The 2024-25 season is well and truly in the rear-view mirror as Newcastle United begin preparations for a Premier League and Champions League. With the Magpies embarking on a European adventure and bitter rivals Sunderland a top-flight club again, one could be forgiven for thinking they had woken up in 2002.
Leeds United are also back in the big time to give the fixture list a more localised feel. Last year, Newcastle fans travelled further than any set of supporters in Premier League history, with seven London clubs and three on the south coast.
That did now, however, stop them from roaring their side on all the way to Champions League qualification. Newcastle will be looking to achieve the same feat after, hopefully, a summer of incomings at St James’ Park.
It is too early to predict what will happen next season given the transfer window has barely been open. So for a bit of fun, we let AI do the work for us. Here is what Grok expects the Premier League table to look like next May.
5. 17th: Crystal Palace (40 points, -15 GD)
Grok's explanation: Palace’s 12th-place finish in 2024/25 (53 points) relied on Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta, but Oliver Glasner’s squad faces uncertainty. Potential sales of Eze or Marc Guéhi and a lack of depth - as well as fixture congestion from Europe - could lead to a relegation scrap. Their points drop and negative goal difference reflect a decline in attacking output and defensive solidity. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
6. 16th: Leeds United (42 points, -12 GD)
Grok's explanation: Leeds, promoted via the Championship play-offs, return with Daniel Farke’s attacking style. Their 2022/23 Premier League relegation exposed defensive issues, but attacking players like Wilfried Gnonto and Joel Piroe offer hope. Survival is predicted due to experience, though a negative goal difference reflects their leaky defence against stronger sides. | Getty Images
7. 15th: Brentford (46 points, -8 GD)
Grok's explanation: Brentford’s 10th-place finish in 2024/25 relied on Bryan Mbuemo's goalscoring return and Thomas Frank’s tactics. However, Mbuemo's potential departure could hurt. Their points and goal difference reflect a slight decline, as they struggle to replace key contributors. | Getty Images
8. 14th: Bournemouth (48 points, -5 GD)
Grok's explanation: Bournemouth’s ninth-place finish in 2024/25 was driven by Andoni Iraola’s high-pressing style. However, potential sales of key players like Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen could disrupt their momentum. Their negative goal difference accounts for a slight regression. | Getty Images