Ben Foster predicted the final Premier League table prior to to the beginning of the 2022/23 season and here is how it compares to the present day.
Foster, 40, had originally planned to watch this season from the sidelines after retiring from the professional game but recently got back between the sticks to help Wrexham achieve promotion back to the Football League.
Prior to his return, Foster spent a portion of his time creating an online presence through YouTube and various podcasts. Where he went on to list his predictions for the upcoming season on his personal channel, The Cycling GK. Here are all of his predictions listed and how they match-up against the real life outcome, as of Tuesday May 9.
“There could be a treble. I think they’ll win one of the cups, the Premier League and the Champions League.”
Pep Guardiola’s side originally looked as if they had relinquished the title to Arsenal but with Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland leading the way, they have recorded ten wins in a row as he went on to break the goal scoring record for a singular Premier League season. They are now in pole position with just four games to go.
“Same prediction as last season.”
After spending £600million on transfers, having Chelsea to finish in second was a solid guess from Foster. However, it’s been a disaster for both Graham Potter and Frank Lampard, who has taken charge on an interim basis, with The Blues currently finding themselves in 11th place.
“I can’t see them being up there trying to win the Premier League. I just can’t.”
After a fairly slow start from Jurgen Klopp’s men, the squad have now found their finest form and are pushing for a last-gasp effort to break into the Champions League spots, as they currently find themselves in fifth.
“They’ve made some exciting signings and made them early doors.”
Spurs are currently dwelling in sixth place with severe pressure from teams below for the European places.
“Massive signing in Gabriel Jesus. They’ve been crying out for that guy for a long time.”
Mikel Arteta’s squad were in control of the league for much of the campaign but have fallen off in recent weeks. They sit in second just one point behind City, who have a game in hand.
“I still don’t think they’ve got enough to get top four.”
Foster may have slightly underestimated the impact of Erik ten Hag, despite a tough start. United sit in fourth but have clear deficiencies within the squad that need to be addressed during the summer.
“I’m still predicting a strong season from them.”
From European football to fighting for survival. It’s been a horror season for The Foxes who find themselves in 18th with just three games to go.
“It’s going to be a good season. I think top 10.”
Their fine form in the Europa Conference League has been slightly overshadowed by a poor domestic season. Although The Hammers can now relax in 15th after their recent win against United all but guaranteed their survival for the year.
“There’s a real nice buzz about the place.”
Eddie Howe has worked wonders with the new financial backing at the club and they now find themselves occupying the final Champions League spot.
“A steady Premier League side. Top 10 but only just.”
A recent win against Aston Villa has cooled the fears of relegation but it’s been a disappointing season at the Molineux as they find themselves in 13th.
“Their manager alone is worth a few positions higher.”
Foster heavily underestimated the talents of new boss Roberto De Zerbi, who has guided The Seagulls into seventh place while pushing for European football.
“They’ve got ability. I don’t think they’ll get top 10 though.”
A tough start under Steven Gerrard is all but forgotten given the impact of Unai Emery, who has dragged Villa from relegation battlers into the top half. Anything else is a plus.
“I think they’ll have a decent year.”
Relegation was a threat at one point but old-boy Roy Hodgson quickly steadied the ship after Patrick Vieira’s departure. The Eagles now sit one place above the prediction in 12th.
“I don’t think they’ll be too disappointed with 14th.”
Another new boss in the form of Sean Dyche secured a huge win against Brighton recently as Everton look to avoid the drop in 17th.
“I don’t think they’re going to do as well as last season.”
The stellar form of star striker Ivan Toney has guided Brentford into ninth place this season, a strong contrast to Foster’s guess.
“I don’t think they’ll get relegated, but it’ll be a tough season for them.”
Leeds have struggled massively this season but will be hoping the experience of Sam Allardyce can guide them to safety as they sit in 18th with three games to go.
“I think they’re going to scrape by.”
They have done more than scrape by but have been limited after their star man Aleksandar Mitrovic was suspended earlier in the season, they sit at a respectable 10th.
“I worry for them this season.”
Foster was right here, Southampton have really struggled throughout this season. They sit rock-bottom of the table with their relegation to the Championship almost certain.
“It’s going to be tough this season.”
It was touch and go at some points but Steve Cooper now has a strong chance of guiding The Reds to safety this season as they sit in 16th, three points clear of the drop zone.
“It’s going to be a tough old season. I do worry. I really, really worry.”
A really impressive team after getting promoted, The Cherries are sitting pretty in 14th on 39 points.
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