-record signing Florian Wirtz, in a bid to secure back-to-back titles.

The potential addition of Alexander Isak to Anfield strengthens Shearer's belief that Liverpool will retain their championship status. Manchester United, despite their disappointing performance last season and the addition of some high-profile attacking players, are not expected to make a swift return to Champions League football, according to Shearer.

The pundit predicts that Chelsea and Newcastle United - two clubs with contrasting summer experiences - will both finish above the Reds. Newcastle's season could pivot on whether they retain Isak or secure a top-tier replacement.

Chelsea, on the other hand, have had no trouble bolstering their attack. The Blues have added Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and are currently in talks with Alejandro Garnacho.

Arsenal are predicted to finish second for the fourth consecutive year - a forecast that is unlikely to please Mikel Arteta. Despite significant investment in the squad, including the addition of Viktor Gyokeres as his No.9, Arteta may still fall short of the title he so desperately seeks, with pressure mounting.

Manchester City had a disappointing season last term and are facing their first year without Kevin De Bruyne in a decade. Despite bolstering their squad, Shearer doesn't believe Pep Guardiola and his team will reclaim their crown, instead placing them third in his predictions.

Nottingham Forest, last year's dark horse, will need to juggle domestic commitments with European commitments, either in the Europa League or the UEFA Conference League. Their fate depends on the outcome of Crystal Palace’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a Europa League spot.

Despite this new challenge, Shearer is confident they will remain in the top half of the table. Tottenham, having dismissed Ange Postecoglou despite his European triumphs, are entering a new phase.

Thomas Frank faces a daunting task, but Shearer believes they will secure an eighth-place finish, just behind Aston Villa. The West Midlands club, who benefit from Unai Emery's leadership, are predicted to slip due to intense competition at the top.

Brentford, now under Keith Andrews' management, are tipped to narrowly escape relegation, finishing just above the bottom three in 17th place. West Ham, with Graham Potter entering his first full season in charge, are also expected to face a challenging year.

For clubs like Everton and Palace, it's another year of comfortable mid-table football. Fulham, Wolves and Bournemouth are expected to stay relatively safe.

Brighton, sitting at tenth, might have anticipated more under Fabian Hurzeler. Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland have all made their return to the top flight.

They'll be keen to break the recent pattern of promoted teams being relegated straight back to the Championship. However, Shearer predicts that all three clubs will only enjoy a single year in the Premier League before returning to the second tier.

This would mark the third consecutive year that the three promoted teams fail to maintain their top-flight status, highlighting the significant gap between the Premier League and the Championship. Take a look at Shearer's full Premier League table prediction through Betfair, below.