10 things that will almost certainly happen in the Premier League in 2025

So here we are again. The clock is ticking on another surreal 12 months in the Premier League, a year that has kept us guessing, had fans behind sofas panicking about results and caused the kind of drama that continues to see the English elite hailed as the most exciting and thrilling. exhilarating in the world.

Well, sort of. Manchester City have won the title once again. Erling Haaland has grabbed the golden shoe again. Ange Postecoglou still frequently used the word “companion”. And what about the three promoted clubs? “We never saw it coming”…said absolutely no one.

Even VAR has settled in with more sensible procedures. But at least we approach 2025 with a certain mystique, most of it surrounding the collapse of City and Marcus Rashford, and for once the title race isn't as predictable as Russell Martin sticks to his philosophy.

Amid all this excitement and uncertainty, Express Sport gives you 10 guarantees on things that will definitely (maybe) happen…

Arsenal will not win the title

It's May 2025. Arsenal have just come from behind to beat already relegated Southampton on the final day, Kai Havertz defied his doubters with an impeccable finish for the winning goal, and Mikel Arteta is applauded while thanking the supporters itinerant.

The three points were not enough to give the Gunners silverware on the final day, falling woefully short for the third season in a row. But have no fear, he is a progressive and ambitious young coach who has built a team with an identity. Summer is also fast approaching and the club has big spending plans to ensure next year is their time.

Sound familiar? Probably, except for the location, it depicts the exact scene we all witnessed in the 2023/24 season finale. Arsenal have undoubtedly made strides forward under Arteta, but until a clinical leader is bought in, fans can hold on to their Invincibles posters.

Pep will be resurrected

Ok, let's enjoy it while it lasts. Since that day when neutrals danced in the streets because Sergio Aguero ended Manchester United's dynasty, it's City who are now the team everyone loves to hate. And their recent troubles (results-wise, not the off-field 115s) have brought festive joy to many.

Pep Guardiola also looks like a man who needs to sleep by the fire. But is the fall so unfathomable? It's almost as if the same group of players competing for four major trophies year after year, under the leadership of a fanatic known for his manic intensity, can wreak havoc from time to time.

City will not win the title this season, with Liverpool currently searching for their most likely successors. This summer, a multimillion-dollar spending spree will follow, as will the return of the seemingly irreplaceable Rodri, and business will return to normal in August and September.

Nunez will win the title

Remember Michy Batshuayi who won the title at Chelsea? No, that's probably not the case, because at this stage of the season you had long since stopped Antonio Conte's ailing ball, but it was one of eight goals he scored in the Premier League for the Blues in 48 appearances.

That's the exact ratio at which Darwin Nunez currently scores in the top flight, having scored two in 12 this season. Although his tendency to charge like a madman, subtly described by pundits as a “threat”, as well as his regular attempts to break the crossbars, make him a bigger star than Batshuayi.

Nothing would be more Darwin than not getting his third before the end of the campaign. Nothing would also be more Darwin than said goal of being an absolute screamer who clinches the title to Arne Slot and cements the Uruguayan in Anfield folklore forever.

Chris Wilder to leave Sheffield United

So the Championship season is over, Sheffield United have bounced back from the first attempt and Chris Wilder is about to make his third attempt to make them an established force in the Premier League. The previous two of course ended in resignation before relegation, then in simple relegation.

Yes, there was ninth place in this soulless Covid-19 campaign, but unless Mo Salah lends Rhian Brewster some superpowers, the club don't appear to have the playing squad or resources to stay in the elite. Ask Neil Warnock, some managers are born to shine in the second division, and don't expect Wilder to hang around if things start badly.

Rashford's return will fail

Ok, recent events suggest that Marcus Rashford could leave his boyhood club as early as January. But even though this time seems different, the speculation about his future is not a new revelation. Expect him to have some showdown talks with Ruben Amorim and come back rejuvenated, refreshed and ready to enjoy his football again with a smile on his face.

Excitement among United fans will reach fever pitch: unlocking the potential of one of their own could be Amorim's springboard to success at elite level. Of course, that won't happen. The former Englishman will show flashes, often more flattering to deceive, and leave pundits wondering if a generational talent has been lost.

Henry Winter will keep his phone on.

Graham Potter will remain out of work

It's December 2025, Ruud van Nistelrooy is under pressure at Leicester while West Ham have finally lost patience with Julien Lopetegui. They are among a host of clubs said to have made contact with former Brighton man Graham Potter, who, after much deliberation, is going precisely nowhere.

Potter's initial reluctance to return to football after his experience at Chelsea could be seen as reasonable. His ongoing exile now borders on the bizarre. Whether the private terms of his reward force him to stay on the sidelines or he waits to see if Brazil actually targets Carlo Ancelotti, his continued absence is doing his reputation more harm than good.

Chelsea sack Maresca

Enzo Maresca has done wonders so far at Chelsea. Whether it's trimming a bloated roster, exiling key signings or propelling them into title contention, it's the closest thing to calm during Todd Boehly's chaotic tenure. He might even finish this season with a trophy or two, securing a long-term contract and a license to shape his own team.

Absolutely no chance. This is Chelsea under Boehly, where progression gives way to poison and success must be sabotaged by chaos. There will be a minor disagreement next summer, an order or two, and that will be it. Presidents, like leopards, rarely change places.

Premier League to announce away matches

This will never happen. The fans will revolt. Gary Neville will lead a procession with pitchforks and signs. The game will lose its soul. Oh, actually, La Liga has now adopted the concept of league matches abroad, clubs are making millions from them, and we'd like some of that to level the playing field, please.

When an idea, even if it betrays tradition, continually circulates in football, it essentially means that it will one day be implemented. The global market is now such that once the ball gets rolling, English football will inevitably follow suit.

Everton will survive

This club survived a 2-0 final day defeat at Wimbledon, survived an FFP points deduction and even survived the appointment of Mike Walker. So rivals who scoff at the prospect of Everton's new home at Stanley Park dedicating its grand opening to the Championship might as well face reality – one way or another, the Toffees are will hang again.

There have been murmurs of discontent regarding the style implemented by Sean Dyche and his failure to make an emotional connection with Everton fans. It's the equivalent of Robinson Crusoe complaining that the bar on his rescue ship doesn't serve champagne.

Manchester City case WILL NOT be resolved

Oh yes, depending on your point of view, we left the most important or most boring news for last. But expect Portsmouth and Swansea fans already planning Manchester City's visit to the Championship next season, and the Citizens themselves keen to end the saga, to be disappointed.

The verdict is not expected until around February, so see you in April. Whatever the outcome, an appeal from both sides is expected, which will not be concluded until 2026 at the earliest. There is too much legal complexity for this to be sorted out while Thomas Tuchel is still in charge of England, so expect the '115' gybes to continue for some time yet.