Sean Dyche is likely to be dismissed by Everton, while Enzo Maresca may have a longer tenure at Chelsea. Quick decisions favor Manchester United, Mo Salah, and Bukayo Saka.
1. **Brighton win a trophy**
Brighton have a history of strong starts, having won their opening Premier League match for three consecutive seasons. Their consistent performance, including a 3-0 victory over Watford in the 2019/20 season, might cause concern among Everton fans. Last season, they secured five wins in their first six games before showing signs of weakness. Despite this, Brighton’s recent impressive display against Everton, their stacked squad, and potential heavy summer spending position them well for another European qualification and possibly a trophy.
2. **At least one promoted side will stay up**
Many pre-season predictions forecasted a grim outlook for the three promoted clubs, highlighting the gap between the Championship and the Premier League. However, this season’s promoted teams, like Leicester, who drew with Spurs, and Ipswich, who challenged Liverpool, have shown they might be more competitive than expected. This group is not as outmatched as last season’s promoted sides.
3. **Wolves will be relegated**
For a more established Premier League team to go down, another must take their place. Wolves have made a strong case for relegation with a tumultuous pre-season and a disappointing summer transfer window. Managerial instability and the sale of key players without adequate replacements have left the team vulnerable. Despite no glaring issues in their expected loss to Arsenal, Wolves appear to be regressing.
4. **Mo Salah wins the Golden Boot**
Mo Salah continues to prove his critics wrong, consistently delivering in the opening matches of the season. While his form doesn’t always carry over to the rest of the season, his performance against Ipswich suggests that under new management, he might be even more lethal this year, potentially outscoring the likes of Erling Haaland.
5. **Spurs fail to qualify for Europe**
Spurs fans might have had their early-season optimism dashed after Jamie Vardy’s antics against them. Despite a promising transfer window, focusing on youth hasn’t addressed their immediate needs, and the added pressure of European competition could see them struggle to secure a spot in Europe next season.
6. **Manchester United qualify for the Champions League**
Manchester United’s recent performances, including their Community Shield appearance and their win over Fulham, indicate a team more solid and cohesive than last season. With new signings and fewer injuries, there’s no reason for Erik ten Hag and his squad to miss out on Champions League qualification.
7. **Pep Guardiola signs a contract extension**
Predicting Guardiola’s future is as challenging as guessing his starting lineup. Despite public hints about his contentment at Manchester City, it’s uncertain whether he will stay beyond this season. Having achieved nearly everything at the club, Guardiola might extend his contract for another year to take on new challenges or decide to leave on a high note.
8. **Bukayo Saka wins Player of the Year**
Mikel Arteta’s comparison of Bukayo Saka to Lionel Messi, though pressure-inducing, highlights the player’s unstoppable rise. Despite a busy summer, Saka’s performance against tough opposition shows he’s poised for a breakout season, potentially earning him personal accolades.
9. **Everton sack Sean Dyche**
Everton’s lackluster start to the season against Brighton, coupled with questionable lineup choices, suggests that Sean Dyche’s time at the club might be limited. Despite his candid acknowledgment of the team’s struggles, Everton’s repeated flirtation with relegation means something will have to change soon. As the ninth longest-serving Premier League manager, Dyche could be held responsible if the team doesn’t improve.
