The Premier League is just weeks away from kicking off, and predictions are already coming in from Opta and Sky Sports about how the season could shape up.
Liverpool are widely expected to retain their title after last season’s dominance under Arne Slot, while Arsenal are tipped to finish second once again, although by a tighter margin this time.
Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle and Aston Villa are predicted to occupy third through sixth, echoing last season’s top-six finishers.
Meanwhile, newly promoted sides Burnley, Leeds and Sunderland are projected to struggle and face immediate relegation.
These forecasts highlight both continuity and uncertainty across the division as clubs prepare for another intense campaign.
Manchester United, however, are under particular scrutiny.
Opta’s supercomputer predicts a 12th-place finish for United, only three spots higher than last season, despite the club’s significant summer investment in attack.
Ruben Amorim’s side have made three high-profile signings in Matheus Cunha from Wolves, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford and Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, bolstering a forward line that struggled last term relative to expected goals.
Yet, Opta’s prediction suggests that their additions may not be enough to lift United into contention for European qualification.
The reasoning appears to be United’s lack of investment outside the attack.
Goalkeeping, midfield and defensive areas remain largely unchanged, with only £7 million reportedly spent on defenders this summer.
Last season, the team conceded more goals than all but nine other sides and allowed more expected goals against than most, underlining weaknesses beyond just scoring.
Despite the new attacking options, United are predicted to begin the season with similar personnel in defence and midfield, raising questions about whether balance and solidity have been sufficiently addressed.
Sky Sports’ model is more optimistic, placing United in fifth and within reach of a Champions League position, reflecting faith in Amorim’s management and the impact of the new forwards.
The contrast between Opta and Sky Sports highlights the uncertainty surrounding United’s squad — the summer overhaul may have addressed one problem, but other areas still lag behind rivals.
As the season approaches, United fans will be eager to see whether the new signings can transform the team’s fortunes or if the predicted struggles highlighted by Opta will materialise once again.
