It’ll be closer, but I expect Klopp’s men to retain title

TIME for me to get the tin hat on and give my Premier League predictions for the new season.

This first weekend of matches has definitely given us some clues but, as we know, it is a marathon, not a sprint.

Champions: Liverpool. I was expecting Jurgen Klopp to bring in some signings, especially with Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana going and funds being available, but I still believe their squad is the best in the league.

The gap was big last season and, although I believe it will be much closer this year, I see Liverpool as champions again, especially if their kids kick on.

Runners-up: Manchester City will significantly narrow the gap this season. I expected more signings, but Nathan Ake will improve their defence and a lot will be expected from Phil Foden.

Foden can fill the gap David Silva left and add a local-lad feel that the team has lacked.

Third: Chelsea. New signings take time to mesh together. I think the Blues have done three summers’ worth of great business but, with no pre-season, it will take boss Frank Lampard a while to get them clicking. The season came too soon. I am particularly looking forward to watching Kai Havertz.

Fourth: Manchester United. Barring any Paul Pogba dramas, I expect United to get the fourth Champions League place. I also expect more signings from them before the window closes.

Their midfield looks very strong, but manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men curently lack a centre-back and an all-out No.9.

Arsenal and Tottenham: Mikel Arteta has the makings of a great manager and the Gunners will make the biggest strides this year. I still rate Jose Mourinho (above) but wonder how far he can take this Spurs squad.

The relegation spots... Aston Villa: I believe Villa will lose out to Crystal Palace and West Ham, who have proven managers in Roy Hodgson and David Moyes; and Brighton who seem more gelled as a team.

Villa have a good enough squad to survive, but their performances last year make me fear for them. They will have to keep hold of Jack Grealish beyond the first week of October to have any chance of staying up.

West Brom: Leeds will be fine from the new boys, but don’t expect the same from the Baggies. While I think Fulham will be long gone early, I see West Brom and Villa going down in the final days. Premier League experience from the likes of Palace and Brighton will prove vital.

Fulham: They are in for a long, tough season. Scott Parker’s men will do well to get the seven wins they got last time they went down.

The Cottagers tried to play possession and fancy football against Arsenal on Saturday (much like Norwich last term), but they just don’t have the players to do it well enough.

Good luck to all the teams and here’s to a brilliant 2020-21 season.