The 2024/25 Premier League season is set to kick off on August 16, with several clubs vying for the coveted league title. Among them, two teams stand out as potential front-runners according to former England head coach Sam Allardyce - Arsenal and Manchester City.
Allardyce has predicted that this could be the year when Arsenal finally ends their long wait for a league title. The North London club last won the Premier League title in 2004 and has since been waiting for another triumph. With a quality squad and an equally competent manager in Mikel Arteta, who led them to runner-up finishes in the last two seasons, Allardyce believes that they are well-positioned to break their drought this time around.
Julian Alvarez’s departure will be big factor
On the other hand, despite having a terrific squad themselves, Allardyce feels that Manchester City might not be able to secure four consecutive league titles - something which has never been done before. He points out that their decision to let go of Julian Alvarez without an adequate replacement could potentially cost them dearly.
Sam Allardyce, former Leeds United manager, said:
“I just think that it’s four on the trot, never been done before,” said Allardyce on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast before continuing, “I think that they have got so much more pressure on them every time it goes on to make it five now, and the effort it needs to put into that.”
“Of course, if they have sold Alvarez and they don’t replace him, I just think that’s a bit of a blow for Man City. I also think Arsenal have been growing in the last two, three seasons and they came very close last year, but the year before they should have won it and they blew.”
“They blew the title. I think this time the squad has got better, more additions to the squad and so will bring Man City close. And that’s why I have just picked Arsenal over Man City.”
Tough race for the title this time
While both Arsenal and Manchester City have strong squads making them obvious choices as front-runners by Allardyce, other clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool cannot be ruled out from having their say in this race.
Manchester United will need significant signings across all areas of play if they hope to compete effectively against these top-tier teams. Meanwhile, Liverpool is entering a new era under manager Arne Slot which could bring fresh strategies and dynamics into play.
As we approach the start of another exciting Premier League season, it remains interesting how these predictions will unfold over time. Will the Gunners finally end their long wait? Or will Manchester City stumble at achieving an unprecedented fourth consecutive win? Perhaps there might be a surprise from the likes of Manchester United or Liverpool. Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - football fans and sports betting enthusiasts are in for an exciting season ahead.
