IT’S OPEN SEASON

IT’S that time of the year again, with the Premier League season about to kick off. 

Liverpool and Bournemouth get the ball rolling tomorrow night at 9pm. 

The Reds will eye a good start to their title defence. But will they go all the way again? 

Here, Daily Voice staff members give their predictions for the upcoming season. 

ROLEN RAMKISHUN 

(Sports Content Manager) 

My top four are Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea.

Manchester City are my favourites to reclaim the Primer League title, with Pep Guardiola’s team benefiting from a revitalised squad and better service to Erling Haaland.

Liverpool remain strong contenders, but defensive vulnerabilities and the lack of a true defensive midfielder could expose them, particularly if injuries strike.

Arsenal will be competitive, though their tactical setup may hold them back from a serious title push.

Chelsea, boasting an explosive new attack, could challenge higher. Despite big investment, their imperfections keep them behind the top three, although their squad depth gives them an edge over rivals like Aston Villa and Newcastle.

Newcastle, under Eddie Howe, could still surprise even if key players depart.

Among the young stars, Ethan Nwaneri is progressing well at Arsenal, with his flair for decisive moments drawing attention, while Rayan Cherki stands out as a Pep Guardiola-style prospect with massive potential.

MATTHEW MARCUS 

(Content Manager) 

I skeem it will be a tighter race for the title this time around. So without any spoilers, here’s my pick for the top four. 

Holders Liverpool are favourites again, with Europe’s most creative attacker Florian Wirtz joining fellow new boy Hugo Ekitike in attack with the ageless Mo Salah.

If they can force Newcastle into selling Alexander Isak, then their rivals can maar toe maak en tel.

But Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal look set to push them closer for the prize they have missed out on for the past three seasons. 

With extra firepower in Viktor Gyokeres, supported by fit-again key players and the stingiest defence in Europe, the Gunners look a more settled team than Manchester City and Chelsea. 

Revamped City are a bit of an unknown quantity, with Pep Guardiola turning to the likes of Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Sverre Nypan and experienced heads like Jack Grealish and icon Kevin De Bruyne gone. 

Will they cope without Rodri if rumours of his departure prove true?

While the Blues have a new swagger after claiming the Club World Cup, consistency is the biggest question around Enzo Maresca’s Cup specialists.

DUDLEY CARSTENS 

(Acting Editor) 

It's now been 21 years since Va Va Voom and the Arsenal Class of 2003-04 lifted the Premier League trophy. 

As a lifelong Gooner, I’ve been saying ever since then that the next season is going to be ours. 

Truth be told, I’ve officially relinquished any hope that Arsenal will win the Premier League title this season. 

Top four? Yes. Champions? No. 

Following their dip last season, I believe Manchester City will be back with a bang this term. 

Coach Pep Guardiola has had the opportunity to trim and get rid of the dead wood. In Rayan Cherki they’ve added a baller, while a fit-again Rodri will give them the much-needed boost. 

Sorry Reds fans, but I don’t see Liverpool walking away with it this season. They have made some really nice signings, but does Arne Slot have what it takes in the second season? 

My dark horse are the club world champions Chelsea. Their fans might not want to admit it yet, but this Blues team looks ready for a big challenge again. 

As for the Red Devils? Top six. Maybe fifth. 

I do get a sense that we will see a Leicester-like season. It will be a good change of pace. 

FRANCOIS DE WET 

(Sports Writer/Sub-editor) 

Surely it can’t get worse than last season?

As a Manchester United fan, that is what I keep telling myself ahead of another season of Premier League football.

Watching my team end 15th last time out, losing a European final to Tottenham of all teams and not qualifying for the Champions League, had this Red Devil down in the dumps.

Especially after we signed a vrag players under former manager Erik ten Hag who did not cut the mustard or bring the promise of challenging the big guns.

Ahead of this campaign, there are again die hele se nuwe manne brought in by Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim, but for this United fan I simply can’t see us challenging for the title.

At the end of the last campaign, I predicted an improved season where a fifth-place finish would be enough for me to make up for the previous horror show.

There is also no better way to kick off the season for me than to face one of our biggest rivals in Arsenal in a Super Sunday showdown at Old Trafford.

A game we must win to make the right noises ahead of what will be a truly tough campaign.