We predicted the ENTIRE Premier League season

The joy, the misery, the elation and the drama. Oh yes, the Premier League returns. The hope and then the ultimate disappointment. Well, for most of us anyway. Coventry, Hull and Ipswich have been thrown into the mix. They're going to be fighting desperately to remain. Arsenal look for Premier League glory again in their hot favourites. You've got Manchester City and you've got Liverpool. You've got Spurs and you've got Chelsea. You look teams with new faces at their helm. Mohamed Salah, that's gone. He's now in Turkey. We won't see him again in the Premier League. Newcastle have gutted their squad and they could well be gutted by the end of the season. But it's early days and your Sundays can now be spent regretting that £10 bet on a cover when you're in shot on target. And we've even got some rule changes as well just to throw into the mix, just to confuse us all. Now what better time to stick our necks out, make some predictions and discuss what we think is going to happen this season. Well, I've got to be honest with you. I don't have an idea what's going to happen this season. There's so much up in the air, which makes it exciting. For that, we've got GB News Sports Reporter live from our sports lounge, Lewis Henderson. Welcome to GBN Sport, Lewis. Great to see you. First thoughts, what are you thinking? Do you have that excitement because I've got that? I got to the end of last season. I was thinking I've had enough for a while. Then we get the World Cup. And as soon as the Premier League starts to show its face, then we're all ready for it. What about you? Yeah, absolutely. It feels like it's been ages since the World Cup final. It was only a few weeks ago, of course, but it feels like it's been an absolute eternity until this Premier League season does get underway. And I don't know about you. It's so up in the air this year. It's going to be so hard to just nail down exactly how everyone finishes. I mean, even last season, take Sunderland, for example. How well they did. No one predicted that. And I think we're going to see something similar for this campaign. Well, look, I didn't expect to be talking about Sunderland first, but I'm going to since you mentioned them. Now, Sunderland did surprise everybody. And most people were saying, oh, I'm sure Sunderland are going to go down. And they were just terrific. And they had such a great season. And now they find themselves in Europe. And there is always that thing where if you're playing in Europe, then it's going to affect your Premier League. And then you've got teams that haven't made it into Europe, like Spurs, for example, which then makes fans think, oh, we're glad we're not there because we're going to be able to concentrate on what's going on in the Premier League. Is it going to affect them, you think, Sunderland? Because when you do play in Europe, then you need bigger squads. And then ultimately, staying in the Premier League is the most important thing. Yeah. And when you consider the signings they've made so far, Thomas Meunier has probably been their main one. Of course, he used to be with Pip's G. So that does bring in some European experience. And they were keen to keep Granit Xhaka as well when he was linked with Chelsea. But you are absolutely correct. It's going to be the Thursday to Sunday, the Thursday to Sunday. So that extra game load, how they're going to be able to cope with it, we saw how much it impacted Nottingham Forest from last season. Of course, they were struggling towards the bottom half of the table and still had quite a good European campaign. So that's going to be... I don't know about you, but I think that's going to be the big task for Sunderland when you consider... Well, take Tottenham, for example. No Europe going to be able to prioritise the Premier League. And hey, without Europe, it could be a massive advantage. Like with what Manchester United had last season when they only played 40 games and were able to really kick on. You know, you spend the whole season trying to get into Europe and then when you get into Europe, then you think, oh, we don't really want to be in Europe. We just want to concentrate on the Premier League to try and get in Europe next season. And then we don't want to be in Europe. But now, firstly, I don't know about you. And, you know, listen, everybody knows my links with Spurs. I'm a Spurs fan. And it was kind of difficult last season because Arsenal, of course, won the Premier League. And for me, I don't know about you, Lewis, but I kind of think that it's going to be easier for Arsenal than maybe it was last year because I don't see anybody better than them. No, completely. And their recruitment has been absolutely fantastic this summer as well. I mean, when you bring in someone like Bruno Guimaraes, Edry Konza looks done. And they were so good already. Champions League finalists, of course, got all the way to penalties and didn't quite work out for them there. But I completely agree with you. They seem to have strengthened on a really strong squad already. What about Spurs? Now, I did mention Tottenham. Signings. I mean, it really has been a huge change. You know, the new board came in and they said, look, we are going to make signings. And then it was in the January transfer window. A lot of fans getting uncomfortable thinking, well, we need them now. Hang on. Just be. And luckily managed to stay up. And I do mean that luckily. But now a lot of money is being spent, which this club has not seen in a very, very long time. But it's one thing having all these players, but they've got to gel together. But there's a lot of excited fans around. Yeah. And it's smart signings as well, particularly when I think in that backlight that was part of Spurs' problems last season. When you bring in Senesil on three, Jan-Paul van Gekker, of course, we know he was highly rated with Brighton, Andy Robertson with experience. That's already three great signings. Well, that's 50-odd million for Van Gekker, the other two on threes. And then, of course, the midfield. The midfield speaks for itself. They've really splashed the cash with that. And Spurs will be up towards the top half competing for Europe. Well, I reckon they'll be in Europe next season. I don't know about you. We'll come on to that, of course, with everything. But yeah, no, Spurs will be up there. No, I really do. I think it's when people go, oh, yeah, but how can you say that? You know, they were 17th twice. Listen, but it was almost like there were anomalies even though there were two seasons. And it looks like it's a huge change. Well, we'll see. I just do keep my fingers crossed. What about Manchester City? Now, this is a team who've lost a manager and lost eight players. I mean, obviously, they're always going to have, they've always got strength. They've always got great players. But I think this is going to be a slightly transitional season for them. And I look at the links to Alex Ferguson, actually. When Sir Alex Ferguson left Manchester United, I always felt that he chose the right time to go because he thought, this has probably gone as far as I can take it unless there's a huge reboot and maybe Pep was feeling the same way. What do you reckon? Yeah, and Pep's the biggest one, of course, 10 years there. And we know the success he had, won absolutely everything. But it's the key players, too. I mean, Rodri going to Barcelona, Bernardo Silva, Real. And that's two huge players that have been in your midfield and have been just such prowesses. And also, I mean, take John Stone, for example. He didn't play too, too much last season. But even that as a figure in the dressing room and everything. So I agree. I think a transitional year for City and how they'll finish, I'm not too sure. But that's only going to give Arsenal even more confidence as well. Of course it is. Because your main challengers from last season are probably not going to be as close as last year. Who do you think are the biggest challenges for Arsenal? It's a tough one. And I go back to not being in Europe. And I would honestly say Chelsea. Just because of the signings they've made, Xabi Alonso coming in as well. And likewise with Spurs, smarter business, bringing in players that are Premier League proven, which was Chelsea. They've clearly gone a different way with Xabi Alonso. Because their signings from three or four years ago were not Premier League proven at all. There was a real load of risk. Whereas this time, you know, Morgan Rodgers being the big one. But even guys like Lacroix. He's been a really good figure at Crystal Palace. And I do think Alonso has been very much influential in, right, I want him, I want him. And if we can get them at the right price, we'll go for them. See, that's interesting, isn't it? You say that about Chelsea and Alonso, and we could say the same about Deserby at Spurs. It's actually clubs that are giving the manager the choice of players they want. We have so many of these, you know, sporting directors, and they'll go out and get the players or the chairman will get the players and say, there we are. We've spent 75 million on this player. Make them work because they're expensive. So they're going to be good. But it's, it's, it's a team game. I mean, it sounds stupid just to be able to discuss in this because it just seems so simple. But really, surely the manager is the one that's running the team. And he should be the one that says who he wants. And then with Chelsea and with Spurs, it seems to be that way. And the other thing for me, Lewis, I don't know about you, but there's so much to be said for Premier League experience, which you just mentioned. It's so different playing football in the Premier League than it is in any other league in Europe. Yeah. And it is the best league in the world. And the level and all the professionals say, even when they leave the league, they go, it's just, their level is so high. And they say it so fast. I mean, I've, I've spoken to Premier League players and you say, what is it? And they just say, it's so fast. You don't realise how quick it is and you do not get a second. No, absolutely. So when you can bring in these guys that have done it with other teams, I mean, this is what I mean with Arsenal's business. When you're, when you're bringing in Bruno Gimaraes and Ezra Iconza, they've both done it with Aston Villa and Newcastle. So it's, it's smart signings. And I think a lot of teams now that are going to be competing at the top, they're taking that kind of approach. What about United? Have you ever mentioned Manchester United yet? No, and of course, well, now with European football, I keep on mentioning this, but United only playing 40 games last year. That was a massive factor, of course. And how they'll get on with having to cope with Champions League football as well. Michael Carrick, of course, first full season, did brilliantly, of course, after taking over Ruben Aron. I don't know about you. I, I, United, I, I'm not sure. I don't know where to kind of place them this year. Is it, is it the, it's like the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thing that when he was the interim and he did so well and then he got the, he got the gig full time and it just didn't work out for him? Is it that? Is that what's making you doubt, do you think? Or is it, why? I'm not too sure. I mean, I mean, their signings, again, have been smart. Uri Tielemans coming in from Aston Villa, Andre Santos, 50 odd million from Chelsea. It's smart signings in that aspect. But it's, there's just a bit of a concern going forward, I guess. Benjamin Sheska, of course, they're going to be leading with him and he was a little bit hit and miss last season. So it's one of them. You know, they're going to be up there because they've got the, they've got the talent. Taper and Fernandez last year, 20 odd assists. It was, it was a ridiculous campaign, wasn't it? When he broke, when he did the assist record. So we'll see. United are going to be a tough one. Who do you think is going to be in trouble? Because a couple of teams that spring to mind for me, that haven't, well, Crystal Palace is one. And the other one, I think Newcastle could have a tricky season this season. You know, with Eddie Howe going and the amount of players that have left. It was a couple of years ago when the big money came in and everybody's thinking we're going to win the Champions League. We're so rich. And it just hasn't worked out that way, has it? No. They've been completely gutted, haven't they? I mean, take the midfield of Tenali and Bruno Guimaraes and Joel Linton and you've only got one left. And Joel Linton was moved into the midfield by Eddie Howe, who is now also gone. So that's been completely wrecked in that aspect. Anthony Gordon going as well, but even the season before when you lost Isak. So no, it's going to be a tough campaign for Newcastle. I mean, Harvey Barnes signed the new long-term deal. So at least they've got him still there. No pressure, Harvey. It's all down to you, Harvey. No, sorry. Exactly. This is what I mean. So, I mean, I think if you're a Newcastle fan and even on their first game of the season against Liverpool, they must be thinking don't fancy that. we'll see. Manager as well, and you just live in the Premier League. So the new teams that have come up then. So what do you think their chances are? Because usually they would be the favourite to be relegated. What do you think about their chances? Yeah, well, it was a bit different last year, wasn't it? Because we got so used to three up, three down. Whereas I do think this year take Holt for example. I mean, they did brilliantly just to get into the playoffs, beating Wrexham on the final day of the championship. And then, of course, making their way up. And I think they've even gone right. We didn't expect to be here. If we can survive, that'll be amazing. So I think out of the three, I guess Coventry. They looked really, I know they had that little dip middle part of the championship season last year, but they looked so solid and take the signings that they made. I do really, really like the Tyrell Awanee signing from Nottingham Forest. And you know what? You know, I'm really pleased about is the Frank Lampard deciding to stay because there's going to be offers. To try and take him somewhere. And it's almost like once bitten, you know, when he went to Chelsea before, after he'd been at Derby. And now it's like, you know what? We've got a chance to build something. And I, I like Frank Lampard and I'm really glad that he's decided to stay at Coventry. I think it means a lot. And also it's going to, I think it's going to help them as well. Don't you? Yeah, absolutely. I mean, he did so well getting them up and they were by far the best team in the championship. Yeah. And that could be a concern for Ipswich, for example. You lost McKenna and you've got Harry O'Neill coming in. And that, I completely agree. That's why I think Coventry out of the three, um, and above you, I think they, I think they've got the best chance out of, out of the three Prizes teams. Right. Okay. And what about top scorers this season? Oh, your mind immediately goes to Erling Haaland, doesn't it? I mean, it's, it's the same old answer. Sorry, when I said top scorer, I meant who's going to win the Erling Haaland award for the top scorer in the Premier League this year? It's, it's, it's always him, isn't it? He, he always finds a way to find a couple goals against someone and then he just tallies up. And I mean, Igor Thiago did brilliantly didn't he last year with, um, with Brentford? Yeah. So, I do just think it's going to be Erling Haaland again. He always seems to find by the back of the net somehow. So we, we're saying that Arsenal are going to win it. This is what we think so far. Um, obviously I have my fingers crossed while I'm saying this just to be on the safe side. But, you know, they look like the strongest team. What about the, who else is going to make up the top four? Now, this is so hard to call, isn't it? Your mind immediately goes to the big six. If I said earlier, I think Chelsea will be your closest contenders. So I'd imagine them second. Yeah. Uh, I, when I was drafting you up earlier, I even put Spurs in fourth, which was, which I know will be great news to yourself. Um, if Spurs were able to get in, inside, well, I mean, Champions League places, I mean, go down to fifth now, don't they? Uh, so, I'd go, I'd go Arsenal, Chelsea, United. But then you're missing out City and Liverpool. I don't know. It's so hard. So you're going to put United above City? City, the concern I have with them, and I can't base it off of the Community Shield, but there is so much, we said transitional year, there is so much change happening at that club. Yeah. I do think it is just going to basically become Erling Haaland FC. Yeah, I think you're right. And I think the managers make a huge difference. I really do. I mean, whatever you, whatever you say about Enzo Maresco, I just think, I don't know. I've just, I don't, I don't know whether I buy it or not. I'm really not too sure. So you think, so, so you've got Arsenal, Chelsea, which is what I have here. Liverpool? It's so difficult. This is what we were saying earlier. It's so hard to predict. I would go United third, Spurs fourth, which is, Wow. Linearly, Liverpool and City. What do you have? Please, because it's so hard to call. I have Arsenal, Chelsea. See, I'm really struggling as well. And I've got City and Liverpool. But then again, I've got Spurs in fifth. But it's so difficult because there is so much change in these different clubs. You know, really, we should be doing this after about three games. At least it will give us an idea. But at the moment, I don't think I've ever seen a Premier League which is so up in the air with so much change across everybody, across so many different sides. So we're sort of around there. What about going down though, Lewis? Who do you have for that? Well, this, we didn't mention them actually. Hull and Ipswich immediately. I think them two, I don't think they're going to be able to survive from coming up. Hull and Coventry? Hull, Ipswich. I think Coventry will survive. Right. I think Fulham. I think Fulham are really going to struggle. They've lost, take Harry Wilson, he's gone. A new manager in charge, Alba Loa. And I don't know, he's no Premier experience at all. And quite an aging squad. I think Fulham are going to be the ones where you go, we'll see how they get on opening game of the season against Chelsea. It's a Monday night game. And hey, I don't know who you'll have in the bottom three, but I think Fulham are going to be the ones that will suffer. I've got Hull, Fulham. I was toying with Newcastle. I think Newcastle may just get away with it, but they're going to be down there. Listen, sorry. And listen, I know there's going to be Newcastle fans. It's going to be a hard time. It's not personal. You know, this is just what we're thinking at the moment. I know some of you are worried as well. So it's not personal. Hull, Fulham, and Arsenal. I've got for relegation. So no, no, no. So Hull, Fulham, and I'm going Ipswich. I am actually going to go with Ipswich. Yeah. In that order. Two of the three. Oh, Kel, I don't know. Just, I mean, I have those three. If you're going to ask me order, you're going to be asking me goal difference next. That's just too much for me. So listen, it's, it's going to be tricky. Maybe we'll try this again in three days, in maybe three weeks or maybe a month, and then we'll see how things look. And then maybe we can revise it. But we, I know we can see lots of your stuff on the website. How much are you looking forward to it this season finally, Oh, massively. So like we're saying, it's so open this year and there's going to be some surprise packages as well. So no, massively looking forward to it. Before we go then surprise package, who's going to surprise us more than anybody else, whether it be good or whether it be bad. I, I think Leeds, I think some of their business so far this summer. Well, take James Trafford. That's an excellent signing in goal. Harry Wilson moving from Fulham to Leeds. Uh, and even at the back, they've very quietly done, uh, Nico Alvedi, who I've, this is a really rogue one, but I followed him whilst he was in the Bundesliga. And I just saw this come up on my phone and went, where on earth have they pulled that from? And so I think, I think there'll be a surprise ones this season. Good job, Lewis. Thanks a lot for your time. Love reading this stuff. Keep up the good work. So there you go. They say, and you know, it's not the definitive predictions. It's more of a play around with what we think. Uh, and that's how we see things are better for worse. So whether they age, well, I know they're not going to age. Well, I'll come back to all just, you can be the judge, or maybe we'll just forget and delete the whole thing. Once May comes around, plenty more to come on sport and GB News Originals with me, Paul Coit. Scan the QR code on screen to check out more of our sports coverage in the GB News sports playlist. Also a link in the description below. Thanks for watching. Enjoy the season and stay tuned for more.