Category: Previews and Predictions

We Predict… The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™

‘Like Christmas for football fans’. This year, that oft-used description of the FIFA World Cup is as apt as it’s ever likely to get as, for the first time in its glittering history, we head for a winter tournament in the desert dunes of Qatar.

It will surely feel a little strange to have the world’s biggest and most iconic football competition take place in November and December. But a FIFA World Cup is a FIFA World Cup. You won’t catch any of us complaining when the month-long festival of football finally gets underway.

Especially because there’s simply too much to look ahead to. This may very well be one of the last FIFA World Cup appearances for the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. But certainly not the last for Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Pedri, Phil Foden and other mercurial young talents.

Indeed, Qatar will play host to a heady mix of superstars all chasing the same thing – the ultimate glory some might say – the prize every footballer wants to win. For some, their legacy may depend on winning it. For others, the chance to lace up for a FIFA World Cup is a prize itself worth savouring.

But who’ll take the top honours? And who’s about to breakout on the biggest stage? Well, that’s where our staff come in… sort of. Here are our predictions…

But first! You’ll want to check out our incredible collection of official FIFA World Cup memorabilia comprising signed and unsigned items from stars past and present – available right now on Icons.com.

Argentina are well-fancied with their talisman’s name on many people’s lips

Dan Jamieson, CEO

Winners: I think ARGENTINA have a good mix of youth and veteran talent, tournament-winning experience at the most recent Copa America, and a certain Mr Messi to pull the strings while others doing the running.
Runner-up: Can you imagine the hype before a Ronaldo v Messi final? Though I think its actually PORTUGAL‘s supporting cast who will take centre stage as the tournament goes on.
Surprise Package: With Luis Suarez and Darwin Nunez up top, URUGUAY guarantee action, controversy and no defender knowing what the hell is coming next.
Surprise Early Exit: SPAIN find themselves in a tough group and lack the goals to get them out of sticky situations.

Golden Ball: I’ve got Argentina as my favourites and I think lots of games could come down to penalties. With that in mind, I’m going with EMI MARTINEZ who, don’t forget, won the Golden Glove at the Copa America.
Young Player of the Tournament: Remember the name: Argentina’s ENZO FERNANDEZ. He’ll be coming to a Premier League team soon…
Golden Boot: Strangely both overrated and underrated, we are big fans of JOAO FELIX at Icons and hope he can emerge from CR7’s shadow.
Golden Glove: See above: EMI MARTINEZ.

England will… do as their ranking suggests. We’re fifth in the world so we’ll give it all we’ve got and come close to winning a quarter-final, taking the lead but losing on penalties.

Bold prediction: Penalties will decide many of the most crucial matches as teams conserve energy, keep men behind the ball and take their chances in the lottery that is the shootout.

Brazil are the bookmakers’ favourites led by a stellar cast of attacking talent

Ben Soley, Head of Sales

Winners: As well as a typically star-studded strikeforce featuring Neymar Jr, Vinicius Jnr, Richarlison and Raphinha, this BRAZIL team also has a strong (albeit ageing) defence and midfield spine.
Runner-up: BELGIUM’s next generation is already coming through (I’m looking at you Charles de Ketelaere), and I’m backing the old guard of Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku to make the final.
Surprise Package: SERBIA have a sturdy keeper in Vanja Milinkovic-Savic and mainstay midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (no relation) but it’s their front-line which is really noteworthy. Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic are amongst the most feared goal scorers in their respective leagues.
Surprise Early Exit: Four of the last five defending champions haven’t got past the group stages. The holders never do well. It seems wild to suggest, but FRANCE will sorely miss Paul Pogba and N’golo Kante, heading home before the end of the quarter-finals.

Golden Ball: LIONEL MESSI is in great form and it’s his last FIFA World Cup tournament – surely the stage is set for a fairytale goodbye?
Young Player of the Tournament: PEDRI. This kid is the real deal. I saw him live recently and he blew my mind.
Golden Boot: MEMPHIS DEPAY does not have the easiest of groups but I expect the Netherlands’ record-scorer to play at least four games and take penalties.
Golden Glove: EDOUARD MENDY.

England will… go out in the quarter-finals in return to form for FIFA’s fifth-best ranked team.

Bold prediction(s): A meagre three goals will be scored across both semi-finals, as the long season and high stakes force teams to play it safe. Penalties will decide at least one of those semi-finals. Mitrovic will get more goals than cards when he plays. Achraf Hakimi will score a Goal of the Tournament-worthy screamer.

As defending world champions, close attention will be paid to Kylian Mbappe’s France

Mike Davis, Financial Director

Winners: ARGENTINA. I think the Messi Factor will be too strong for the rest of the field to counter.
Runner-up: Messi will face Cristiano Ronaldo and PORTUGAL in a superstar final.
Surprise Package: URUGUAY will cause a stir.
Surprise Early Exit: I think FRANCE’s individuals will fail to click in defence of their title.

Golden Ball: BRUNO GUIMARAES
Young Player of the Tournament: AURELIEN TCHOUAMENI
Golden Boot: LIONEL MESSI
Golden Glove: ALISSON BECKER

England will… fail to inspire and exit at the quarter-final stage.

Bold prediction: Germany will fail to qualify from their group.

Few teams possess a midfield talent like Kevin De Bruyne – could Belgium be dark horses?

Alistair Hunter, Senior Editor

Winners: Never before has a FIFA World Cup been played at this time of year, throwing a lot of the usual prep work to the wall. Given the unusual build-up and the fact we’re due an underdog winner, I’m going with BELGIUM.
Runner-up: You’ll struggle to find a bigger Lionel Messi fan than I so it will be difficult for me when ARGENTINA come one shy again.
Surprise Package: I believe… I believe that… I believe the USMNT will go on a superb run to the quarter-finals – just in time to inspire a new generation of fans ahead of their hosting duties at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Surprise Early Exit: FRANCE are the world champions at doing exceptionally well at one FIFA World Cup then crashing out amid scandal and controversy at the next. Plus ça change.

Golden Ball: Competition officials won’t be able to resist the chance to hand LIONEL MESSI another award. Anything for a photo with the great one.
Young Player of the Tournament: FC Barcelona midfielder PEDRI is primed to take the next step into superstardom.
Golden Boot: Given the scoring opportunities England’s group present, HARRY KANE must have the best shot (pun fully intended).
Golden Glove: There’s no better name – nor better fairytale story – than that of REMKO PASVEER. Is it possible to be a rising star at 39-years-old?

England will… advance through to the latter stages of this tournament in miraculous fashion. A semi-final loss to Belgium will be reminiscent of their deep run at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Bold prediction(s): A VAR-related scandal will suspend a knockout game for long enough that the players temporarily leave for the dressing rooms while officials frantically try to resolve the situation. In search of a dramatic late equaliser, a goalkeeper will hit the post.

Boasting a plethora of young talent, Spain are likely to be contenders for the world title

David Cox, Head of Operations

Winners: SPAIN have an all-round solid team with a plethora of up-and-coming stars. Look out for Gavi at this tournament!
Runner-up: Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema will lead FRANCE to a second consecutive final.
Surprise Package: DENMARK always seem to show up when it comes to tournament football.
Surprise Early Exit: Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent interview will have an effect across the whole of PORTUGAL‘s camp.

Golden Ball: I may be slightly biased but no-one can pass a ball like KEVIN DE BRUYNE.
Young Player of the Tournament: GAVI is going to be one of the world’s best.
Golden Boot: KARIM BENZEMA. Unplayable on his day.
Golden Glove: Ederson won’t be first choice (who knows why?!) so best go for Brazil’s second choice, ALISSON BECKER.

England will… reach the quarter-finals and crumble. 

Bold prediction: More than one bicycle kick will be scored at the tournament.

No FIFA World Cup can be complete without Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo

Jamie White, Digital Content Producer

Winners: I think this FIFA World Cup is catered for a South American winner. For me, BRAZIL have the strongest squad and have the best chance in the hot conditions.
Runner-up: I just did a tournament predictor and my second favourite, Argentina, will meet Brazil in the semi-finals while on the other side of the draw I fancy PORTUGAL to make the final.
Surprise Package: SENEGAL. I fancy an African team to become the tournament’s surprise package.
Surprise Early Exit: SPAIN or GERMANY have a tough group with Japan – I feel like there could be a surprise casualty there!

Golden Ball: After our recent signing session with LIONEL MESSI, word has it he is fully focused on the FIFA World Cup and with his form going into Qatar I fancy him to have a great tournament.
Young Player of the Tournament: I think JUDE BELLINGHAM will be a stand-out player for England, or if Germany do well, I fancy Jamal Musiala to shine as one of the competition’s best players.
Golden Boot: LIONEL MESSI, closely followed by Darwin Nunez or Vinicius Jr.
Golden Glove: ALISSON BECKER is the best keeper in the world in the best team at the tournament.

England will… go out in the quarter-finals. The Three Lions will beat Iran comfortably in the opening game, then make difficult work of both the USA and Wales in the groups.

Bold prediction: Japan to knock out a heavy-hitter in Spain or Germany.

Uruguay’s Luis Suarez is one of many icons likely playing in their last FIFA World Cup

Ryan Butterworth, Head of Video Content

Winners: ARGENTINA‘s form over the last few years has been great. With their team and, of course, Lionel Messi, I think they will just edge the tournament.
Runner-up: I think we will see a PORTUGAL vs Argentina final – the battle of the GOATs! It’s a match made in heaven and could be the final decider between two greats. Portugal look very strong all over the pitch. 
Surprise Package: URUGUAY are a solid team across the pitch. I think they have been underestimated and may shock the world.
Surprise Early Exit: FRANCE. I think the FIFA World Cup curse will be back. We have seen it previously and, in most tournaments, a big team falls early.

Golden Ball: BERNARDO SILVA
Young Player of the Tournament: VINICIUS JR
Golden Boot: DARWIN NUNEZ
Golden Glove: EMI MARTINEZ

England will… make it to the quarter finals. I think we will give it everything but fall just short with a 1-0 or 2-1 defeat.

Bold prediction: Japan shock the competition and top their group!

Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez is among the frontrunners for FIFA’s Golden Glove award

Dan Rushton, Customer Support

Winners: ARGENTINA haven’t been beaten in 35 games and I can’t see any team at these FIFA World Cup finals that can break that streak. Lionel Messi is going to lead his nation to their third world title.
Runner-up: Holders FRANCE are still more than capable of winning it with the likes of Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele but may fall at the final hurdle.
Surprise Package: MOROCCO have one of the best right-backs in the world in Achraf Hakimi and if Hakim Ziyech is in form they could be the team to watch.
Surprise Early Exit: It’s bold but I’m thinking GERMANY. They have a tough group! 

Golden Ball: I just have a feeling that LIONEL MESSI going to smash it this year. His club form is improving, which will only benefit Argentina.  
Young Player of the Tournament: I can’t name a better young midfielder at the tournament than JUDE BELLINGHAM. This is a massive year for Jude and I think he’ll carry on impressing on the biggest stage.
Golden Boot: KARIM BENZEMA will bag plenty of goals in the group stage and early knockout stages.
Golden Glove: I think Portugal will have a tough time defensively and I think DIOGO COSTA will be called upon a lot – he will have to make some huge saves.

England will… be passionate… but the football will be bland. They’ll get to the quarter-finals and get knocked out by stronger opposition. 

Bold prediction: Cristiano Ronaldo will be hungry for success – he’ll be back. 

England star Jude Bellingham is expected to catch the eye for Gareth Southgate’s men

Will Franklin, Sales Executive

Winners: I see ARGENTINA winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Messi will lift the trophy to complete a phenomenal career. 
Runner-up: The final will be an all-South American affair with Argentina coming out on top of BRAZIL
Surprise Package: I believe SWITZERLAND will have another great tournament. 
Surprise Early Exit: 2014 winners GERMANY will struggle at this year’s tournament.

Golden Ball: LIONEL MESSI
Young Player of the Tournament: JUDE BELLINGHAM
Golden Boot: KYLIAN MBAPPE
Golden Glove: Aston Villa’s number one, EMILIANO MARTINEZ

England will… have a solid tournament, hopefully. That said, I can’t help but think we’ll be too defensive in the big games.

Bold prediction: Spain have a great young squad – I think they’ll reach the semi-finals.

Doha’s Lusail Stadium will play host to a highly-anticipated final on December 18th

Dan Hunt, Accounts Assistant

Winners: I think ARGENTINA will win. They haven’t lost a game for three years and Messi will triumph at the final FIFA World Cup he plays in.
Runner-up: If PORTUGAL win their group I think they will lose in the final.
Surprise Package: URUGUAY have a good squad and have a chance to go a long way in this tournament – maybe even win it.
Surprise Early Exit: FRANCE have been struggling recently in the UEFA Nations League so their FIFA World Cup curse may continue.

Golden Ball: LIONEL MESSI
Young Player of the Tournament: PEDRI
Golden Boot: LIONEL MESSI
Golden Glove: EMI MARTINEZ

England will… bottle it, as usual, and lose in the quarter-finals.

Bold prediction: Japan will eliminate either Spain or Germany in their group.



We Predict… The 2022-23 Season

Precious few feelings match the optimism that swells before the opening weekend of a new season. The possibilities for your team are endless and unbound, the hype surrounding your big summer signing reaches its intoxicating peak and with each empty league table sprawled out like a blank canvas you may even begin to dream of silverware.

That is, right up until your meathead of a centre-back gets sent off 15 minutes into the first half while your marquee signing breaks his foot and you end up losing the opening game 3-1.

But enough about Everton! For now, the season ahead is a mystery that has us all guessing what’s to come. And so, it’s time for our annual season predictions blog from the hard-working and devilishly handsome staff behind Icons.com who, year after year and season after season, gaze into their respective crystal balls, summon the power of Nostradamus and… get almost every single facet of these predictions utterly and hopelessly wrong.

Think you’ve got a more accurate vision of the 2022-23 campaign? You’re probably right! So why not send us your predictions for the season ahead on our FacebookTwitter and Instagram pages. We dare you.

And, of course, be sure to check out our excellent range of signed memorabilia from Premier League stars past and present – available right now on Icons.com. So, on to our predictions…

Manchester City fans have high hopes for new striker Erling Haaland

Edward Freedman, Non-Executive Chairman

Premier League winners: MANCHESTER CITY will retain their title with fresh blood and new ideas under Pep Guardiola.
2nd – Liverpool FC  3rd – Tottenham Hotspur  4th – Chelsea
Relegated: Fulham, AFC Bournemouth and Aston Villa
Golden Boot: Manchester City’s ERLING HAALAND arrives for just over £50million and will light up the Premier League with his considerable talent.

Serie A winners: AC MILAN
La Liga winners: FC BARCELONA
Bundesliga winners: zzzzzzzz… BAYERN MUNICH… zzzzzzzz…

UEFA Champions League winners: I may be dreaming when I choose FC BARCELONA but that’s allowed, isn’t it?
UEFA Europa League winners: Mikel Arteta’s ARSENAL will win Europe’s second biggest prize.

Signing of the season: Liverpool FC’s capture of the dynamic young attacking midfielder FABIO CARVALHO looks shrewd.

Mark my words… Ten Hag, Nine Hag, Eight Hag, Seven Hag, Six Hag, Five Hag, Four Hag, Three Hag, Two Hag, One Hag… no Hag!

Liverpool FC fans’ favourite Mohamed Salah is primed for another Golden Boot campaign

Dan Jamieson, CEO

Premier League winners: LIVERPOOL FC will take the title back from Manchester City, I just know it.
2nd – Manchester City  3rd – Chelsea  4th – Tottenham Hotspur
Relegated: AFC Bournemouth, Leeds United and Everton
Golden Boot: My man MOHAMED SALAH will equal Thierry Henry‘s record of four Premier League Golden Boots in 2022-23.

Serie A winners: AC MILAN, who I have big hopes for this year…
La Liga winners: Our friends at FC BARCELONA
Bundesliga winners: This will be BAYERN MUNICH once again (yawn!)

UEFA Champions League winners: Jurgen Klopp told me to book my hotel for the final in Istanbul so of course it will be LIVERPOOL FC.
UEFA Europa League winners: Jose Mourinho‘s AS ROMA will add to last season’s UEFA Conference League with this, his third UEL title.

Signing of the season: RAHEEM STERLING will do much better than Romelu Lukaku in Thomas Tuchel’s system.

My team, Liverpool FC, will… best Manchester City over the course of the season with continuity and cohesiveness our trump cards. I think City have gone backwards and Erling Haaland will clog up their smooth scoring engine.

Mark my words… Haaland will be a sub by Christmas when Pep realises his mistake. The Ten in Eric Ten Hag is the number of seasons Manchester United are going to need to properly rebuild.

FC Barcelona have been busy this summer with the notable capture of Robert Lewandowski

Ben Soley, Head of Sales

Premier League winners: MANCHESTER CITY. It’s gutting, but I can’t look past them winning a third in a row and five of the last six based on their signings. Erling Haaland should tear it up while Kalvin Phillips provides great cover and Julian Alvarez will have a greater impact than expected. 
2nd – Liverpool FC  3rd – Chelsea 4th – Tottenham Hotspur
Relegated: AFC Bournemouth, Leeds United and Brentford
Golden Boot: With Liverpool FC scoring highly again this season, their penalty taker, MOHAMED SALAH, will surely be among the goals again, not to mention he will get a good rest while others are at the FIFA World Cup.

Serie A winners: INTERNAZIONALE. The title move back across town to I Nerazzurri.
La Liga winners: FC BARCELONA‘s somewhat chaotic spending spree will
pay off – in their domestic campaign at least.
Bundesliga winners: I don’t believe a Borussia Dortmund without Erling Haaland or RB Leipzig can compete with BAYERN MUNICH, who’ve added Sadio Mane.

UEFA Champions League winners: MANCHESTER CITY will finally win the big one.
UEFA Europa League winners: AS ROMA. Jose Mourinho knows all about tournament football and will want to bring more trophies to Rome. they’ve also made strong signings in Zeki Celik, Paulo Dybala and Nemanja Matic. 

Signing of the season: Brentford have unearthed a gem of a left-back from Bologna in AARON HICKEY. The Scot is great going forward and with a killer set-piece in his arsenal £17million is a steal.

My team, Liverpool FC, will… focus on the Premier League after spreading thin last season to compete on four fronts. There will be silverware come the end of the season but it’s hard to put a finger on which kind!

Mark my words… Liverpool FC and Man City will be separated by a maximum of three points come the end of the season. Robert Lewandowski will hit the woodwork more than any player in La Liga. Aleksandar Mitrovic will score more times than he is carded.

Lionel Messi will hope Paris Saint-Germain can go further in the UEFA Champions League

Alistair Hunter, Senior Editor

Premier League winners: There’s no need to overthink this. MANCHESTER CITY will retain their title.
2nd – Liverpool FC  3rd – Chelsea 4th – Tottenham Hotspur
Relegated: AFC Bournemouth, Everton and Southampton
Golden Boot: My theory is this. ERLING HAALAND was actually created in an underground lab on the City Campus, manufactured to one day score 50 goals in a Premier League season. They sent him to Norway as a boy to throw us off the scent.

Serie A winners: I think this will be a special one… I’m going with AS ROMA to upset the odds now Paulo Dybala is unleashed.
La Liga winners: FC BARCELONA are selling the farm to win now so they better win now.
Bundesliga winners: Death, taxes, BAYERN MUNICH.

UEFA Champions League winners: If you read these predictions blogs every year you’ll know I’ve gone for PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN each year for the past five years. Giving up on Lionel Messi‘s side now feels dangerous.
UEFA Europa League winners: I was there as Rangers FC lost on penalties in last season’s final so it feels too soon to ask me this. For old time’s sake I’ll pick SEVILLA. Wait… Seville… oh god!

Signing of the season: No-one will want to admit (for some reason) that RAHEEM STERLING is a world class winger who adds a lot of quality to Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.

My team, Rangers, will… battle relentlessly with Celtic and ultimately wrestle the Scottish title back by a solitary point in one of the most pulsating (and controversial) seasons in history. They will not – I repeat, not – enjoy the introduction of VAR north of the border.

Mark my words… either Manchester City or Liverpool will score 8+ goals in a Premier League game. The raucous atmosphere of an impassioned City Ground will vault Nottingham Forest into the top half.

Pep Guardiola’s City have their sights on yet more silverware in 2022-23

David Cox, Head of Operations

Premier League winners: MANCHESTER CITY, because who else?!
2nd – Liverpool FC  3rd – Chelsea 4th – Arsenal
Relegated: AFC Bournemouth, Fulham and Brentford
Golden Boot: Liverpool’s MOHAMED SALAH wins back-to-back Golden Boots.

Serie A winners: AS ROMA
La Liga winners: REAL MADRID CF
Bundesliga winners: BAYERN MUNICH

UEFA Champions League winners: The time has come for my MANCHESTER CITY to win their very first European crown, surely?
UEFA Europa League winners: ARSENAL

Signing of the season: GABRIEL JESUS is a great player who was never really given a starting role at City. If he starts regularly at Arsenal he’ll bang them in. 

My team, Manchester City, will… finally prove the doubters wrong and win the UEFA Champions League.

Mark my words… Again, Manchester United still won’t manage to break into the top four – I’d be surprised if they made the top six! 

The pressure’s on Eric Ten Hag at Manchester United – can he deliver at top four finish?

Jamie White, Digital Content Producer

Premier League winners: MANCHESTER CITY
2nd – Liverpool FC  3rd – Chelsea 4th – Manchester United
Relegated: AFC Bournemouth, Fulham and Leeds United
Golden Boot: Liverpool’s MOHAMED SALAH is always up there and he isn;t going to the FIFA Word Cup so will have a nice break in the winter.

Serie A winners: JUVENTUS
La Liga winners: REAL MADRID CF
Bundesliga winners: BAYERN MUNICH because who else?!

UEFA Champions League winners: LIVERPOOL FC
UEFA Europa League winners: ARSENAL

Signing of the season: ERLING HAALAND looks set to be a monster player for Manchester City, who got an incredible deal for him. I do also believe Gabriel Jesus will do well at Arsenal.

My team, Liverpool FC, will… run City close but I can see a repeat of last season with the Reds missing out by a few points once again.

Mark my words… AFC Bournemouth will finish bottom and become the whipping boys of the season.

Jude Bellingham gives BVB hopes of busting Bayern’s decade-long dominance in Germany

Dan Rushton, Customer Support

Premier League winners: MANCHESTER CITY – just about. I think City have a slight edge on Liverpool this season in terms of depth. It’s going to be close again but if Haaland adapts quickly and gels with his team-mates they’ll be the winners.
2nd – Liverpool FC  3rd – Arsenal (trust the process) 4th – Chelsea
Relegated: Southampton, Fulham and Leeds United
Golden Boot: HARRY KANE. I think Tottenham will have a go at it this year but I do still think the top four is going to be a big ask. If Kane stays fit I’m sure he’ll be scoring on a weekly basis. 

Serie A winners: INTERNAZIONALE missed out on the title by two points last year. They’ll want to take it back!
La Liga winners: I just don’t think FC Barcelona will do it this year with the amount of new players they need to gel together. European champions REAL MADRID CF will be tough to dismantle.
Bundesliga winners: Both Bayern and BORUSSIA DORTMUND have lost some firepower which might bring other teams into the fray but I also think it’s about time Dortmund took their first title in just over 10 years. Jude Bellingham is in for a great season. 

UEFA Champions League winners: MANCHESTER CITY are going to make a real go of it this year and I genuinely believe they can do it. I’m predicting a Liverpool v City final!
UEFA Europa League winners: I wanted to say Arsenal but I think their focus is going to be on the league and a top four finish. AS ROMA won’t take any prisoners this year.

Signing of the season: It’s between Haaland and GABRIEL JESUS but I will go for the latter. I think he’s going to absolutely smash it at Arsenal as he has already shown in pre-season. 

My team, Birmingham City, will… be rubbish again as per-usual. Blues will be dragged into their tenth consecutive relegation dogfight and probably survive by getting a point at Sheffield United on the last game of the season.

Mark my words… Nottingham Forest will spend most of the season on the fringes of a top six finish. 

Harry Kane will look to further cement his Premier League legacy in a FIFA World Cup year

Will Franklin, Sales Executive

Premier League winners: MANCHESTER CITY
2nd – Liverpool FC  3rd – Chelsea 4th – Tottenham Hotspur
Relegated: Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Southampton
Golden Boot: HARRY KANE is set for another big year of goals with the FIFA World Cup in between to boot.

Serie A winners: INTERNAZIONALE
La Liga winners: REAL MADRID CF
Bundesliga winners: BAYERN MUNICH

UEFA Champions League winners: LIVERPOOL FC
UEFA Europa League winners: AS ROMA

Signing of the season: Tottenham’s acquisition of Ivorian midfielder YVES BISSOUMA from Brighton & Hove Albion will prove an excellent purchase.

My team, Aston Villa, will… finish 7th. Leon Bailey and Diego Carlos will have great seasons (I hope). 

Mark my words… Cameron Archer will light up the Premier League.

Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea face an intriguing campaign both on and off the pitch

Dan Hunt, Accounts Assistant

Premier League winners: With the signing of Erling Haaland, MANCHESTER CITY will be clear winners of the title.
2nd – Liverpool FC  3rd – Arsenal 4th – Manchester United
Relegated: AFC Bournemouth, Leeds United and Fulham
Golden Boot: If fit, ERLING HAALAND will score 30 goals or more.

Serie A winners: JUVENTUS
La Liga winners: REAL MADRID CF
Bundesliga winners: BAYERN MUNICH, obviously!

UEFA Champions League winners: MANCHESTER CITY
UEFA Europa League winners: Perennial winners SEVILLA will drop out of the UEFA Champions League to win another UEL title.

Signing of the season: West Ham United finally have a striker who will score goals for the club in GIANLUCA SCAMACCA.

My team, West Ham United, will… finish in 5th place, just a few points shy of the top four and a spot in the UEFA Champions League.

Mark my words… Chelsea will start off very slowly and Thomas Tuchel will be the first manager sacked, shortly followed by Frank Lampard. Manchester City will have another 100+ point season.



We Predict… UEFA EURO 2020

It’s here! It’s finally here! A year later than scheduled (don’t worry, we won’t get into all that) European football finds itself at the starting line of a month-long football feast: UEFA EURO 2020 is upon us!

It’s safe to say this tournament will be unlike any other that has come before it with the competition to be played in twelve different host countries, some of which will have stadiums at full capacity, others which will not. Quite frankly, it’s all new. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be exciting. In fact, the bizarre makeup of this tournament is probably likely to throw up more shocks than ever before. So what we’re trying to say is: don’t rule out an Austria v North Macedonia final…

And so that brings us to the Icons.com staff predictions. We’ve learned over the years that predicting the future, as it turns out, is pretty difficult. But that’s not going to stop us from trying!

And, of course, be sure to check out our fantastic range of official UEFA EURO 2020 signed memorabilia from stars past and present – available right now on Icons.com. Now then, let’s get to it…

There is no shortage of talent among the French ranks, UEFA EURO 2020’s favourites

Edward Freedman, Non-Executive Chairman

UEFA EURO 2020 winners: FIFA World Cup winners FRANCE have a whole host of technical players who are just excellent.
Runner-up: GERMANY always do very well in tournaments.

Golden Boot winner: France’s ANTOINE GRIEZMANN has the quality to finish as the tournament’s top scorer.
Player of the Tournament: Germany’s UEFA Champions League-winning talisman KAI HAVERTZ will impress at his first major tournament.

Notable overachievers: With a relatively straightforward group, the NETHERLANDS will go a long way despite being written off in some quarters.
Notable underachievers: Sadly, this will be ENGLAND.

England will… not do very well. I don’t see them making it past the quarter-finals.

Random bold prediction: Led by Christian Eriksen and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Denmark will go deep in this competition.

With Ronaldo, Fernandes, Felix, Dias, Jota and more, Portugal look especially strong

Dan Jamieson, CEO

UEFA EURO 2020 winners: With a forward line made up of Icons – Joao Felix, Bruno Fernandes and a certain Cristiano Ronaldo – PORTUGAL will retain it. Half of their defence comprises PFA Team of the Year honourees led by a coach who knows what it takes to win. And, of course, my Liverpool boy Diogo Jota!
Runner-up: At a tournament like this, having an ability to not concede is often more preferable to an ability to score tons of goals – just look at Portugal in 2016. With that in mind, I’m going with ITALY.

Golden Boot winner: Portugal’s DIOGO JOTA carries his domestic form on to the big stage.
Player of the Tournament:
Another Portuguese star, BRUNO FERNANDES, seizes his opportunity to clamber into the pantheon of world class players.

Notable overachievers: Now that Christian Eriksen has found form, expect DENMARK to go far.
Notable underachievers:
GERMANY can’t escape the clutches of that Group of Death.

England will… get to the quarters then go out to the first decent team we meet. The FIFA World Rankings put us third best in Europe and we’re basically at home this summer but unless the draw opens up and we get Sweden again it’ll be the last eight for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions.

Random bold prediction: Scotland draw with England but drop out of the tournament at the group stages after celebrating too much.

Opinion is divided on a Netherlands team that will look to Georginio Wijnaldum for influence

Ben Soley, Sales and Marketing Manager

UEFA EURO 2020 winners: FRANCE. The FIFA World Cup winners can can be triumphant once again.
Runner-up: I’m backing the NETHERLANDS to go the furthest in a UEFA EURO tournament since the great team of Marco Van Baste, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard in 1988.

Golden Boot winner: With an easy enough group to get a good head-start on likes of Ronaldo, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe, ROMELU LUKAKU wins this.
Player of the Tournament:
Does a 26-year-old BRUNO FERNANDES have enough left in the tank after more games than any other player in Europe in 2020/21?

Notable overachievers: With a reliable keeper, strong centre-back pairing and Eriksen, Thomas Delaney and Hojbjerg in the middle creating a strong spine, DENMARK not only have a talented quite but a more than manageable group. I just worry if Martin Braithwaite, Yussuf Poulsen and Andreas Cornelius can get them the goals. 
Notable underachievers:
BELGIUM have the oldest squad in the tournament, Kevin De Bruyne has broken eyes, and they have to travel to Baku and back again. Although it’s an easy group I think they’ll get knocked out in the quarters or earlier.

England will… come up against tough competition en route to the latter stages and scrape to the quarters. But anything less than the semi-finals would be deemed a failure.

Random bold prediction: Wales to score the team goal of the tournament (I’m convinced after Harry Wilson’s goal vs Belgium). Goran Pandev to score three goals at his first UEFA EURO finals match with North Macedonia. There will be at least one five-goal thriller in Group F.

UEFA EURO 2020 will be Scotland’s first major tournament appearance since 1998

Alistair Hunter, Senior Editor

UEFA EURO 2020 winners: There’s no reason to overthink this: FRANCE have the strongest team on paper, with multiple world-class players in key areas and depth beyond belief. The return of Karim Benzema should not be overlooked – he is the outstanding out-and-out centre forward Les Bleus didn’t quite have before (my sincere apologies to Monsieur Giroud).
Runner-up: With the likes of Foden, Mount and Grealish, ENGLAND have an explosive young squad tempered by the steady guidance of Gareth Southgate. Fitness is a concern, but don’t underestimate the fact they will likely have home advantage in all but one of their games – right up to and including the final.

Golden Boot winner: Only Cristiano Ronaldo had more shots than LORENZO INSIGNE in Serie A this season and with Group A looking relatively straightforward for Italy, the Napoli man – and Golden Boot outsider – will have this sewn up by the Round of 16.
Player of the Tournament: Now that he has hair like Gazza, PHIL FODEN will emulate the great Geordie legend and prove he is among the world’s very best players with a series of show-stopping displays.

Notable overachievers: Sometimes you just have to let your heart rule your head. This is one such occasion. Give me SCOTLAND to defy expectations and reach the quarter-finals. Because why not?
Notable underachievers:
It’ll be quite the shock when the NETHERLANDS are not able to qualify from their group. Remember, third place won’t be enough for two unlucky teams.

Scotland will… be to UEFA EURO 2020 what Wales were to UEFA EURO 2016 – a joyous underdog story. If Che Adams or Lyndon Dykes can find the net, the likes of Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Scott McTominay and John McGinn have enough quality to ensure progress beyond the group stages. Third place in Group D may actually set them up quite kindly in the Round of 16… and you may now stop laughing.

Random bold prediction: No UEFA EURO finals match has ever been won by more than five goals. That will change at this tournament.

COVID-19 concerns still loom large over UEFA EURO 2020

Jamie White, Online Content & Social Media Producer

UEFA EURO 2020 winners: It’s a toss-up between France and PORTUGAL. But I fancy the idea of Ronaldo and Fernandes taking them all the way in the competition.
Runner-up: FRANCE have the strongest team on paper, in my opinion. But the strongest team doesn’t always win the whole thing. Just look at 2016.

Golden Boot winner: Bit of an obvious choice but I’ll go KYLIAN MBAPPE. He is a world class player and, crucially, he loves an international competition.
Player of the Tournament:
BRUNO FERNANDES is a top quality player. It’s just unfortunate that he plays for United. The playmaker has a fantastic attitude and I believe his desire to win for his country will show through this summer.

Notable overachievers: SWITZERLAND have had a good run of results in the lead-up to this tournament.
Notable underachievers:
GERMANY will be the casualty of a very difficult Group F.

England will… win it! Only joking, I was really optimistic for England, with our young exciting squad. But after watching the warm-up games we looked to struggle to create many chances. I think Southgate will be a little too cautious with his team selection. I’m saying we will go out in the quarter-finals but I hope I’m wrong. Jack Grealish will be our stand-out player.

Random bold prediction: The Indian variant of COVID-19 cancels the whole thing!

There are high hopes for Jack Grealish to have a breakout tournament with England

Will Franklin, Head of Customer Support

UEFA EURO 2020 winners: This has to be FRANCE. Their players and manager are serial winners on the big stage and I think they’ll be too much for anyone else to handle this year.
Runner-up: With a fairly ‘easy’ route to the latter stages, if things go to plan for them, BELGIUM have enough to beat the likes of Portugal, England (unfortunately) et al.

Golden Boot winner: ROMELU LUKAKU should easily net some goals in the group stages. If they reach the final, you can expect him to be up there.
Player of the Tournament:
N’GOLO KANTE. One of the best players in world football right now and his ‘under the radar’ work ethic is starting to be rightly appreciated. 

Notable overachievers: I think TURKEY have some great players who are in good form so they have the potential to go far.
Notable underachievers:
GERMANY (I hope). Let’s have a repeat of the 2018 FIFA World Cup group stages, please.

England will… be undone on the day by other top teams. That said, this is probably the most excited I’ve been before an international tournament for some time. We have a young, talented squad with a massive future. We could be gone by the Round of 16 with the route being as it is, but if not I’d expect us to get to the semi-finals.

Random bold prediction: Jack Grealish will be England’s best player by a country mile.


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We Predict… The 2020-21 Season

Usually when we write the intro to our predictions blog we try to make an impassioned case for why the upcoming football season will be the very best and most exhilarating to date. But seeing as 2019/20 finished only what seems like fifteen minutes and two ad breaks ago we’re going to cut to the chase: this season could be a difficult one to watch.

Hold up, we said could be. While there’s every chance this season may be dogged by injury and fatigue owing to a unfathomably packed schedule (or cut short altogether) it could also be just as marvellous as ever. Think about it this way: with Pep, Frank, Ole and Jose on their tails, Liverpool are defending an English title for the first time in decades! Chelsea have bought a vast amount of exciting continental talent! Leeds United are back! The UEFA Champions League is as wide open as it has been for years! And there are still three episodes left of that Jose Mourinho documentary!

For all these reasons and more, we promise 2020/21 will be a lot of fun. And even if it isn’t, we still get UEFA EURO 2020 for dessert next summer.

So, on the eve of opening weekend in the Premier League, we, the staff of Icons.com, are back after a year off from embarrassing ourselves with wayward predictions like Spurs finishing second and Jean Michael Seri being signing of the season for 2018/19. This year we hope to more accurately answer the burning questions keeping everyone awake at night. But don’t just take our word for it, send us your predictions for the season ahead on our FacebookTwitter and Instagram pages. As ever, you can hardly do much worse.

And, of course, be sure to check out our fantastic range of signed items from Premier League stars past and present – available right now on Icons.com. Now then, let’s get to it…

Are Liverpool and Manchester City set to continue their dominance in England?

Edward Freedman, Non-Executive Chairman

Premier League winners: Pep Guardiola has learned from last year’s mistakes and has added to his MANCHESTER CITY squad well enough to overturn Liverpool who need to strengthen and haven’t. They don’t have the depth. Keep an eye on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal – hanging on to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was huge for the Gunners.
2nd – Liverpool 3rd – Chelsea 4th – Arsenal
Relegated: Fulham, Newcastle United and Aston Villa
Golden Boot: GABRIEL JESUS has to step up this season with Leroy Sane gone and Sergio Aguero ageing. It’s a bold choice but I don’t want to be boring and go with Harry Kane!

Serie A winners: If Luis Suarez ends up in Turin expect him to further improve JUVENTUS with goals. The man loves a challenge!
La Liga winners: There will be big changes at FC BARCELONA and while I don’t trust Ronald Koeman, I just see the club getting it right again. I don’t want to bet against them in any way.
Bundesliga winners: How can anyone bet against BAYERN MUNICH? They’re just a juggernaut who remind me of FC Barcelona at their 2011 peak.

UEFA Champions League winners: If Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann gel as well as they can, and Ansu Fati steps in to replace Suarez, FC BARCELONA get it done.
UEFA Europa League winners: I like NAPOLI here.

Signing of the season: KAI HAVERTZ could be the next Kevin De Bruyne. He’s the signing that closes the gap to the top two.

Mark my words… Erling Braut Haaland will sign for FC Barcelona in January. He’s a very marketable player and with all the departures at the club, the striker is just what they need.

Who can stop Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool from repeating their title heroics?

Dan Jamieson, CEO

Premier League winners: The best team of last season has not weakened. LIVERPOOL will top the table once again. City, definitely second best last year, now are without David Silva and Leroy Sane. Chelsea have made great signings on paper but it’ll be too difficult to integrate them all at once.
2nd – Manchester City 3rd – Chelsea 4th – Manchester United
Relegated: Fulham, West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United
Golden Boot: MOHAMED SALAH does the business for the champions.

Serie A winners: Yawn… JUVENTUS.
La Liga winners: Half yawn… REAL MADRID.
Bundesliga winners: Big yawn… BAYERN MUNICH.

UEFA Champions League winners: This year brings lucky number seven to LIVERPOOL.
UEFA Europa League winners: TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR secure a UEFA Champions League spot by winning this one.

Signing of the season: I was excited to see TIMO WERNER at Anfield but I have to say less so now.

My team, Liverpool, will… will own our perch once again with English title number 20 and European crown number seven.

Mark my words… Pep Guardiola will be gone from Manchester City by the end of the season. Everyone will fall in love with Leeds United boss Marcelo Biesla and Lionel Messi will decide to stay at Barça til the end of his career.

Can Lazio upset the odds in Serie A?

Ben Soley, Sales and Marketing Manager

Premier League winners: I could list the top four in almost any order as this year’s title race will be much closer than last year’s with Manchester United and Chelsea strengthening so much. That said, I’m sticking with LIVERPOOL.
2nd – Manchester City 3rd – Manchester United 4th – Chelsea
Relegated: Crystal Palace, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa
Golden Boot: PIERRE EMERICK-AUBAMEYANG and MOHAMED SALAH will share top spot again unless Sergio Aguero stays fit for more than 30 games. Expect a valiant first season effort from Timo Werner as well.

Serie A winners: LAZIO-POOL with Lucas Leiva, Pepe Reina and Luis Alberto leading the way.
La Liga winners: Though Lionel Messi‘s form will be as strong as ever, a fully-fit Eden Hazard and better organisation from top to bottom wins REAL MADRID back to back titles.
Bundesliga winners: The same old story in Germany as BAYERN MUNICH fend off Dortmund and one other several games from the finish line.

UEFA Champions League winners: MANCHESTER CITY will win an all-English final.
UEFA Europa League winners: AS ROMA take a UEFA Champions League spot with success in this tournament.

Signing of the season: Let’s go with the obvious choice of TIMO WERNER. Adam Lallana at Brighton and Hove Albion will be a close second.

My team, Liverpool, will… go out of the League Cup early, have a wobble in the Premier League but still end up on 85+ points and win silverware. The front three will be disbanded at the end of the season.

Mark my words… Abdoulaye Doucoure will earn a big move within 18 months of arriving at Everton – perhaps to Paris Saint-Germain? Cambridge United win automatic promotion from League Two. Aleksandar Mitrovic will get sent off at least once with seven plus yellow cards.

Is it now or never for Steven Gerrard and Rangers?

Alistair Hunter, Senior Editor

Premier League winners: Sadly, LIVERPOOL haven’t gone anywhere. It won’t be quite the stroll last year turned out to be but it’s clear Manchester City haven’t invested in the right areas (no offence, Issa Kabore). Could a change at the top come just below the title race?
2nd – Chelsea 3rd – Manchester City 4th – Manchester United
Relegated: Brighton & Hove Albion, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa
Golden Boot: I love the idea of TIMO WERNER coming into the league and tearing it up. Christian Pulisic in particular is going to love feeding this guy.

Serie A winners: This is it. This is the year INTERNAZIONALE prise the Scudetto away from Juve.
La Liga winners: FC Barcelona are a mess and Real Madrid don’t inspire me all that much. Perhaps it’s time for the highest paid manager in the world to go one better than simply closing the gap. Believe it: I’m picking Joao Felix and ATLETICO MADRID.
Bundesliga winners: Only a mad man would go against BAYERN MUNICH, right? Even I’m not bold enough to predict a changing of the guard in three of the top four major European leagues. 

UEFA Champions League winners: At some point PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are finally going to get it right and I’ll keep backing them until they finally do. We’re entering into year four of me being stubborn about this.
UEFA Europa League winners: So, TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR need to win a trophy and their manager is who exactly? Dare I say it’s all or nothing in Europe’s second tier.

Signing of the season: I can’t decide between RODRIGO at Leeds United and JAMES RODRIGUEZ at Everton. I’ll go heart over head and say James.

My team, Rangers, will… get the job done and finally win Scottish title number 55. Not only is it a must in 2021 to halt ten-in-a-row, it needs to be achieved while this particularly talented and somewhat expensive squad is still intact. Lest I give up on football and start following Kabaddi.

Mark my words… injury issues will plague a number of teams, not just in England, but all around Europe. We’ll see Mohamed Salah decelerate towards his Anfield exit as he wallows in the absence of dressing room bestie Dejan Lovren. There will be a 6-3 scoreline in the Premier League.

Is this the year neither FC Barcelona nor Real Madrid win La Liga?

Jamie White, Online Content & Social Media Producer

Premier League winners: MANCHESTER CITY
2nd – Manchester United 3rd – Liverpool 4th – Chelsea
Relegated: Fulham, West Browich Albion and Brighton and Hove Albion
Golden Boot: Chelsea new boy TIMO WERNER will top the scoring charts in his debut season in England.

Serie A winners: JUVENTUS get it done once again.
La Liga winners: ATLETICO MADRID upset the odds to displace the top two.
Bundesliga winners: There’s no question that it’ll be BAYERN MUNICH.

UEFA Champions League winners: Instead of focussing on the Premier League, which was finally won last season, LIVERPOOL win big in Europe.
UEFA Europa League winners: Them again: I’m going with UEFA Europa League specialists SEVILLA.

Signing of the season: Having spent quite a lot time watching AFC Bournemouth I can tell you Nathan Ake is a terrific player and a superb signing for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City. Timo Werner will also prove value for money.

My team, Liverpool, will… not be nearly as consistent in the Premier League but will instead focus on the UEFA Champions League.

Mark my words… null and void is coming. Another major breakout of Covid-19 will bring an early end to the season.


So, that’s what we think will go down during this season’s campaign. But what do you think? Send us your predictions by getting in touch via our FacebookTwitter and Instagram pages!

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We Predict… The 2018-19 Season

You do realise that it’s been nearly one whole month since the FIFA World Cup finished, right? Three-and-a-bit weeks have passed since France dismantled Croatia in Moscow, which in our minds means we’ve been deprived of top class football for far too long. It’s about time the 2018-19 season kicked off and we get back to what really matters. Cast aside the mundane pre-season tours and friendlies for the real, proper, competitive, edge-of-your-seat drama acted out by the best players football has to offer.

After all, that’s what we’re all here for. The big leagues and the big names. And in 2018-19 those big names have a lot to answer for. There’s a mouthwatering title tussle in England while Cristiano Ronaldo sets out on his new adventure in Serie A, Steven Gerrard is the main story in Scotland and, as ever, the likes of FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus are bearing down on Real Madrid to steal their European crown.

With just a handful of days until the big kick-off we, the staff of Icons.com, are back again to answer (or at least attempt to answer) the burning questions on everyone’s minds ahead of the season opener at Old Trafford on Friday night. But don’t just take our word for it, send us your predictions for the season ahead on our FacebookTwitter and Instagram pages. You can hardly do much worse.

And, of course, be sure to check out our fantastic range of signed items from Premier League stars past and present – available right now on Icons.com.

Manchester City and Liverpool are strong favourites to contest the Premier League title.

Edward Freedman, Non-Executive Chairman

Premier League winners: MANCHESTER CITY are the strongest team with a great coach. There’s no reason that Liverpool can’t win it but City have strengthened with the addition of Riyad Mahrez from Leicester City. It’ll be close.
2nd – Liverpool 3rd – Manchester United 4th – Tottenham Hotspur
Relegated: Cardiff City, Fulham and Crystal Palace
Golden Boot: SERGIO AGUERO looks fit and on form with lots of support from City’s myriad creative talent.

Serie A winners: Cristiano Ronaldo will change his role by coming deeper and be as good as ever. He has a lot of supporting acts at JUVENTUS, who should take the title easily.
La Liga winners: FC BARCELONA have strengthened while Real Madrid have disappointed during the summer. Madrid have already lost Ronaldo and if Luka Modric goes too that will be a seismic a blow.
Bundesliga winners: BAYERN MUNICH. It’ll be the same old, same old in Germany, which, admittedly is quite boring.

UEFA Champions League winners: The arrival of Arturo Vidal to FC BARCELONA will bring Real Madrid‘s three-year dominance to an end. Barca have an excellent coach who can pull it off.
UEFA Europa League winners: SEVILLA have a decent team and are well experienced in winning this competition. I like them out of the frontrunners.

Signing of the season: The very attacking RIYAD MAHREZ will only grow under Pep Guardiola alongside much higher quality teammates.

My team, FC Barcelona, will… be stronger at the back with a superb goalkeeper in Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Samuel Umtiti growing in stature. They’re now a real team and not just an attacking force.

Mark my words… Zinedine Zidane will be managing Manchester United before Christmas. More of the old school of English managers will be replaced by younger continental coaches.

There’s a new face in Turin. You may already know his name.

Dan Jamieson, CEO

Premier League winners: MANCHESTER CITY haven’t gone backwards so should retain the title under Pep Guardiola. That said, key component Fernandinho must stay fit.
2nd – Liverpool 3rd – Tottenham Hotspur 4th – Arsenal
Relegated: Newcastle United, Cardiff City and Huddersfield Town
Golden Boot: SERGIO AGUERO is the biggest goal threat in the league’s best and most creative team.

Serie A winners: It’s not just the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo that makes JUVENTUS favourites. It’s also the capture of Emre Can and the return of Leonardo Bonucci.
La Liga winners: Lionel Messi and FC BARCELONA win the league title for fun but is another league and cup double really enough?
Bundesliga winners: I’ll go with RB LEIPZIG just for the fun of it.

UEFA Champions League winners: From a tactical standpoint, LIVERPOOL are more suited to winning on the ultimate stage than in domestic competitions.
UEFA Europa League winners: Unai Emery knows how to win this competition and he’ll bring that nous to ARSENAL.

Signing of the season: NABY KEITA is like Roy Keane on steroids mixed with Paul Ince on fast forward.

My team, Liverpool, will… be pipped to the post by a Manchester City team who have more experience. But teams coming to attack allows us to counter with extreme pace so it should be another exciting campaign at Anfield.

Mark my words… Manchester United will implode, leaving Jose Mourinho to pack his bags and leave his hotel just in time for Christmas. England‘s youth players will start to break in to first teams across the country – the future is bright for 2026. Fulham (who have bought very well over the summer, by the way) will stay up with a surprisingly entertaining brand of football.

Jose Mourinho is into his third season at Manchester United…

Ben Soley, Sales and Marketing Manager

Premier League winners: Out of sheer hope as much as expectation, I’ll say LIVERPOOL.
2nd – Manchester City 3rd – Manchester United 4th – Chelsea
Relegated: Huddersfield Town, Fulham and Crystal Palace
Golden Boot: HARRY KANE will finally break his August duct and, despite being exhausted from his FIFA World Cup exploits, the Englishman will win this honour yet again.

Serie A winners: Could you imagine JUVENTUS not winning the title now?
La Liga winners: FC BARCELONA will surely be Spanish champions again.
Bundesliga winners: The obvious choice in Germany is BAYERN MUNICH.

UEFA Champions League winners: Isn’t it FC BARCELONA‘s turn again?
UEFA Europa League winners: With a mere 50 hours left of the transfer window at the time of writing CHELSEA have only to keep their squad together to walk this competition.

Signing of the season: NABY KEITA gives Liverpool a new famous number eight as well as a proper number one.

My team, Liverpool, will… start strong but find themselves in second place after a tricky spell around Christmas time. Still, dare I say it’s our year? In the end they’ll have the league won with two games to spare.

Mark my words… Jose Mourinho will be gone by this time next year while at the same time the world transfer record will be broken once again and Liverpool will have won silverware. I also predict that I will have changed my mind about most of the above within the first two weeks of the season.

Liverpool’s Naby Keita is much-fancied to be a hit in the Premier League.

James Tildesley, Head of New Business

Premier League winners: No surprises here, really. I can’t see anyone beating MANCHESTER CITY. The only thing that I can see upsetting their dominance is an injury to Fernandinho as they don’t have a quality replacement at the time of writing.
2nd – Liverpool 3rd – Arsenal 4th – Tottenham Hotspur
Relegated: Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town and Crystal Palace
Golden Boot: The metronome that is HARRY KANE wins this while Mohamed Salah does well again… but not as well as last season.

Serie A winners: AC Milan will run JUVENTUS close.
La Liga winners: With Real Madrid in transition, FC BARCELONA retain the title.
Bundesliga winners: If anyone gets near BAYERN MUNICH expect the Bavarian side to buy their key players at the end of the season.

UEFA Champions League winners: FC BARCELONA will beat Manchester City in the final.
UEFA Europa League winners: If CHELSEA embrace the playing style of new manager Mauricio Sarri, they’ll be excellent in Europe.

Signing of the season: NABY KEITA is exactly what Liverpool need and he suits their playing style perfectly.

My team, Aston Villa, will… reach the play-offs at best. They need to rebuild after last season and the new owners will help with that. But to galvanise the team enough to put consistent performances across 46 gruelling games and win that league is a step too far.

Mark my words… Burnley will drop like a stone with the addition of European football to their fixture list. They’ll finish 17th. Manchester United will have a horrendous season with Jose Mourinho gone in January. Losing Assistant Manager Rui Faria is massive – it’s going to be a hard watch for United fan this season.

Steven Gerrard is the big story in Scotland as he looks to topple Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic.

Alistair Hunter, Senior Editor

Premier League winners: LIVERPOOL have just about enough to topple Manchester City. Either way this will be an enthralling title race that goes down to the wire. Buckle up, this is going to be a classic.
2nd – Manchester City 3rd – Tottenham Hotspur 4th – Chelsea
Relegated: Cardiff City, Bournemouth and a Rafa-less Newcastle United
Golden Boot: Another season among Europe’s top scorers cements HARRY KANE‘s place among the Premier League greats.

Serie A winners: Carlo Ancelotti pulls off the mother of all upsets in bringing the Scudetto back to NAPOLI.
La Liga winners: Arturo Vidal gives FC BARCELONA much-needed backbone. La Blaugrana won’t be stopped in Spain – unless they find themselves twelve yards from goal, of course.
Bundesliga winners: John Williams’ Imperial March plays as BAYERN MUNICH sweep their rivals aside once again.

UEFA Champions League winners: Those of us who had at least one eye open during the FIFA World Cup will have seen just how fearless and seemingly unstoppable Kylian Mbappe is right now. Under the astute guidance of Thomas Tuchel, this is the year that PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN finally get it right.
UEFA Europa League winners: Rangers storm to success in Baku… only joking. Not even Stevie G can pull off a miracle of that magnitude. I’ll play it safe and go with perennial UEL winners SEVILLA.

Signing of the season: Tottenham’s capture of… wait… what? Oh. Oh my. Okay, in that case, I’ll go with ALISSON. The keeper will prove his distribution is as assured as his brilliant shot-stopping.

My team, Cambridge United, will… finish so aggressively mid-table that they may even break the league in two. My other team, Rangers, will close the gap on Celtic, win at least one Old Firm derby and snag the Bhoys’ Treble Treble by claiming one of the cups. All aboard the Steven Gerrard bandwagon – the Gers are on their way back.

Mark my words… the pressure on Premier League officials to implement VAR will prove all too much after a campaign riddled with refereeing mishaps. Ryan Sessegnon will be snapped up by a top six side in January amid fresh calls for his inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s England squad but the most exciting home-grown prospect will break through down the road at Chelsea. Callum Hudson-Odoi, remember the name.

Lionel Messi’s FC Barcelona are expected to retain the Spanish title.

Brett Sinclair, Warehouse Manager

Premier League winners: MANCHESTER CITY‘s very talented squad will cruise to the title if they stay fit.
2nd – Tottenham Hotspur 3rd – Liverpool 4th – Chelsea
Relegated: Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town and Fulham
Golden Boot: This is tough one with some of the world’s best footballers playing in the league this season but I hope PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG’s pace gets the service it deserves.

Serie A winners: I expect great things from JUVENTUS after the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. Juve will be closely followed by Napoli.
La Liga winners: FC BARCELONA take the title with Real Madrid not too far behind.
Bundesliga winners: No-one will come close to BAYERN MUNICH as they glide to victory.

UEFA Champions League winners: JUVENTUS will push through. For their sake, I hope the officials are more switched on this season.
UEFA Europa League winners: CHELSEA will focus on winning this.

Signing of the season: FELIPE ANDERSON will do great things for West Ham United.

My team, Leicester City, will… finish fifth this season. There’s not much else they can do. It would be great to see a repeat of their title-winning exploits in 2015-16 but it’s best to be realistic.

Mark my words… Arsenal will not lift a trophy this season or finish in the top five. Sorry to all the Gunners out there.

Paul Pogba is now a world champion – can he shine at Old Trafford?

Daryl Angel, Head of Customer Support

Premier League winners: MANCHESTER UNITED
2nd – Liverpool 3rd – Manchester City 4th – Arsenal
Relegated: Southampton, Cardiff City and Brighton and Hove Albion
Golden Boot: ROMELU LUKAKU shares the honour with HARRY KANE.

Serie A winners: I would love to see one of the Milan sides back on top but I don’t think it’s possible after CR7‘s move to JUVENTUS.
La Liga winners: FC BARCELONA, no doubt about this.
Bundesliga winners: I would love to see BAYERN MUNICH toppled but I don’t think anyone has the squad to do so.

UEFA Champions League winners: MANCHESTER UNITED will face JUVENTUS in the final with Paul Pogba scoring the winner… but for whom I don’t know yet.
UEFA Europa League winners: Having been knocked out of the UEFA Champions League at the group stages, PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN treat the UEFA Europa League as the most important trophy of the season.

Signing of the season: 35-year-old Lee Grant at Manchester United… or Jack Wilshere for West Ham United. JEAN MICHAEL SERI to Fulham could also be one of the coups of the summer.

My team, Manchester United, will… either win the league or crash and burn ten games into the season and sack Jose Mourinho before Christmas. I hope Mourinho’s third season curse is about to change.

Mark my words… everybody will see that £70million for Allison is ridiculous and Liverpool fans will be singing for the return of Loris Karius by Christmas. Rangers will finally challenge Celtic in the SPL. Paul Pogba will either become Manchester United club captain or be gone by this time next year.


So, that’s what we think will go down during this season’s campaign. But what do you think? Send us your predictions by getting in touch via our FacebookTwitter and Instagram pages!

For our full range of Premier League signed products check out icons.com now!



We Predict… The 2018 FIFA World Cup

You feel that, right? That’s the feeling we football fans get in the days leading up to the start of a FIFA World Cup. That’s the feeling you get when you know there’s a whole month of tournament football lying in wait. After Russia face Saudi Arabia in the tournament opener at the Luzhniki on Thursday, there are 55 games in the space of 19 days. Once it all gets going there’ll only be one day left of June that won’t have a match on. You feel it, right? It’s called FIFA World Cup fever.

Everyone at Icons.com has it. We’re all heading out to Russia over the course of the tournament and we could’t be more excited. But nor could we be more divided on what’s going to go down when the best of the best go head-to-head.

Making a hash of what’s to come over the next 32 days, our staff and partners have made their predictions for the competition ahead. But don’t take our word as gospel, feel free to get involved on our FacebookTwitter and Instagram pages by giving us your predictions. After all, you can hardly do much worse.

And, of course, be sure to check out our fantastic range of official FIFA World Cup signed memorabilia from icons past and present – available right now on Icons.com.


Edward Freedman, Chairman

Winners: SPAIN have the best individuals and, since their victory in 2010, they are experienced in winning this tournament.

Runner-up: FRANCE’s weakest link is their inexperience but they have a great team that can get them to a second straight tournament final.

Shock exit: ENGLAND are rubbish. I don’t think they’re in the same class as a lot of the teams being talked about at this tournament. The Three Lions will draw against Panama and lose to Tunisia with the former shocking the world to progress to the knockout stages.

Golden Boot: DIEGO COSTA will inspire the eventual winners with a glut of goals.

England will… well, see above.

Random predictions: Iran will do a lot better than people expect while Belgium will disappoint despite progressing through Group G.

Can Diego Costa fire Spain to their second world title – a fourth major tournament triumph in ten years?

Dan Jamieson, CEO

Winners: SPAIN know how to win it, can keep the ball forever, have the world’s best goalkeeper and this time around they have the ugliest of ugly up front. And, of course, Sergio Ramos can take out any striker whenever necessary.

Runner-up: I like the look of FRANCE. They are my office sweepstake pick and I also like the look of about 23 high-calibre players that can’t even get into the squad (think Franck Ribery, Karim Benzema, Anthony Martial etc.). I think it’s a tournament too early for them to become world champions but the mix is right and in Antoine Griezmann they have a potential Golden Boot winner.

Shock exit: BRAZIL are not as good as they think they are, especially at defending. Neymar Jr can’t be 100% fit and the team is built around him. If they are dysfunctional upfront then the first big team that stands up to them can exploit the spaces at the back.

Golden Boot: If France get to the final then GRIEZMANN will play seven games and clean up just as he did at UEFA EURO 2016.

England will… play better football, look relatively organised, narrowly win the first two games, lose to Belgium and then come close to beating Colombia in the ROUND OF 16. They will come home feeling that the future’s brighter than the present.

Random predictions: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s mission to complete their trophy collection will be the journalistic narrative but team ethos, top goalkeeping, multiple goal threats, sound defending and ball-keeping midfielders will triumph over what they can offer. England fans will be looking through the silverware-winning U17 and U20 squads and drawing up their 2026 FIFA World Cup teamsheets come early July.

France forward Antoine Griezmann will be looking to go one better after Les Blues came close at UEFA EURO 2016.

Ben Soley, Sales and Marketing Manager

Winners: You don’t necessarily need the depth GERMANY have to win seven FIFA World Cup matches but the quality they possess is just insane. The fact that Leroy Sane will be watching from home (or more likely from a private island resort) speaks volumes.

Runner-up: FRANCE have the joint second youngest squad at the tournament. They beat Germany at UEFA EURO 2016 but that was on home soil. A second straight loss in a major final will be hard to take but we will be approaching a period of French dominance if they can eventually get it right.

Shock exit: Expectations will be higher for COLOMBIA after a stunning FIFA World Cup campaign four years ago and their group is one of the more competitive. PORTUGAL’s time in Russia will end as soon as they reach the knockouts. Both will be seen as underachievements.

Golden Boot: So many options! Having said that, I fancy someone from Group A with those kind fixtures against Russia and Saudi Arabia providing a good chance for the hat-trick that would take you halfway to the crown. I’ll be brave and go with Uruguay to be the nation with the most goals while MOHAMED SALAH takes the individual prize.

England will… lose in the QUARTER-FINALS. It’s hard not to put on the rose-tinted glasses. We have some outstanding wing-backs, one of the best strikers in the world and some great and in-form attacking support. Tight wins against Panama and Tunisia, coupled with a draw against Belgium, followed by a gritty win against one of Colombia or Poland in the round of 16 takes us to the quarters and Germany. That’s when I throw my glasses away.

Random predictions: Iran will only concede two goals but still go out at the group stages. Harry Kane will score a hat-trick while Harry Maguire will be an unlikely goalscorer. Lionel Messi will speak out against the AFA when Argentina are knocked out.

Germany are much-fancied to defend their title with strength in depth a particular asset.

Alistair Hunter, Senior Editor

Winners: BRAZIL are the perfect combination of gritty between the lines and irresistible going forward.

Runner-up: SPAIN are back to their best but come up just shy of a fourth title in ten years.

Shock exit: It pains me to say it as a massive fan of Lionel Messi but I see ARGENTINA going out at the group stages. Group D is deceptively tricky and there is a clear imbalance to Jorge Sampaoli’s squad. A fast start is needed to keep the immense pressure of their supporters’ expectations from getting to them.

Golden Boot: A relatively straightforward group and a deep run to the latter stages gives NEYMAR JR the best chance.

England will… reach the QUARTER-FINALS. Victory over Tunisia will lift their spirits enough to also cruise past Panama but defeat to Belgium leaves them second in Group G. They scrape by Colombia in the round of 16 causing a surge of excitement back home before Southgate’s men are outclassed (but hardly embarrassed) by the almighty Germans.

Random predictions: Lacking experience, training and guidance, FIFA World Cup officials struggle to properly implement VAR, which leads to several high-profile mistakes and widespread protestations over the use of the technology at future tournaments. Meanwhile Group C tops the goalscoring charts. 

Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) will be in use at the FIFA World Cup for the very first time. But will it help or hinder?

James Tildesley, Head of New Business

Winners: GERMANY, as I really don’t see a weak area of their game and they have such depth to their squad. Couple that with a manager who knows how to win and I can’t see past them.

Runner-up: I like the look of Spain and Brazil but I think FRANCE will be the ones who eventually lose out to the Germans. Again, this is a team with a phenomenally good squad which appears to have less of the types of personalities that derailed them so spectacularly in 2010.

Shock exit: PORTUGAL have a difficult group and I felt they really flattered to deceive at UEFA EURO 2016. There will be plenty who say they won it on merit and I would tend to agree but I also feel there was an absence of any real opposition.

Golden Boot: I have money on TIMO WERNER so failure is not an option.

England will… get done 2-0 in the ROUND OF 16. I don’t see us doing much better than scraping out of our group but it’s also difficult for me to picture anything other than a spectacular disappointment in which we lose to Tunisia and Belgium and draw with Panama.

Random predictions: Mohamed Salah will overcome his shoulder injury to score six in Group A as he pulls himself into contention for the Golden Boot (I have money on him as well!). 

Egypt’s undoubted talisman, Mohamed Salah, will lead the line in a group of Uruguay, Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Brett Sinclair, Warehouse Manager

Winners: BELGIUM have an all-round top quality squad with plenty of experience. They just need to work well together in a way that they have not before. Let’s see what Roberto Martinez can do.

Runner-up: ENGLAND. I must say that I think we are going in to the FIFA World Cup with a young squad that will have a lot to prove. Let’s wait and see what they can do.

Shock exit: There seems to be a lot of hype surrounding SPAIN this year but I think they get frustrated too easily. They may be on the end of a few red cards which could spell trouble in the group stages.

Golden Boot: As long as ANTOINE GRIEZMANN is on the pitch, I would always expect to see big things coming from him. The French squad has tons of talent and they should be able to make it easy for him.

England will… make it to the FINAL, as I stated earlier.

Random predictions: My very random prediction is that we will see a very high number of cards. I also think that VAR will not be used nearly as much as it should.

Is it time for Belgium’s golden generation to come good?



We Predict… The 2018 UEFA Champions League Final

It’s almost here. The countdown to the 2018 UEFA Champions League final is in its final stages and this year the anticipation could not be any higher. Kiev better brace itself, because when Real Madrid and Liverpool clash on Saturday evening, there’s sure to be fireworks.

We know it’ll be an exciting, enthralling and electric final. We know there’s a good chance the match won’t finish goalless. We know there’s history to be made. But what we don’t know – for certain, anyway – is exactly what will happen. But we can always guess. So, without further adieu…


Dan Jamieson, CEO

I’m with esteemed football writer Jonathan Wilson, who has argued that Real Madrid are a giant “sleep-walking into a hammering.”

I’m a born and bred Scouser and a big Liverpool fan, so forgive me for any perceived bias, but I just think Real won’t know what’s hit them. Lots of teams press but Liverpool are on a different level. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané are clocked as two of the top even fastest players in European football and it’s the Gegenpress that creates the chances rather than our more functional midfield. Marcelo will go walkabout, Sergio Ramos will push up too high and dive in too much, while Cristiano Ronaldo will get frustrated by a lack of service.

This is the end of the road for this great Real side but now the youngest, quickest and hungriest team they will have played will bring down the curtain on their regal rein. Exuberance triumphs over experience.

Score: Real Madrid 0-4 Liverpool
Man of the Match: Sir Bobby of Firmino.
Random prediction: After Madrid lose, they spend the summer trying to buy their conquerors.


Ben Soley, Sales and Marketing Manager

Real are the dream opposition for Liverpool – ageing, slow, over-confident. Madrid may have the experience in finals like these but Liverpool will have the hunger. There will undoubtedly be some early jitters and the occasion might get to some of the Liverpool players (as it did in the first 20 minutes of the first leg against Roma) but when they get their first chance they will quickly see how easy it is to get at Madrid’s defence.

Many of Liverpool’s games are won in the middle of the pitch, where a dynamic trio dispossess their opposite numbers, and get it to that forward three at pace. Injuries mean they are without linchpin midfielders Emre Can and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain while Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro will prove to be the hardest opposition Klopp’s side have come up against. So, it will be up to Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, and the competition’s leader for assists, James Milner, to control the game.

I expect a high-scoring match but those who doubt Liverpool’s defensive qualities should re-watch the performances of Dejan Lovren and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s against Manchester City in the quarter-final at the Etihad.

Score: Real Madrid 2-3 Liverpool
Man of the Match: James Milner.
Random prediction: Marcelo will misplace a pass that leads directly to a goal.

The final takes place at Kiev’s Olimpiyskiy stadium on Saturday at 19:45 (GMT)

Alistair Hunter, Senior Editor

Liverpool have all the tools to stop Real Madrid but there’s something about Zinedine Zidane’s side in these finals that makes them seem unstoppable.

Call it experience, call it genuine star quality, call it luck, call it whatever you want – there’s just something about them that has me believing that, especially if it goes beyond the 90 minutes, it’s they who pull through. I have been lucky enough to have attended the last two finals so I have seen this in action.

But, on a more practical note, I believe it’ll be Real’s strength in depth that will prove a decisive factor. After all, however Zidane chooses to line up his side in Kiev, he’ll have numerous options on the bench. One of Gareth Bale, Isco or Marco Asensio (or even all three) could be left out of the starting XI. Klopp doesn’t have that luxury and the more this incredibly high-octane, end-of-season game wears on, the more likely it is that fresh legs make the difference.

Score: Real Madrid 3-2 Liverpool (AET)
Man of the Match: Cristiano Ronaldo.
Random prediction: Ronaldo will win and convert a first half penalty.


James Tildesley, Head of New Business

Much has been said about Real Madrid’s weaknesses and, in particular, how Marcelo marauding forward would afford space to Liverpool’s key threat, Mohamed Salah. But I don’t think a team that has got itself to the final for a chance to win its third consecutive UEFA Champions League title could be that tactically naive.

Admittedly, I looked at Madrid against Bayern Munich and thought it to be promising for Liverpool and in the final Marcelo may well find himself out of position. However, I think mental strength will be a deciding factor and, given that Liverpool were rocked several times against Roma, I can see that coming to the fore again.

Score: Real Madrid 2-1 Liverpool
Man of the Match: Luka Modric.
Random prediction: Marcelo provides either the assist or a key pass for a Real goal while also being at fault for a Liverpool goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo is aiming to win his fifth UEFA Champions League title

Jamie White, Social Media Producer

Being a Liverpool fan, I have to have faith in the Redmen to bring home that trophy even if my head says Real Madrid will win.

Given their experience in winning this competition over recent years and considering the players they have at their disposal, it’s hard look past the Spanish giants for a third straight title. Having said that, on our day, we can beat anyone and there can be no bigger or better occasion to prove that than this one. People talk up Liverpool’s powerful attacking trio but its that leaky back line that will have to prove itself in limiting the damage caused by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo. I think that, should the game go to extra time, Liverpool may run out of steam with their high-pressure tactics. Real’s greater strength in depth will also play a key role in swinging the balance.

Score: Real Madrid 3-2 Liverpool
Man of the Match: Luka Modric.
Random prediction: (Not so random) Dejan Lovren will drop a howler.


Scott Hutchison, US Partner

If you’re looking for a defensive battle, this isn’t the match for you. Expect both teams to constantly press, setting us neutrals up to enjoy a free-scoring affair. I’m a firm believer in the intangibles, with experience being top of the list.

I can’t see Liverpool being intimidated by the occasion, but when that whistle blows, they’ll line up opposite the side who have reigned over this competition for three of the last four years. That will bring a certain confidence to Real and will put them up early, making this less of a competitive match than most would want.

Score: Real Madrid 4-2 Liverpool.
Man of the Match: Can it really be anyone other than Cristiano Ronaldo?
Random prediction: Chelsea showed that if you smother Mo Salah, you smother and ultimately stop Liverpool. He may get his goal but expect the Egyptian’s possession overall to be very limited.


So, that’s what we think will go down in Kiev. But what do you think? Send us your predictions by getting in touch via our FacebookTwitter and Instagram pages!

Get 10% off ALL Liverpool and Real Madrid signed memorabilia on Icons.com.



Football’s back! Six unmissable storylines to look out for in 2017-18

At last, it’s back! The real football has returned! From now until late May of next year, it’s non-stop, full-on, unadulterated football and we at Icons.com could not be more excited.

After all, this season has the potential to be bigger, better and more exciting than ever. And not just in England. Let’s not forget the thrills that await around the continent; in Spain, Germany, Italy and France, where the best footballers on the planet do battle in front of the biggest crowds for the right to claim the world’s most coveted prizes.

In fact, with so much going on around the world on the opening weekend of the season, you could be forgiven for not knowing where to start or what to look out for. Well, it’s lucky we’re here then, isn’t it? Here are six things you need to keep an eye on this season.

 

1. Bem-vindo Neymar Jr

So, it actually happened. With Neymar Jr’s switch from FC Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for €222million, world football’s transfer record has been broken by a factor of two. Our office stopped in its tracks to watch – perhaps a little out of disbelief – as the mercurial Brazilian forward was presented in front of the world’s media last week. With a glitzy unveiling in front of a sell-out crowd days later, the Parc de Princes has had more than a little Hollywood about it over the past month.

This season the 25-year-old will surely set his sights not only on a sweep of the domestic titles on offer at his new club but also a shot at one or both of the two individual honours that would certify his superstar status: the Ballon D’or and FIFA’s The Best Award. Will the football gods also write a mouthwatering script that reunites him with Barça in the UEFA Champions League? It may be time to start warming those balls…

 

2. The main event

Speaking of the UEFA Champions League, this season’s race for club football’s most sought-after prize promises to be as thrilling as ever. Real Madrid made history at the end of last season as they became the first team to successfully defend their title but Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo aren’t quite content with just two-in-a-row. The Spanish champions have won the famous tournament in three of the last four years and they’ve developed a taste for success.

Meanwhile, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are back, adding three previous winners and two of the competition’s most storied teams to the mix. Jurgen Klopp and Jose Mourinho have a great knack of inspiring magic on European nights but can the trophy really return to the North West as early as this season?

Not if the rest of Europe has something to say about it. A certain aforementioned Brazilian seems dead-set on making his mark at PSG but to get to Kiev they may have to return to the scene of last season’s most remarkable tie: Camp Nou. All this while Carlo Ancelotti plots Bayern Munich’s return to the European throne and Gianluigi Buffon prays for one last shot at the trophy that has always eluded him.

As an official UEFA licensee, Icons.com is the proud home of official UEFA Champions League signed memorabilia.

 

3. A six-horse race

The Premier League is getting stronger in competitive terms, there’s no doubt about that. Almost all of the world’s best managers are taking charge of talented, hungry and exciting teams in England’s topflight and that means the title could go almost anywhere.

In Manchester, Pep Guardiola is building an attack-minded team at City with the signing of Monaco’s Bernardo Silva to add to Sergio Aguero’s goals, while United have a new hitman in the form of Romelu Lukaku. Liverpool are still a side of pure pace up front and should be an entertaining watch considering their attacking prowess.

Meanwhile, in London, Antonio Conte has one of the world’s most exciting attacking midfielders in Eden Hazard and Mauricio Pochettino will just be happy that both Harry Kane and Dele Alli (see below) have gone the summer without their heads being turned. Arch-rivals Arsenal have satisfied the wishes of their fans with the purchase of Alexandre Lacazette and the retention of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil (at the time of writing, anyway). So, who exactly is supposed to be the frontrunner here?

Find out who we fancy to come out on top in our special 2017-18 season predictions blog.

 

4. Dele’s big year

The breakout season is history, the sophomore slump was nowhere to be seen. Now the most exciting young talent at both Tottenham Hotspur and England can stretch his legs and really show us what he’s got. Gunning for a hat-trick of PFA Young Player of the Year awards – and perhaps the main gong too – Dele Alli faces a season of much promise.

Playing in front of potentially 90,000 fans at Spurs’ temporary home of Wembley Stadium won’t faze the England regular, nor will the prospect of a second season in the UEFA Champions League group stages. In fact, knowing the boy-wonder personally from our signing sessions, we’re not sure exactly what could faze him, if anything. Here is a confident 21-year-old who has the world at his feet. Which reminds us, isn’t there some sort of big international tournament coming soon?

We are immensely proud to have an official contract with Tottenham and England sensation Dele Alli. For exclusive signed products, visit Icons.com today.

 

5. All the world’s a stage

Ah, yes, the FIFA World Cup. Next summer sees the return of the biggest football tournament on the planet and with potentially one last chance at winning that most coveted trophy, the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will be desperate to deliver glory to their respective countries. Neymar Jr, Philippe Coutinho, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann and Dele Alli will be among the young but established stars hoping to capture the world’s attention and with the talent on offer it promises to be a tournament full of drama.

Whisper it but England look to be stronger than in recent years with Wayne Rooney surely determined to bow out of international football on a high alongside a stellar mix of young and experienced players mostly plying their trade in the Premier League.

Capture the spirit and excitement of the FIFA World Cup with officially-licensed FIFA World Cup signed memorabilia, exclusive to Icons.com.

 

6. La Liga’s on a knife-edge

Madridistas could be forgiven for still being a little hungover when their domestic season starts with a Supercopa Clasico on Sunday evening. Last season, Real won their first league title since 2012 and became the first team in history to retain the UEFA Champions League. Their supremacy is currently unquestioned but this season their hated rivals will want revenge.

Lionel Messi’s ultra dramatic, last-gasp winner in the sides’ pulsating encounter at the Bernabeu merely fanned the flames that could well spark all-out war this term. Barça haven’t experienced for years the upheaval they’ve suffered over the past few months with Neymar Jr gone and now a new man at the helm. Who knows how Ernesto Valverde plans to stop the Zidane juggernaut?

 

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