Michael Owen’s bold projections: Unveiling his complete Premier League rankings for the 2023/2024 season

As the anticipation for the forthcoming football season reaches its zenith, a familiar ritual unfolds – the realm of football creators and pundits delving into their crystal balls to prognosticate the fate of teams in the impending campaign.

The eve of the new Premier League saga looms on the horizon, merely a week away, and a luminary of the beautiful game, a former Ballon d’Or laureate, has unveiled his tableau of conjectures, offering a glimpse into his vision of the league hierarchy come the month of May in the year 2024.

The oracle in question? None other than the iconic Michael Owen, a maestro who once graced the ranks of Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Manchester United, and who etched his name in the annals of football history by clinching the coveted title during the 2010-11 season. An individual whose understanding of the game runs deep, and whose insights hold a special resonance.

With his prediction released into the digital stratosphere via the conduit of a tweet, let us embark on a voyage through his stratagem, dissecting the enigmatic calculus that has culminated in his audacious declarations.

Champions – Manchester City In a revelation that hardly raises an eyebrow, Owen’s selection for reigning champions is the formidable Manchester City. Fresh from a triumphant treble season, they stand as the quintessential behemoth to overcome, their indomitable march toward a sixth title in seven seasons requiring a seismic effort from the pursuing pack. The winds of change have swept through the City camp, with the departure of Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez. Yet, this annual metamorphosis, orchestrated by the maestro of tactics, Pep Guardiola, appears more a tradition than an impediment. A touch of renewal has graced the squad, including the acquisition of Mateo Kovacic and the impending capture of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig. Owen’s bet, a conservative yet resolute one, aligns with the status quo.

Top Four – Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United Among the coveted echelons, Owen designates Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United as the chosen triumvirate. Arsenal, an epitome of activity during the summer transfer window, strives to transcend their near-miss in the previous season and ascend to the zenith, bolstered by the acquisitions of Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, and Kai Havertz. A revival is the refrain, with the echoes of the Invincibles’ glory in 2003/04 serving as inspiration.

Liverpool, the champions of yesteryears, have orchestrated a midfield overhaul, bidding adieu to Fabinho and Jordan Henderson while welcoming Alexic Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai into their fold. A resurgence is in the air, and Owen’s projection augurs a squad equipped to navigate the arduous Europa League expedition that lies ahead.

Manchester United, a club steeped in legacy, stakes its claim under the stewardship of Erik ten Hag. A harbinger of potential Glazer ownership transition, their standing amid uncertainty is an intriguing subplot. Yet, a place in the top four is Owen’s wager, a nod to the progress made under ten Hag’s tutelage and the silverware of the Carabao Cup adorning their trophy cabinet.