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Live sport on SN this weekendFrom 10 to 1: Studs Up! Podcast's Premier League predictions
Sport Nation • August 21st, 2026 8:00 am
Studs Up! hosts Daniel McHardy and Riccardo Ball
The English Premier League is back, and the Studs Up! Podcast boys have peered into their crystal ball to predict the ladder from 20th all the way to the champions.
In part one, Riccardo Ball and Daniel McHardy looked down the table and picked their sides from last to 11th.
Now, it’s time for the business end!
The top half is where the predictions get spicy, they split on the title challengers, European places and which clubs could surprise.
Sport Nation will bring you five Premier League matches every week - live on radio, the app and web - thanks to talkSPORT.
10th
Riccardo: Nottingham Forest / Daniel: Brighton & Hove Albion
Riccardo expects Forest to climb back into the top half after a strong campaign last season, while Daniel sees Brighton finishing safely despite another summer of change.
Forest are Riccardo’s big movers, with Daniel also rating Brighton’s ability to remain competitive despite another period of transition.
Bournemouth's Junior Kroupi | Photo: AP
9th
Riccardo: Bournemouth / Daniel: Bournemouth
Both lads are backing Bournemouth to land comfortably in the top 10.
Their consistency under Andoni Iraola has earned plenty of respect, with neither expecting a major drop-off.
8th
Riccardo: Brighton & Hove Albion / Daniel: Nottingham Forest
Riccardo believes Brighton have enough quality to stay among the league’s better sides, while Daniel expects Forest to continue their rise.
“I’ve got Forest as the big winner this season,” Daniel said.
Chris Wood will wear No. 9 for Nottingham Forest this season | Photo: Nottingham Forest FC
7th
Riccardo: Tottenham Hotspur / Daniel: Aston Villa
Riccardo expects Spurs to climb sharply after finishing 17th last season, with more than 185 million Euro spent on a new midfield pairing of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.
Daniel remains a big believer in Unai Emery’s Villa, despite a summer of change.
“I’m just a card-carrying member of the Unai Emery fan club.” he said.
6th
Riccardo: Aston Villa / Daniel: Tottenham Hotspur
Riccardo is sticking with Emery, while Daniel believes Spurs’ attacking talent and returning injured players can push them back into the European places.
Tottenham’s rise would be significant, but Daniel sees them as one of the league’s most entertaining teams under Roberto De Zerbi.
“They’re going to be fun.” he said.
5th
Riccardo: Manchester United / Daniel: Liverpool
Riccardo sees United as the best of the rest after a strong finish under Michael Carrick, although their return to European football could test the squad.
Daniel still expects Liverpool to remain in the Champions League picture, but wants more from their forwards after a disappointing return last season.
“If I told you before last season that they would combine for eight goals and four assists in 47 games, you would have said even I was crazy,” Daniel said.
Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha | Photo: AP
4th
Riccardo: Liverpool / Daniel: Chelsea
Riccardo believes Liverpool’s new formation and improved depth can keep them in the top four, although another central midfielder may be needed.
Daniel is backing Chelsea to benefit from a season without European football and a squad reshaped by Xabi Alonso.
“I’m drinking the Chelsea Kool-Aid,” Daniel said.
He admitted the call could backfire, adding: “This could age like milk on a hot summer’s day.”
3rd
Riccardo: Chelsea / Daniel: Manchester City
Riccardo is rolling the dice on Chelsea, while Daniel expects Manchester City to remain in the top three despite Pep Guardiola’s departure and the loss of Rodri.
Daniel still believes City have too much quality to fall away completely, particularly with Erling Haaland leading the attack.
Riccardo is less convinced, pointing to the loss of Rodri, Bernardo Silva and defensive depth.
2nd
Riccardo: Manchester City / Daniel: Manchester United
Riccardo still trusts City’s quality and expects Haaland to push towards his huge 2022-23 numbers.
“I just can’t go past Manchester City still,” Daniel said.
Daniel believes United’s improved squad can carry them to second, despite the challenge of balancing domestic and European football.
He pointed to the form Michael Carrick’s side showed late last season, when United’s final 17-game stretch would have put them top of the Premier League.
Manchester City's Erling Haaland | Photo: AP
1st
Riccardo: Arsenal / Daniel: Arsenal
Both lads are backing Arsenal to win back-to-back Premier League titles.
Defending the trophy is notoriously difficult, but Arsenal’s defensive numbers from last season were among the best ever recorded.
Their average of 0.74 expected goals against per game was the fourth-lowest figure since records began in 2012-13.
Daniel believes Arsenal’s consistency gives them the edge in a season featuring around 12 new managers.
“I’m pretty confident,” he said.
Riccardo also highlighted the importance of William Saliba’s return, with Arsenal’s results dropping noticeably when the defender is absent.
“The bones are just there,” he said.
The arrival of Bruno Guimarães should also help complement Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, easing the workload on Arsenal’s midfield.
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