Then at least they'll know one position where they won't finish. Actually last year my predictions were not a total failure – successes included me tipping Leeds for a top-half finish, Newcastle for 12th place (spot on) and Fulham to go down (no fortune made if betting on that one). So here goes for 2021-22 – my predicted finishing positions. And to anyone who claims I've come up with these with only a tiny fraction of the research or analysis as most other tipsters and columnists, you'd be absolutely right. Pictures: Getty Images
. 2021-22 Premier League predictions
Man City lift the title last season / Picture: Getty
. Man City
Pep will win the title and it won't even be a race. Which is great for them – and the least they should do given the gazillions they've spent – but boring for the rest of us. They'll win it with or without Big Harry K and they'll also win it in 2023, 24, 25, repeat to fade. Picture: Getty Images
. Chelsea
If anyone can make City sweat, it's Chelsea. I've been impressed by Thomas Tuchel, and the signing of Lukaku will work a treat for them. They might even still be in with a chance of the title with ten games to go. But not for much longer after that. They'll probably win the FA Cup or Champions League again too. Picture: Getty Images
. Man Utd
Ole's still at the wheel, in fact he's been there so long someone ought to check his driving hours. Their squad still seems quite ordinary compared to City's but they have this habit of grinding out wins and winning sequences. Is third place enough to keep the fans happy? Probably not but if they finish above Liverpool, they can crow about that for the next 25 years. Picture: Getty Images
. Liverpool
They should on paper do better than last season, but I just think, like the pressure of retaining the title was too much for them last year, the pressure of keeping up with Pep's boys will be too much this time. The fans' return should improve last season's awful home record but the Salah-Firmino-Mane combination was a shadow of its former self last year and I can't see them setting anything alight. Picture: Getty Images
. Aston Villa
My surprise package for the season, and sorry Villa fans, this tip has probably ruined all your dreams of 21-22 glory. They've lost Grealish of course but that's a lot of dosh for one player and they've already made some good signings, And they've signed Danny Ings. Picture: Getty Images
. Arsenal
Arsenal always end up in or around sixth place, however good or bad a season they seem to have. Wonder how many fans wish Arsene was still there. There's no European distractions this year either, and that normally affects their performances at least until October. Picture: Getty Images
. Everton
I can imagine the faces of half the Everton fanbase turning as red as Liverpool's shirts when they heard Rafa was coming. But you can't deny his record at the Premier League clubs he's bossed is pretty good. The Toffees started like a train last year and faded and may do so again. Perhaps they'll win the League Cup and have to be content with that. Picture: Getty Images
. Spurs
Their desperate search for a manager doesn't bode well, even if they did end up with a more sound choice than half the contenders they probably considered along the way. I like Nuno and you can't argue with his Wolves efforts but even if Spurs sell Harry K for big bucks I can't imagine they will invest it wisely. Still they have a nice new stadium where your plastic beer cups fill up from the bottom so it's not all doom and gloom. Picture: Getty Images
1. Man City
Pep will win the title and it won't even be a race. Which is great for them – and the least they should do given the gazillions they've spent – but boring for the rest of us. They'll win it with or without Big Harry K and they'll also win it in 2023, 24, 25, repeat to fade. Picture: Getty Images
2. Chelsea
If anyone can make City sweat, it's Chelsea. I've been impressed by Thomas Tuchel, and the signing of Lukaku will work a treat for them. They might even still be in with a chance of the title with ten games to go. But not for much longer after that. They'll probably win the FA Cup or Champions League again too. Picture: Getty Images
3. Man Utd
Ole's still at the wheel, in fact he's been there so long someone ought to check his driving hours. Their squad still seems quite ordinary compared to City's but they have this habit of grinding out wins and winning sequences. Is third place enough to keep the fans happy? Probably not but if they finish above Liverpool, they can crow about that for the next 25 years. Picture: Getty Images
4. Liverpool
They should on paper do better than last season, but I just think, like the pressure of retaining the title was too much for them last year, the pressure of keeping up with Pep's boys will be too much this time. The fans' return should improve last season's awful home record but the Salah-Firmino-Mane combination was a shadow of its former self last year and I can't see them setting anything alight. Picture: Getty Images