Another year is almost over and what a year it has been.
We saw England come up just short again, Liverpool take on Jurgen Klopp, Manchester City maintain their dominance before suffering a remarkable fall, and even more turmoil and frustration at Manchester United.
What will 2025 bring? Here we present you our (sometimes wild) forecasts for the next 12 months.
1. Liverpool remain unbeaten for the rest of the Premier League season
Arne Slot was a revelation after succeeding Klopp at Anfield. He brought calm to the chaos and got the best out of a Liverpool team that was head and shoulders above everyone else.
The Merseysiders have lost just once in the league this season – a shock setback at home to Nottingham Forest in September – and that will be the only mark on the losing record come May.
Liverpool still have to face Manchester City, Aston Villa and Chelsea but that won’t worry them.
Slot’s men will secure the title by April.
2. Guardiola is leaving Manchester City at the end of the season
He may have recently signed a new contract tying him to the club until June 2027, but Guardiola will quit in May after City fail to secure a Champions League place.
The Catalan has shown visible signs of stress in recent weeks and will take the option to leave the club after a trophy-filled spell at the Etihad.
However, Barcelona’s influence remains as Xavi is named as his successor.
3. English clubs win all three European trophies
Having once again missed out on the Premier League title, Arsenal will now successfully turn their attention to conquering Europe. Mikel Arteta’s side will win the Champions League after beating Real Madrid in the final.
Tottenham will achieve the north London double by winning the Europa League and Ange Postecoglou will be vindicated for sticking to his principles and maintaining his uncompromising attacking approach.
And Chelsea will win the Conference League, as they should, given the investment in their squad and the fact that the competition is, frankly, rubbish!
4. Xabi Alonso takes over Real Madrid
Madrid will bid an emotional farewell to Carlo Ancelotti after he finished third in La Liga behind Barcelona and title winners Atletico Madrid and failed to defend their Champions League title.
Former Madrid midfielder Alonso will join after his successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen.
His first order of business will be to confirm the signing of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool on a free transfer.
5. Declan Rice named England captain
Harry Kane’s influence on the squad will wane as he continues to underperform for his country, thereby losing his starting place.
And new boss Thomas Tuchel will put his stamp on the Three Lions by naming Rice his permanent captain.
Arsenal player Rice impresses on and off the pitch as England win every game in 2025 after being awarded a relatively easy qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup.
