GB News journalists reveal Premier League predictions ahead of first match between Liverpool and Bournemouth

As ever, there are plenty of talking points as millions of fans prepare themselves for nine months of pain, procrastination and everything in between.

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So the GB News sports team has now whipped out our crystal balls and attempted to look into the future. Read on below for our predictions.

Jack Otway

Premier League winners: Liverpool

When it comes to winning the title, it's hard to look past Liverpool.

Despite Sunday's defeat to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield, the Reds have strengthened considerably with big deals for the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.

Throw in the fact they already possess the best player in the league in Mohamed Salah, they're overwhelming favourites.

Top four: Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea

Arsenal have also bolstered their squad. The signing of Viktor Gyokeres has excited supporters of the north London side, in particular, while Noni Madueke has the potential to be a big hit.

But there's just this feeling with the Gunners that they're still not on Liverpool's level, which is why I'm putting them second.

In third, I'll go with Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's side regressed last term yet, on their day, remain formidable. Erling Haaland's goals will likely propel them into next season's Champions League.

As for fourth, Chelsea will probably get it. The Blues won the Club World Cup in the summer and, with Liam Delap and Joao Pedro at their disposal, should be able to challenge at the top.

Relegation: Burnley, Leeds, Brentford

While Sunderland came up, I'm expecting them to beat the drop. The signing of Granit Xhaka, who flourished at Bayer Leverkusen, could prove pivitol - especially as he's now club captain.

Regarding relegation, Burnley will finish bottom - while Leeds, despite spending freely, may just be too exposed under Daniel Farke given how much he struggled during his time as Norwich City manager.

The third team I'm expecting to be in the Championship in 12 months' time is Brentford. The Bees have punched well above their weight in recent years but with no Thomas Frank, Bryan Mbeumo and Mark Flekken, this might be a season to regret.

Fintan Starkey

Premier League winners: Liverpool

Liverpool were so dominant last year that they effectively took their foot off the gas in the final part of the season, and despite losing some key players in the transfer window, they have brought so much talent into their attack it seems impossible to not see them just outscoring opponents.

Arne Slot has found a system that works and despite their loss to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield last week I can't see anyone beating them to the country's ultimate prize.
Something would have to go drastically wrong for anyone else to win the league.

Top four: Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham

With Chelsea, considering how easily they beat PSG at the Club World Cup last month, they seem to have taken a step up. I think they will be well in the title fight, especially after signing Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.

The only reason I think they won't win is Liverpool's experience. They have competed at the top for so many years and know how to get themselves over the line.

Arsenal are a team I think stay in the top four. They can't seem to take that step to become the bride instead of the bridesmaid every season.

I don't think Viktor Gyokeres will be the missing piece of the puzzle as the Portuguese league is far tougher than the Premier League. It's far harder to shine in England than overseas.

For Tottenham, I'm either going to be right or absolutely wrong.

I think the momentum of the Europa League and the performance in the Super Cup against PSG are showing great signs for what might be about to happen under Thomas Frank. I think Spurs will either be in the Champions League places at the end of the season. Or, if I am wrong, maybe another relegation dogfight awaits...

Relegation: Brentford, Burnley, Sunderland

I don't see enough promising signs coming from Brentford, having lost such a key player in Mbeumo and Frank as manager.

There are a lot of questions surrounding them and this season we will see how well they can perform without the key figures of previous years.

Burnley and Sunderland are in the same boat for me. Despite being promoted last season, the level of the Premier League is going to be so high this season that the teams just won't be able to compete at the the highest level.

Ben McCaffrey

Premier League winners: Liverpool

Liverpool are undeniably good, especially if they get Alexander Isak from Newcastle.

Therefore, I'm expecting them to win the title again - even if there are some defensive concerns. Should they sign Marc Guehi, that would further boost their credentials.

Top four: Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City

The top four have pulled away from the rest this summer, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea all adding some shrewd signings to their ranks.

And while Manchester United and Tottenham have made good moves this summer and should be challenging for Europe, a place in the top four is most likely too far.

Relegation: Burnley, Brentford, Sunderland

There are a few teams in trouble: Bournemouth (after selling an entire backline) will regress after last season but should still avoid the drop given they've got quality players such as Evanilson and Antoine Semenyo.

West Ham are also set for another tough campaign. However, the squad they have will always be able to scrape survival - as last season showed.

Sunderland’s business is exciting and good, but I don’t think it’s sensible. Leeds has been sensible, and they will get more in, which is why I think the Black Cats will go down.

I'm also writing off Burnley and Brentford, too.

Callum Vurley

Premier League winner: Chelsea

This is a side that is set to finally come of age and has the taste of silverware fresh in their mouth.

After a couple of disappointing campaigns under Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino, Clearlake Capital might have finally struck gold with Enzo Maresca, who at 45 is still a managerial puppy.

But who better to lead a team of kids becoming men and finally realise their potential? This is the year end their Premier League hoodoo - nine years after their last.

Top four: Chelsea, Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal

Looking past Chelsea, the top four almost picks itself with Liverpool vastly strengthening, Manchester City finding themselves in a slight transitional stage and Arsenal tussling behind.

As title holders, Liverpool will scrap it out with Chelsea at the top alongside City, who will miss Kevin de Bruyne's brilliance while Arsenal just lack that tactical improvisation that a team needs to carry them through a long season.

Liverpool have bolstered their squad magnificently and the purchase of Florian Wirtz is by far the most significant. There could yet be more if Alexander Isak makes the move. If Newcastle finally relent, that could prove imperative to where the Premier League trophy ends up come May.

Relegation: Burnley, Leeds, Bournemouth

I'm sorry promoted clubs, but it will be a long, long season for you. Burnley and Leeds are counting on miracles to stay up this season and the signing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Elland Road, frankly, won't be enough for Daniel Farke's side.

As for Sunderland, they have signed some real stars; Granit Xhaka and Habib Diarra are excellent signings, and they might just pip Bournemouth to 17th.

The Cherries might be the first established Premier League side to go down in three years after selling their entire defence in Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi and Milos Kerkez, as well as Kepa Arrizabalaga's loan expiring. Therefore, I'm going with them to be in the Championship in 2026.