Newcastle United gatecrashed the top four of the Premier League last season, securing Champions League qualification for the first time in 25 years. It was a surprise result that disappointed the so-called ‘big’ clubs in the league, but can they repeat the feat in 2023/24, will the top clubs return to their best, or are there any other teams that can follow in Newcastle’s footsteps and upset the top-four odds.
The Usual Suspects
“Arsenal” (CC BY 2.0) by wonker
Last season’s treble winners, Man City, are, of course, the current favorites in the Premier League odds from Paddy Power to win their fourth title in a row, but they have had a tricky summer in the transfer market, losing two of their top stars and failing to replace them.
Last season’s treble heroics proved that this current City team could be regarded as one of the best of all time, and as well as the Premier League, they are also priced at 7/2 favorites for those looking to have a bet on FA Cup action. A top-four finish must be regarded as a certainty.
Arsenal will be still licking their wounds after last season’s capitulation in the title race, but there has been a lot of money spent at the Emirates Stadium this summer, and Mikel Arteta will be hoping that his new players can make a difference this season.
Currently, the second favorites to win the league in 2023/24, The Gunners are another team that should be top-four certainties.
Man Utd rounded out the top three last season, with Erik ten Hag having turned things around at Old Trafford. Transfer business has been slow to get going over the summer, but ten Hag put together a team that could compete with anyone last season, and they will once again be in the mix for a top-four challenge at the very least.
Comeback Kings?
Although both Chelsea and Liverpool had forgettable campaigns last season, the potential is there for both clubs to bounce back to their best. Both teams have made some very good signings over the summer, with Chelsea’s best acquisition being new manager, Mauricio Pochettino.
The lack of a top-class manager last season was a big part of Chelsea’s downfall last season, as was the crazy recruitment of players by new owner Todd Boehly. Pochettino has already begun to get rid of the dead weight in the squad, and if he can get the best out of the rest, Chelsea could be a big danger next season.
Pochettino 🗣️: “No game is a friendly when you’re at a club like Chelsea.”
— Pochettiniac (@Pochettiniac) July 19, 2023
Excited to see the team tonight 💙🇺🇸🔜 pic.twitter.com/TiDPNekdOj
Liverpool have also been shaking up their squad over at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp has put together a brand new midfield as a replacement for some of the elder statesmen of last season. Having finished off in fantastic form in the last campaign, any improvement could see them become title challengers once again.
Gatecrashers?
Newcastle showed last year that the top clubs don’t have a monopoly on the top four, and Eddie Howe’s men will be hoping for a repeat performance. Fighting on four fronts won’t be easy for such a small squad, however, and they may struggle to put in a similar performance.
Two teams that have the potential to gatecrash the Champions League places next season, are Brighton and Aston Villa. Both teams qualified for Europe last season, and with top-notch managers in charge, either club could be the surprise team next season.
