Title contenders Manchester United finish sixth and Newcastle end their trophy drought – talkSPORT presenters offer their bold Premier League predictions

The Premier League returns this weekend and we at talkSPORT can't wait to see what the season has in store.

Recognised as one of the most exciting leagues in the world, it is the twists and turns throughout the 38-game season that will leave fans captivated throughout, and fans will be able to enjoy the action on talkSPORT throughout the season.

While many Premier League fans will be able to predict certain outcomes, such as Erling Haaland score a lot of goals: talkSPORT's Drive presenters decided to try and make some less predictable predictions.

These are predictions that go against the general consensus, so what do Darren Bent and Andy Goldstein expect to happen during the 2024/25 season?

Here are the talkSPORT duo's bold predictions…

Darren Bent

Dominic Solanke to score more than 20 Premier League goals

“Dominic Solanke has never scored 20 Premier League goals in a season.

“For Solanke, 19 goals last season, now he is ready for that big club.

“He had a short stint in Chelsea When he was young, he went to Liverpool And that didn't happen, but at Spurs I think he will score more than 20 goals this season.

“If he can score his first goal early in the season, that will give him a lot of confidence. If he can score early, everything will settle down.”

Aston Villa will successfully juggle Premier League and Champions League

“Aston Villa will reach the Champions League quarter-finals. They are going for it.

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“The last time they were in the Champions League, in 1981/82, they won it.

“I don’t think they will drop in level in the Premier League. They might suffer a bit, but I don’t think it will be anything drastic; they won’t finish tenth.”^He or anything.”

Arsenal will win the Premier League

“They haven't won the league since the 2003/04 season, I think this is their time.

“We will distribute the goals, I think we are solid defensively, we will find a way to do it.

“Our two centre-backs are incredible, David Raya is a permanent signing so after being close for two years in a row, I think this is his time.

“If City have a slump, I think… Arsenal They will be the next best team to exploit that.”

Ipswich to finish in top 10

“The last time they were promoted, in 1999/00, they finished fifth. Fifth, in their first season back, is incredible!

“George Burley was the miracle worker last time, this time it will be Kieran McKenna.

“I think they will finish in the top 10.”

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Newcastle will win a trophy

“They haven't won the FA Cup since 1955, were runners-up in 97/98 and 98/99 and have never won the League Cup.

“His last trophy, if you can call it that, was the Intertoto Cup in 2006.

“I think Newcastle will win a national cup this year.”

Andy Goldstein

Enzo Maresca will be fired at the end of the season

“By Christmas Chelsea will be eighth and I think he will leave then. Either he will be sacked or he will leave.

“That club is a complete disaster: they are signing many new players and Maresca will not see his best team.

“When you sign a lot of big names for a lot of money, a lot of these players are not going to get the chance to play.

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“I think the job is too big for him.”

Manchester United will remain in the title race in April

“I think they will be two wins or five points behind the leaders, whoever they are.

“I think Manchester United will be there or close to it.

“I still think another player will come in and I hope the defence is settled and we have plenty of attacking options.

“In March or April we will be in second or third place.”

Eddie Howe will keep the England job and Scott Parker the Newcastle one

“Scotty Parker is going to take the Championship by storm and Burnley will be in great form in January.

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“You'll think 'I could just leave them because I'll be leaving them in a good place.'

“Lee Carsley will do a good job as caretaker manager, but they will be looking for a new long-term manager.

“I don't think Newcastle will do so well in the Premier League, the pressure will be on him.” Eddie Howe And that means he'll say 'I had a great time' and go off to train in England.

“Then former Newcastle midfielder Scott Parker will fly high and head there.”

Arsenal will not finish in the top two

“Believe Manchester City He will be up there, Liverpool will not be there, but Manchester United willpower.

“I don't think Arsenal will have a good season, I think they will realise that.

“I don't think so Mikel Arteta is good enough to get them to the finish line. I really don't think so.”

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Liverpool will not finish in the top five

“I'm very serious about this.

“When a new coach arrives at a big club, expectations are so high that they very rarely meet expectations.

“I just don't think it will happen.”