Speaking on Monday Night Football, Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville made their 2024/25 Premier League season predictions.
Champions
Jamie Carragher: Man City
Gary Neville: Arsenal
Jamie: Going away from home on the first game of the season is always difficult, look at Liverpool at Ipswich in the first half. Man City go to Chelsea, whatever we say about them it’s still Stamford Bridge, they’ve still got big-name players, and they win.
Gary: My reasoning [for backing Arsenal] last year was that coming off the back of the treble for City might have an impact on them at certain points, the demands, the expectations, the injuries, but I think they won their last nine games, which is just special.
Jamie: Something that’s interesting about Arsenal, no team in Premier League history has improved their position five years in a row. Arsenal have done it four years in a row, and to go beyond where they did last year is going to be tough.
Gary: Arsenal had an incredible season so I was not a million miles away. They are getting nearer and I feel they will do it. Pep Guardiola wins all the time but I feel Arsenal are so consistent that this could be the year.
Arsenal are getting to such a high level now of consistency, defensive solidity, the balance of the team, they look like they have got a great spirit.
Jamie: In the last couple of years, when they’ve gone for the league, they’ve gone out of the domestic cups and not got to a final in Europe. This group of players are good enough, and they should be winning a trophy this season.
Second to fourth
Jamie Carragher: Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham
Gary Neville: Man City, Man Utd and Chelsea
Gary: Chelsea could easily be an absolute mess. But the players Chelsea have got, I think they could have a good season.
Jamie: I think getting rid of the manager was a big mistake. Enzo Maresca is a young manager, really inexperienced, and I think it’ll be a tough job. They’ll battle it out for the European places, Newcastle and Aston Villa too. They haven’t got a goalkeeper!
Gary: I think Liverpool, my view would be that the impact of (Jurgen) Klopp will take its toll. The evidence of history. There will be some pain at some point this season and it could cost them.
Jamie: There’s areas of the Liverpool squad which need strengthening, but I love the fact they don’t panic. I really admire that. When I see the situation at Chelsea, I’d never want them to be like that.
Fifth and sixth
Jamie Carragher: Man Utd and Aston Villa
Gary Neville: Liverpool and Tottenham
Jamie: Manchester United have made some big mistakes in the past. They’re buying younger players now, but let’s not make out this is revolutionary. Sir Matt Busby was doing this in the ’60s! It’s not something special they should be lauded for. I think they’ll compete but miss out. I think Tottenham have the edge over them.
Gary: I think Liverpool have a better team than Manchester United, far better forwards. But I really do question whether that Liverpool midfield can stand up over the season. I think Manchester United have got more depth in midfield.
European contender
Jamie Carragher: West Ham
Gary Neville: Newcastle
Jamie: It’s a different style of football at West Ham, maybe not completely different. But it’ll be about trying to get on the ball more, their recruitment this summer has been very good. They won a European trophy under David Moyes, so they’ve been there or thereabouts.
Gary: I just feel sometimes that the Champions League will take its toll on Aston Villa.
Jamie: Newcastle need to get a centre-back over the line, I love them and Eddie Howe and he’d be the next England boss if it was my choice.
Gary: Jurrien Timber is a player who caught my eye during the Euros. He’s got all the attributes to be a top defender in the future, and I think he’ll have a big impact for Ajax this season.
Overall, it seems like Jamie and Gary have different opinions on which teams will be relegated, the top scorer, impact signing, and player to watch for the upcoming season. It will be interesting to see how these predictions play out as the season progresses.