It's that time of the year again - the annual act of foolishness in which I try to predict the outcome of the 2024-25 season for all 20 Premier League clubs.

Tipping Manchester City to win last season's title hardly required genius, although tipping Aston Villa to finish fifth - they finished fourth and in the Champions League - at least earned some plus points.

There are caveats - excuses by any other name - that transfer activity could significantly alter this landscape but this is how it stands in the current position.

So while hoping not to repeat 2015-16’s spectacular prediction that Leicester City would be relegated in the season they won the league, here we go.

Last season: Champions

Think about backing against them. Then think again.

Manchester City's relentless hunger for success under manager Pep Guardiola brought them a sixth Premier League title in seven seasons last term, and a record fourth in succession, despite Arsenal's excellence and consistency.

All the same world-class quality remains, allied to the generational goal machine that is Erling Haaland. City will also have power to add armed with their vast resources plus another £81.5m after the departure of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid.

Young stars Oscar Bobb and James McAtee have shown they are ready to step up to new levels this season to strengthen Guardiola's already formidable hand even further. It is a daunting prospect for their rivals.

There will be a season when Manchester City do not win the Premier League - I'm just not sure this will be it.

Man City fan writer Freddie Pye on BBC Sport's Man City page:

"City will finish, once again, top. Understanding of philosophy, experience and Pep Guardiola's relentless hunger for more will be the difference, despite concern over a lack of new signings. Given our recent history too, you could comfortably regard this as realistic."

Last season: Second

Mikel Arteta's side - lifted to a new level by the arrival of Declan Rice - pushed Manchester City even closer for the title last season but could not maintain the levels of near perfection needed to keep them at bay.

I am backing them to give City the closest run for their money again this season given the all-round talent the Gunners possess.

The signing of Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori bolsters an already strong area of the side but Arsenal must surely be in the market for a proven goalscorer before the close of the transfer window, a component still lacking for all last season's excellence.

The title may be out of reach once more but they will definitely be in contention for silverware. They will also have the experience of last season’s Champions League campaign to call on.

"First. Arsenal have every reason to be confident this season, but the truth remains that to be the best they will need to beat the best. And I think they will. I'll be bold - Arsenal will win the league this year."

Last season: Third

Arne Slot is undertaking the seemingly impossible task of replacing Jurgen Klopp but the former Feyenoord coach benefits from inheriting an outstanding squad left behind by his predecessor.

Liverpool have an array of world-class talent, with Mohamed Salah still the talisman, along with keeper Alisson, captain Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Slot also has Liverpool's young brigade to call on. This can be the real breakout season for Harvey Elliott, with England's new interim manager Lee Carsley a huge admirer.

Martin Zubimendi's decision to stay at Real Sociedad was a blow as Liverpool seek a new number six for Slot.

And while there is understandable anxiety from supporters about the lack of signings, this remains an exceptionally strong Liverpool squad. They will challenge for trophies and finish in the top four.

"Third. Well clear of fourth. With a great run in the revamped Champions League. I still don't know much about Slot and he's keeping his cards close to his chest. But pre-season has been good and the squad is strong."

Last season: Fourth

I tipped Aston Villa to finish fifth last season based on Unai Emery's expertise. He went one better and put them in the Champions League, a superb achievement.

I believe they will stay in the top four, having broken through that glass ceiling. An ambitious club with a top-class manager and a developing squad.

Douglas Luiz will be a loss after leaving for Juventus but plenty of quality remains elsewhere. Ollie Watkins is a proven Premier League marksman who also demonstrated his ability with England at Euro 2024.

Amadou Onana's £50m capture from Everton is intriguing. He flattered to deceive so often at Goodison Park but plenty of sound judges rate the gifted Belgium midfielder as a genuine star of the future. Ross Barkley's return has the element of a punt about it but he was cheap at £5m and showed his class at Luton Town last season.

Ian Maatsen is a smart capture from Chelsea, the Dutch left-back having helped Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final during his loan spell last season.

Champions League football will put an additional strain on Emery's squad but I fancy top four again.

"Sixth. The fact that's being conservative shows you how far Villa have come under Unai Emery. If Villa got through the expanded group stages of the Champions League and once again qualified for European competition via the Premier League, that would be a very satisfactory season."

Last season: Eighth

Erik ten Hag is still in a job after winning the FA Cup last season but he is surely realistic enough to know he needs a good start to stop speculation rearing its head again, even after signing a new contract.

United have not made any signings that can be considered game-changers and the injury to new teenage central defender Leny Yoro was a body blow.

Ten Hag will hope Lisandro Martinez, a real warrior, can stay fit while he knows what Matthijs de Ligt can give him in central defence from his time at Ajax, but he was not an unqualified success at either Juventus or Bayern Munich - and it has often been a case of "buyer beware" when the latter are happy to sell their players.

Lots of questions to answer - not least from the manager. Can Marcus Rashford revive his career? What will become of Jadon Sancho? How will Joshua Zirkzee fit in?

There are outstanding youngsters, though, in Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, so with less than full confidence I go for an upgrade in league position this season. Ten Hag will need it.

"Fourth. As has been the case every season since 2013, United fans can realistically hope for as good as a top-four finish. But I can name three clubs likely to land above Erik ten Hag's side in several different combinations."

Last season: Fifth

Really interesting season ahead for Spurs. Yes, last season was an improvement under Ange Postecoglou, especially after the departure of Harry Kane, but missing out on the top four after getting into such a strong position must be considered a missed opportunity.

Postecoglou’s brand of attacking football was a sharp contrast to the stodge of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte but was too easily rumbled by opponents in the second half of the season. The Australian showed no signs of bending but surely there must be more pragmatism?

Interesting transfer business, as well.

Dominic Solanke, signed from Bournemouth in a deal that could be worth £65m, showed signs last season of maturing into the striker Chelsea and Liverpool thought he might be while teenager Archie Gray looked an outstanding prospect at Leeds United.

Son Heung-min will once again be the inspiration and there is enough quality elsewhere to suggest top six is very realistic.

And watch out for 17-year-old Mikey Moore, a player those behind the scenes at Spurs discuss with barely disguised excitement.

"Fifth. My heart says top four, but my head says fifth. Let’s build on what Ange laid the foundations for last season by playing well more consistently, and give it our best shot to win the Europa League."

Last season: Sixth

Impossible to predict what will happen in the next 20 minutes at Chelsea, let alone what might have happened by the time May rolls around.

Another season and another new manager. This time it is Enzo Maresca, lured from Leicester City to succeed Mauricio Pochettino, who pieced together the small community that made up his Chelsea squad to take them into Europe, although there was disappointment in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.

Maresca has a squad bulging with talent. He also has a squad that is bulging.

Chelsea’s fans are disappointed to see Conor Gallagher potentially being sold but the revolving door keeps spinning and will continue to do so until the transfer window closes. Pedro Neto is an exciting arrival from Wolves, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is another good signing, but where is the structure and what is the plan?

Once again, it seems like the scattergun is out at Stamford Bridge.

There is real talent in this squad, with Cole Palmer a brilliant signing who made a huge impact for England at Euro 2024, scoring in the final against Spain, so if Maresca can get it right, this might be an unflattering prediction.

Maresca, however, has much to prove. Is he actually an upgrade on Pochettino or simply someone will adhere more to the whims of Todd Boehly and the Chelsea hierarchy?

"Chelsea will finish in seventh place, far off the top teams once again. We hope this season sees fans able to build connections with this group of players and with the club again, before they lose touch entirely."

Last season: Ninth

Julen Lopetegui has replaced David Moyes, whose full worth to West Ham United may yet become clear in the months ahead, and not just because he won the Europa Conference League.

Lopetegui has been keen to return to the Premier League since leaving Wolves and has the squad to prove his worth, backed by good transfer business in the summer.

West Ham already had plenty of class with Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus, while they have added to that with the signings of Crysencio Summerville from Leeds United and Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund. The powerful Germany striker looks a perfect Premier League fit.

Lopetegui has also been reunited with former Wolves captain Max Kilman, who will play alongside Jean-Clair Todibo at the heart of defence, a signing regarded as a real coup.

Prospects look good for the Hammers if Lopetegui can piece it all together. Good bet for a cup.

"Eighth-10th. The hope is that we build on the solid foundations set by David Moyes while also playing a nicer style of football. We're not looking for prime Barcelona, just signs that we actually want possession of the football."

Last season: Seventh

Strange summer at Newcastle United, with churn backstage caused by the departure of Amanda Staveley from the boardroom and the arrival of Paul Mitchell as sporting director following Dan Ashworth's move to Manchester United.

The European football Newcastle thought they had was taken away by Manchester United's FA Cup final win over Manchester City, while profit and sustainability rules (PSR) meant the reluctant sales of Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest and Yankuba Minteh to Brighton respectively.

And then came the revelation that the departure of last season's star man and England winger Anthony Gordon to Liverpool had even been discussed to raise funds until other players left.

Throw in the speculation linking manager Eddie Howe with England and it has hardly been plain sailing on Tyneside.

However, if Newcastle can get a deal for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, arguably England's best player at Euro 2024, over the line then the club and the Toon Army will feel a lot better about themselves.

Top 10 but still some uncertainty at Newcastle United.

"I think Newcastle will finish fifth and secure European football for another season. My hope is that we finish fourth and get back into the Champions League, and that we get to one cup final this time around. We were depleted last season as we dealt with an unprecedented injury crisis, but we now have depth back in the squad."

Last season: 10th

Crystal Palace did not want last season to end, playing thrilling, free-scoring football under new manager Oliver Glasner, inspired by Eberechi Eze, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Michael Olise, with new young star Adam Wharton pulling the strings.

Olise has left for Bayern Munich and Palace must hope to keep the other three, although Guehi may be on his way to Newcastle.

If they do stay, then Glasner's all-out attacking approach has every chance of making it another entertaining, enjoyable season at Selhurst Park.

"Tenth place. Last season was only the fourth time the club has finished in the top half of the top flight, three of those being in 10th. Establishing themselves as the best of the rest would be a big step forward for Palace, even if it's not to the outside world."

Last season: 15th

Sean Dyche did a fine job to spare Everton another late scramble for Premier League survival after they were deducted eight points for breaches of profit and sustainability rules. He will hope no similar complications arise in what will be an emotional final season at Goodison Park.

Everton rebuffed Manchester United to keep prize asset Jarrad Branthwaite, at least so far, his powerful partnership with James Tarkowski pivotal - along with the outstanding goalkeeper Jordan Pickford - in recording the fourth-best defensive record in the Premier League. They have been joined by the giant figure of Republic of Ireland defender Jake O'Brien from Lyon.

Amadou Onana has left for Aston Villa but £50m can be regarded as good business given his indifferent performance.

Everton's problem was a lack of potency, with much reliance on the fitness of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but Dyche has added flair with Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille and Denmark winger Jesper Lindstrom on loan from Napoli.

They will need luck with injuries to fulfil this forecast, as well as one or two more additions, but I do not see Everton struggling this season.

"I'm predicting 11th. Hopefully a comfortable mid-table finish. Goodison Park deserves the greatest of send-offs and one that is most definitely not dictated by any potential battles for survival. Complete faith in the manager - he's earned it."

Last season: 11th

Brighton's season rather fizzled out in the final days of the charismatic Roberto de Zerbi and, in keeping with the club's approach, he has been replaced by the intriguing appointment of the Premier League's youngest-ever permanent manager in 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler, fresh from leading St Pauli into the Bundesliga.

Hurzeler takes over a talented squad, with the return of exciting Japan star Kaoru Mitoma a huge lift. He will also hope young striker Evan Ferguson can fulfil his rich potential in an attack also boasting Joao Pedro and Simon Adingra.

Yankuba Minteh and Ibrahim Osman add threat, although the loss of cult hero Pascal Gross will be felt.

Hurzeler will also hope Brighton can fend off overtures from Napoli for Billy Gilmour so he can figure in midfield along with new £25m signing Mats Wieffer from Feyenoord.

This may not be the top-six season of a couple of years back but Brighton are always so watchable and will be again. A trip to Amex Stadium is never a wasted one.

"We'll finish 10th. Playing it safe by going slap bang in the middle as it is impossible to know whether Fabian Hurzeler will succeed in English football or appointing a 31-year-old is a gamble too far. I suspect it will be fun finding out, either way."

Last season: 13th

Fulham finished in a comfortable position last season despite losing key striker Aleksandar Mitrovic. This time manager Marco Silva must do the same after losing outstanding midfielder man Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich and key defensive duo Tosin Adarabioyo to Chelsea and Tim Ream to Major League Soccer club Charlotte FC.

Silva, however, has proved himself adept at dealing with such matters and the acquisition of Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal could be a masterstroke, a talented player loved by Gunners fans who simply could not force his way into regular contention.

Ryan Sessegnon has made a popular return from Tottenham and if defender Diego Carlos can arrive from Aston Villa then Silva can be satisfied with a decent summer.

Calvin Bassey was a growing force in defence last season while striker Rodrigo Muniz developed rapidly. Silva will count on him.

Much will depend on Silva himself but think Fulham will have a relatively untroubled season.

"I'm saying 10th. We’ve lowered the average age of a squad that was the oldest in the league. And in what could be Marco Silva's last campaign at the Cottage, I'm hoping he cements his legacy - perhaps even with a domestic cup?"

Last season: 12th

The loss of Dominic Solanke, who provided 19 Premier League goals last season, was a bitter blow to the Cherries but under the guidance of manager Andoni Iraola there will still be optimism on the south coast.

Iraola provided a measured, calm response to a dreadful start last season by sticking to his pressing principles and Bournemouth improved.

Solanke's departure will increase responsibility on Antoine Semenyo and more consistency will be expected from Luis Sinisterra now he has made a permanent £20m move from Leeds United after a loan spell.

Could be anxious times ahead but expect the Cherries, under Iraola, to survive.

"Tenth. We can finish in mid-table this season, so I'm going for a 10th place finish. In our first season back in the top flight, we finished 15th under Gary O’Neil, last season it was 12th under Iraola. Another step forward feels doable."

Last season: 14th

Gary O'Neil did a first-class job after taking over at Molineux in turbulent circumstances just before the start of last season following the departure of Julen Lopetegui. The same again would be more than good enough after a quiet summer of incomings at Wolves so far.

Max Kilman and Pedro Neto are big losses, although the latter was often missing because of injury, so Wolves will rely heavily on O'Neil, who has just been rewarded for his work with a new four-year contract.

Tommy Doyle has made his move from Manchester City permanent after good season on loan but Wolves will need to reinvest some of the money raked in for Kilman and Neto to keep O'Neil's side away from trouble make sure this forecast comes to fruition.

This prediction leans heavily on more new signings and O’Neil’s ability, but I think Wolves can avoid danger - and surely they will get a better deal from VAR this season.

"Ninth. Gary has Wolves purring nicely and we look like a team that can push on. On the whole, the friendlies have unveiled a new side of Wolves, with a higher pressing game and plenty of energy. With new recruits and returning players, the squad now looks much stronger. I am predicting a top 10 finish and a push for a European spot."

Last season: 17th

Nuno Espirito Santo's presence as Nottingham Forest manager in succession to Steve Cooper was hardly inspirational but the priority of survival was achieved, especially after being deducted four points for breaching financial regulations.

It gives the Portuguese the chance to push on in an attempt to satisfy the demands of Forest owner Angelos Marinakis.

Forest’s magnificent support at the City Ground was a crucial factor and will be again, as will the continued presence of Morgan Gibbs-White, a significant contributor to their cause in the past two seasons. It is vital that Forest hold on to him.

He will be a central figure along with last season's player of the year Murillo, with the outstanding 22-year-old defender linked with Chelsea, Spurs and Atletico Madrid. Forest are under no pressure to sell and the Brazilian appears happy to stay.

Wales right-back Neco Williams has attracted interest from Atalanta but if Forest keep this squad together (and they are always looking to add) then I see them staying up.

"A hopeful 14th. Ideally we’d like a solid season, without too many changes or too much controversy, and an opportunity to see the team progress and really find their feet this year. It won’t be easy but it’s definitely possible."

Last season: 16th

The shadow of Ivan Toney's potential departure will hang over Brentford for the rest of this transfer window and there is no doubt it would damage the Bees in a big way if he leaves, especially after a cruel twist of fate in pre-season.

Brentford completed the club record £30m signing of Brazilian striker Igor Thiago from Club Bruges, perhaps in readiness for Toney's sale, only for him to be ruled out until near the end of the year, having required knee surgery after being injured in a friendly against AFC Wimbledon.

It makes a deal for Toney even more hazardous to contemplate but it may still happen with the England striker entering the final year of his contract.

Manager Thomas Frank continues to do a fine job but this may be his biggest test, although the £27.5m signing of Liverpool's talented 21-year-old Fabio Carvalho will lift morale.

It makes Bryan Mbeumo's presence even more significant while the return after injury of experienced defender Ben Mee, who has signed a new one-year deal, will also be a boost.

"Twelfth. The strength of Brentford's forward line - even without Igor Thiago for now and if Ivan Toney leaves - should ensure a comfortable 12th-place finish. My overall hopes are for a largely injury-free campaign and a good cup run."

Last season: N/A

No pleasure in any of these last three placings - all great clubs back in the top flight and no doubt all as determined to make complete fools of naysayers such as this one.

Southampton came up by beating Leeds United in the play-off final after a season playing in the attractive manner demanded by their progressive young manager Russell Martin.

It may be a high-risk strategy in the Premier League, as Burnley discovered last season, but Martin does not appear for turning. He does it his way - admirable and sure to increase his reputation if he can pull it off.

Flynn Downes has made his loan move from West Ham United permanent, the same applying to Taylor Harwood-Bellis after promotion triggered a £20m switch from Manchester City.

Ben Brereton Diaz will be asked to bring goals after the Chile striker's £7m move from Villarreal while Adam Armstrong, last season's play-off match winner who scored 24 goals in the Championship, will hope to have better fortunes in his latest crack at the Premier League.

Will it be enough? I'm not convinced but the environment at St Mary's will be a tough one for opponents.

"I'm going for 16th. The aim will be survival. Past form is an issue, but improvements have been made and we take momentum from Wembley. The home opener against Forest will be a good gauge of how far we've come from the 2022-23 drop."

Last season: N/A

A welcome return to the Premier League for a club that sleepwalked into the Championship in 2023 - and it comes following a turbulent summer and the possibility of a points deduction making their task even more difficult.

The club have made a shrewd appointment in Steve Cooper, who knows this course well after keeping Nottingham Forest up, following Enzo Maresca's departure for Chelsea.

Chelsea also took last season's star player Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and there is that looming concern over charges of allegedly breaking financial regulations.

Cooper will look to the vast experience of former England duo Conor Coady and Harry Winks, while evergreen Jamie Vardy is still at King Power Stadium, although at 37 he will be handled with care. Abdul Fatawu, a real fans' favourite on loan from Sporting Lisbon, will add flair and dynamism after signing permanently.

The Foxes are trying to get Wilfried Zaha on loan from Galatasaray and have made a bid for Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannidis to increase firepower.

Cooper and Leicester could defy the odds but it may well be a steep uphill struggle.

"Seventeenth. We have to accept that we are not the Leicester City side that had achieved Premier League stability, we are the new boys. Give me 17th and I'll bite your hand off. That is where I think we'll finish."

Last season: N/A

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has already performed miracles to win back-to-back promotions in going from League One to the Premier League. If he keeps the Tractor Boys up, it will be his biggest achievement.

McKenna is one of the most highly rated young managers around, and his decision to sign a new four-year contract amid interest from Chelsea and Brighton was the biggest deal of the summer.

Ipswich will enjoy their rating as underdogs and McKenna will not worry about being written off but survival alone can be considered a huge success for the Suffolk club.

They have spent carefully in bringing in Liam Delap and Jacob Greaves, while Ben Johnson brings Premier League experience from West Ham United on a free.

No-one inside the atmospheric Portman Road will believe relegation is on the cards and nor will McKenna or his players - but it will be some feat if they stay up.

"Seventeenth - there is optimism amongst some of the fanbase that mid-table is possible, but the Premier League is a totally different level to what we're used to. Survival is a realistic objective for us, with the chance of springing a few surprises along the way."