The Racing X Predictor does it again! Revisit this article originally posted to racingx.com on August 12, 2024. Make sure you stay tuned for our next pre-season predictions!
DYNASTY OVER OR HISTORY AWAITS?
As much as we try and build a case for another team to come and spoil the historic four-peat party, the contending group of Arsenal, Liverpool & Tottenham, will need some major issues to engulf City, should they end this dynasty.
There are some factors that could be the undoing of Man City; Being distracted by Pep’s future at the Club; Some age weary legs in De Bruyne and Kyle Walker; A question mark over Alvarez joining Atletico Madrid and a reliance on Rodri, all could see them starting slower than they did in 2022/23.
The pre-season matches have shined a light on some possible issues that Pep needs to fix and quickly. Both Aston Villa and Wolves took advantage of Rodri’s absence, with their midfield’s running riot.
Their own midfield also has question marks over it. Nunes and Kovacic haven’t created the magic that Gundogan did before his departure and the fact they haven’t signed any big names, outside of the 20-year-old Brazilian Savinho, to counter this, it could be the biggest factor should they be on the demise.
ARE THEY GUNNER GET CLOSER?
Arsenal was brave and went perilously close last Season, but they were seen to be overachievers by many, so the jury is out as to whether they can punch above their weight again.
Arsenal fans have been screaming for a new centre forward, but with Game 1 fast approaching, it’s the other end of the ground that Arteta has invested in.
The signing of Calafiori further strengthens a backline that already includes a superstar in Saliba.
The pre-season matches has done little to put Gunners minds at ease however, with Havertz, Jesus and Martinelli performing below expectations.
Get a new Number 9 and the 90-point barrier will be broken. If not now, in the January transfer window.
NO MORE KLOPP, WITH A FRESH FACE IN THE SLOT
As Liverpool dawn on their post Klopp era, new Manager Arne Slot looks to be setting up a less chaotic game plan, which saw Liverpool concede the first goal 17 times last season, such was the manic approach to Klopp’s strategy.
With a more settled style, the likes of Nunez should benefit and Slot has some familiar faces in the dressing room, with Gakpo a former compatriot and Gravenbach in the same League as Slot in the Netherlands.
Anfield continues to be a fortress, so if they can start winning more games away, the title is within reach.
THE FINAL SAY
Dynasty over! Man City will start slowly and fail to claw back the points deficit set up by Liverpool and Arsenal. Expect Liverpool to be on top in April, as they were last season, with Arsenal hunting them down late and handing Arteta his dream trophy.
