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The Premier League season officially starts today as Arsenal travel to Selhurst Park to take on Patrick Vieira and the Eagles of Crystal Palace. Before that starts, I want to take you into my own mind and tell you some bold predictions I have for this season. This article is inspired by my friend Jose Ortiz, who definitely had some crazy bold predictions himself. In the words of Patrice Evra, “I love this game”. Let’s get into it.

1. Gabriel Jesus will reach the 20 goal mark at Arsenal

Gabriel Jesus is a playmaker. Simple as that. As a rotational striker for the champions Manchester City, Jesus recorded 13 goals and 12 assists in last year’s campaign. As the Gunner’s new No. 9, Jesus will finally for the first time in his Premier League career, will see consistent game time as a member of the starting 11. With both Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka assisting him on the wings, not to mention former City teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko as well, I expect to see Jesus reach his full potential.

2. This is James Ward-Prowse’s last year as a Saint, as Southampton will be relegated

After the glory years with Virgil van Dijk and Sadio Mané are now long gone, Southampton have been struggling the past few years in the top flight. The Saints have only finished higher than 15th once since the 2017/18 season, and I think this is the year their luck runs out. I do like the signings of Sékou Mara and Romeo Lavia, but I don’t think it will be enough to keep their head above water.

3. Newcastle’s new ownership finally splash the cash in the January transfer window

After signing a young star in Sven Botman for over $40 million in the summer window, Newcastle are on the prowl for their next big purchase. The Magpies have been linked to some of the biggest names in England as rumors swirl of potential arrivals like James Maddison, Maxwell Cornet and Timo Werner. After a solid season last year, which involved the signing of new star Bruno Guimarães, Newcastle are in a race to keep up with the big dogs of the Premier League. I expect them to have a decent start to the year under Eddie Howe and then in January make a very big signing to propel the club to the bigger levels that the financial takeover was intended to do.

4. Brendan Rodgers is sacked after yet another disappointing season for the Foxes

I honestly can’t tell you what is going on over there at the King Power Stadium. Club legend and goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has left the club for just over $1 million, Wesley Fofana is possibly on his way out and Jamie Vardy and his missus are appearing in court. The Foxes lone signing on the window so far… Dennis Praet after his loan spell at Torino ended. I don’t know what’s going on with this club but I’m sensing the former Liverpool manager will see the doors before the season comes to a close.

5. This duo combines for at least 45 G/A

Hey everyone look, the Liverpool fan is on a madness once again. Watch these two play and tell me I’m overreacting. You simply wouldn’t tell me such blasphemy. A front three of Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez and Mo Salah is nightmare fuel for all Premier League defenses. Díaz’s explosion on the ball combined with his incredible work rate will make it that much easier for both Salah and Núñez to find themselves with goal-scoring opportunities. Don’t forget that they will have Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson running down the flanks giving them service as well. The new era for Liverpool is here and I can’t wait to see it all come together for some trophies this season.

God has blessed me with life during arguably the greatest era of sports. And one of those benefits is enjoying the world’s game of football. I think I might do some bold predictions for LaLiga and Serie A, depending on how my scheduling goes with NFL and NBA articles. Bottom line is, I’m a very happy fan right now. The Premier League has returned. LFG. This is YSN, until next time, signing out.