Premier League 2018/2019: Who is going to win the league? Pundits give their predictions



Who will win the league? which teams will make the top four? Can Mohamed Salah defend his Golden Boot? And which teams will get relegated at the end of the season?
Here's what the experts had to say....




WHO WILL WIN THE LEAGUE?

MICHAEL IMIANVAN (Twitter: @MichaelImianvan ) - Football pundit with OGTV and football writer for Sports Ration

 Winner: Manchester City


For all the Citizens'brilliance last season, the squad depth at Pep's disposal is huge. Added to the ranks too is Riyad Mahrez, and Benjamin Mendy looks like a new signing after his injury woes last season. And you want to say City have what it takes to retain their title.

Liverpool look like they'd ruffle City's feathers in the battle for the title, but Klopp's side lack the experience, while Manchester United squad isn't convincing. For Arsenal and Chelsea, it's a new manager at the helms of affairs, which makes it even more difficult.



USMAN LUKMAN (Twitter: @Zezk_Lukman ) - Football expert and contributor on Odiko Godwin's blog

Winner: Manchester City


I have been tipping City to win the league since Pep Guardiola arrived in England, and I don't think other rivals have done enough to change my mind just yet. I think there is so much talent in this City team to successfully defend the title.






ODIKO GODWIN (Twitter: @OdikoGodwin ) - Freelance football pundit, columnist with Nigerian Tribune Sports and Vavel UK

Winner: Liverpool


I think everybody will easily hand this title to City again, but I am backing Liverpool to win it. I started this Premier League predictions ahead of every football season on my blog in the season that Antonio Conte joined Chelsea, and gracefully, I have been able to call correctly from that season the team that will win the league. So, I am not just tipping Liverpool here, I am really sure of them winning it.

I think they have shown in what they have done in the transfer window that they are ready to finally go for the title and I am backing them to win it.

When Chelsea won it in Antonio Conte's first season, Pep Guardiola and City responded ferociously in the market and fixed all that was needed to be fixed with the players they brought in the following summer. And I said here before the start of that season that they have shown with those buys that they are ready to win the league - and they won it emphatically. I think Liverpool's undoing for the past  two seasons or more have been their poor defense. They score but concede too many goals. But they responded by bringing in Virgil van Dirk and now goalkeeper Alisson Becker. And not to forget their wing backs have been tremendously improved by Jurgen Klopp, turning average wing backs into world beaters - I am talking about Trent and Andrew Robertson.

Liverpool were the only side that defeated City thrice last season. But they were dropping points against teams they shouldn't be dropping points against. But with the squad they have right now and the goalkeeper they have brought in, I really see them emerging as champions in May 2019. Can't underestimate the importance if a good goalkeeper in a team. Ederson Moraes between the sticks for City was very pivotal to them winning the league last season, and de Gea between the sticks for United - had the most saves in the league and was the major reason they finished second last season. There is strong depth in that Liverpool squad right now, especially with the signing of Shaqiri, Fabinho and Keita. But I think Alisson between the sticks for Liverpool this season will really be the catalyst for them and will inspire them to emerge as champions ahead of City just by the skin of their teeth, though. While I fancy Manchester City to go win the Champions League. Because I really think the Champions League will be the main priority for City this season. After all, that was the major reason they got Pep Guardiola. 



WHICH TEAMS WILL MAKE THE TOP FOUR?


MICHAEL IMIANVAN: 1- Manchester City, 2- Liverpool, 3- Arsenal, 4- Manchester United


USMAN LUKMAN: 1- Manchester City,  2- Manchester United, 3- Liverpool, 4- Arsenal



 ODIKO GODWIN: 1 - Liverpool, 2- Manchester City, 3- Manchester United 4- Arsenal




 WHO WILL WIN THE GOLDEN BOOT?


MICHAEL IMIANVAN: Pierre Emerick Aubameyang

The Arsenal man joined the Premier League last winter and went on to score 10 league goals  in ony 13 games. Speaks volume, right?.. yes. And rightly so. With Ozil, Mkhitaryan and Lacazette ready to provide him with the assist, the Gabonese should take this one.


USMAN LUKMAN: Pierre Emerick Aubameyang

He is someone who constantly challenged Robert Lewandowski for the top scorer crown while he was in Germany. And his goal-scoring form hasn't dipped (not even the slightest) since joining the Gunners - scoring 10 goals in 13 appearances last season.


ODIKO GODWIN: Mohamed Salah


I can't find anyone other than Mohamed Salah. Was really terrific in front for Liverpool last season and I think he will only get better this season. Aguero is another poacher that can really trouble Salah for the crown, but I can only see him finishing second to Salah. And I think Arsenal's Aubameyang will be one to look out for this season also: as I see him propelling Arsenal back into the top four with his goals.



 WHICH TEAM WILL SURPRISE EVERYONE THIS SEASON?


 MICHAEL IMIANVIAN: Wolverhampton

Wolves have made some terrific signings from Moutinho to Rui Patricio and they come on as champions of the Championship last season. Just like the surprise packages from Burnley last season. Get ready for the Wolves brilliant season.


USMAN LUKMAN: I don't feel any team will be surprise package this season but I feel Everton would do a lot better than last season.


ODIKO GODWIN: West Ham

I will pick West Ham. Everyone is expecting them to finish in the Europa League spot at the minimum; with the signings they have done and the manager they have now, but I think they will struggle with the pressure and they will end up disappointing.



 WHICH TEAMS WILL GET RELEGATED THIS SEASON?


MICHAEL IMIANVIAN: Burnley, Southampton and Huddersfield


USMAN LUKMAN: Cardiff City, Wolves and Huddersfield



 ODIKO GODWIN: Southampton, Cardiff City and Huddersfield





You can follow and interact (directly) with all the pundits on twitter by clicking on their various twitter handles highlighted above.

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