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Dietmar Hamann has given his top-four prediction for the 2024-25 Premier League season, giving his take on Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Arsenal's chances. The Premier League's top-four has become akin to silverware for many.
The financial perks attached to UEFA Champions League qualification are huge and the competition has only increased in recent years. Aston Villa and Newcastle United, among other teams, have arguably emerged as genuine top-four contenders alongside the traditional big six.
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur would think their teams are good enough to make the cut next season. Hamann, however, feels the London duo will miss out on the top-four for the second campaign running.
The former Liverpool midfielder also predicted a surprise second-place finish for Manchester United, who struggled last season, and wrote on TopOffshoreSportsBooks (via Mirror):
"It's hard not to see Manchester City where they always are [at the top]. I'm not certain about Arsenal because they have missed their chances. I would go for Manchester City, Manchester United - if they make the signings they are linked with - then Arsenal in third and Liverpool in fourth.
"I've got a feeling Man United will do okay next season. Obviously, Kobbie Mainoo has been a breath of fresh air in the Euros and he'll play a major role."
It is worth mentioning that Manchester United have already spent a combined €104.5 million to sign Leny Yoro and forward Joshua Zirkzee. They are still believed to be looking at more new signings, with Manuel Ugarte and Jarrad Branthwaite among the names mentioned.
Kobbie Mainoo, 19, had a breakthrough season last term, scoring thrice and making an assist in 24 league matches, and is now viewed as one of their key assets. A lot of hopes will be pinned on the shoulders of the England international who most recently impressed at the 2024 UEFA Euros, making six appearances for his team in Germany.
A brief look at Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool's top-four finishes in recent seasons
Historically speaking, most of Dietmar Hamann's aforementioned picks are statistically reliable. Manchester City haven't missed out on top-four since the 2009-10 season, winning the league title an impressive eight times in that duration.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have been involved in a couple of title races in recent years but have fallen short each time. Mikel Arteta's side, nevertheless, look like a solid team now, having finished runners-up in the last two seasons.
Liverpool have always seen themselves among the very best in England, and they have the history to back such a claim. But with Jurgen Klopp now gone and a new quantity in Arne Slot taking charge of the team, it remains to be seen if they can continue their respectable Premier League record in recent seasons.
They missed out on the top four just once (2022-23) ever since Jurgen Klopp took charge of his first full season at the club in 2016-17. Manchester United, meanwhile, are the only team among Hamann's picks who didn't make the top four last term.
They finished a lowly eighth and the 20-time champions of England have made the top-four in just five of the 11 post-Sir Alex Ferguson seasons.
