August 15th 2024.
In a surprising twist, former Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling has revealed his top-four prediction for the upcoming 2024-25 Premier League season. Despite his previous association with Soccer Saturday, Stelling has snubbed Manchester United and Chelsea, instead placing his bets on some unexpected contenders.
The season kicks off on Friday night with Erik ten Hag's United, who finished eighth last term, facing Fulham at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, defending champions Manchester City will begin their title defense on Sunday with a trip to Stamford Bridge to take on big-spending Chelsea.
City may be the favorites to win an unprecedented fifth successive Premier League title, but Stelling believes that Pep Guardiola's stranglehold over the trophy is set to come to an end. He has tipped Liverpool, under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp's replacement Arne Slot, to take the title in his first season at the club.
While some may be surprised by this bold prediction, Stelling has his reasons. He believes that Arsenal, who have finished in second place for two consecutive years under Mikel Arteta, are best placed to take advantage if City do slip up. However, he has also overlooked the Gunners in his top-four predictions.
Instead, Stelling has placed his bets on Newcastle United to secure the final top-four spot. This would mean more disappointment for Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea, who had their own struggles last season. It would also leave Aston Villa and Tottenham outside the top-four.
Stelling explained his reasoning, saying "I've got Arsenal second, but I haven't gone for the title winner you might expect. I'm going for Liverpool to win the title. They had a wobble last season and that cost them. People are making a great deal about the lack of signings but equally they haven't had any significant losses either."
He also believes that the young players at Liverpool will improve and that Manchester City's team has been "chipped away" in recent years. Stelling also expects that both Arsenal and Manchester City will still make it to the Champions League next season.
In a survey conducted by YouGov Sport, it was revealed that Anfield has the best atmosphere in the Premier League, according to more than 2,000 football fans. The survey also showed that most supporters believe Manchester City will win the title for a fifth straight year, with Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United making up the top four.
This weekend, thousands of fans will be cheering on their teams away from home, and the survey found that there is no clear winner for the title of best away fans, with Newcastle and Liverpool supporters sharing the top spot.
Betfair Ambassador Alan Shearer, who has played at some of the biggest stadiums in the Premier League, shared his experience and thoughts on the best atmosphere. "St James' Park has always been a special place," he said. "Anfield is always a unique atmosphere - even as an opposing player, stood there listening to You'll Never Walk Alone, it's a really good atmosphere."
He also recalled a unique and memorable atmosphere at Anfield when he played against Liverpool with Blackburn and won the league. "The atmosphere was off the charts at St James' Park," Shearer added, "and if I could've bottled up that atmosphere it would've been amazing."
Speaking about his record-breaking goal at St James' Park, Shearer said, "For me to go away, learn my trade and come back ten years later, then to break the record in front of the Gallowgate End where I used to stand as a young kid - it doesn't get any better than that for me."
In the end, Stelling's top-four prediction may come as a surprise to some, but with the Premier League being as unpredictable as ever, anything can happen. One thing is for sure, the upcoming season is bound to be full of excitement and thrilling moments for football fans all over the world.
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