Indeed, while speaking in the most recent episode of The Overlap, the pundits decided to come together and agree upon their top four, as well as their player of the season, biggest shock, top goalscorer and biggest shock. However, with so many big personalities in the room, they unsurprisingly struggled to reach a consensus.
The Overlap's Top Four
Man United the surprise pick
It was pretty easy for the four to agree that Manchester City and Arsenal would both make the top four, with Pep Guardiola's men backed as the likely winners. This comes as no surprise, seeing as they have won the competition on the last four occasions.
The Gunners coming at least second, having done so in the two prior campaigns, was also agreed upon with little discussion. However, there was more debate over the next two slots.
Scott mooted Manchester United to get in there somewhere, and former Red Devil icons Neville and Keane were quick to agree with her, despite Erik ten Hag's men coming eighth last season (the worst finish in the Premier League era). Neville then claimed:
"Liverpool [for top four], I'm not sure."
This sparked a response from Carragher, who seemed confused that Man United would be tipped to make the top four, but not Liverpool. Both he and Wright felt that the Reds would make it but with the others unsure, Tottenham were then mooted as an alternative by Neville.
Aston Villa were another shout, having claimed fourth-spot last season. But eventually, it was decided upon, sort of, that Liverpool would get the nod.
Predicted Premier League Top Four
1st
Manchester City
2nd
Arsenal
3rd/4th
Manchester United
3rd/4th
Liverpool
Possible 4th
Tottenham/Aston Villa
Player of the Season and Top Scorer
Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland
Arsenal's Martin Odegaard
Surprisingly, Wright began the discussion by bringing up new Chelsea signing Pedro Neto. This was quickly shot down by Keane, who said:
"He's always injured. F***sake, he's like [Luke] Shaw. He'll add to the chaos, he is going to add to the chaos. He'll run everywhere and then spend six months on the treatment table, [with a] hamstring injury."
Wright took the comments on board and quickly changed his opinion, mooting Martin Odegaard instead, saying: "If Arsenal do want I want them to [win the league], I'll go with Odegaard."
This claim got approval from both Neville and Keane. With three votes to the Arsenal man, Jill Scott then boldly predicted Oscar Bobb at Man City.
She backed him to get the minutes under Guardiola after impressing in the Community Shield, in which he assisted Bernardo Silva's later equaliser. The Portuguese was also given a shout from Scott, as well as last season's winner Phil Foden. Both Bukayo Saka and William Saliba were mentioned as other players who might claim the award.
Phil Foden poses with the Premier League trophy and his Premier League winners' medal.
Related
Ranking the 6 PFA Player of Year Nominees by How Likely They are to Win
When it came to naming the top scorer, there could only be one answer. Erling Haaland had claimed the Golden Boot in each of his first two seasons in England and he is the overwhelming favourite to make that a hat-trick in 2024/25.
Biggest Shock
Pep leaving, Arsenal winning league
Pep Guardiola
In terms of calling the biggest shock, the group were the most divided. Wright had a positive shout for West Ham, suggesting they could get to Europe. Scott said she had a hunch that Liverpool will win the FA Cup, although admitted it might not count as a 'surprise'.
Carragher asked whether it would be a shock to see Ten Hag last until Christmas, which seemed to annoy Neville. The ex-Man United man then outrageously claimed Liverpool won't make the top six. Keane half-agreed, claiming that the Reds might miss out on the top four if they can't make some new signings in the next few weeks.
Finally, they settled up on the idea that the biggest shock would be that Man City don't win the league, with Arsenal claiming top spot, and then Guardiola deciding to call it a day in Manchester to become the England manager.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Manchester City have won six of the last seven Premier Leagues, becoming the first to ever win four consecutive titles
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