THE VERY BOLD SPORTS PREDICTIONS FOR 2024
2023 is in the rear view mirror, which means we can look forward to what 2024 will bring, so what better way to look ahead than submitting our (not too outlandish) sporting predictions for the year?
We’ve picked out seven of our favourite predictions for some of the biggest sporting events, so without further ado…
Super Bowl LVIII
Prediction: Cleveland Browns to pull off the unthinkable by reaching NFL showpiece in Las Vegas
The NFL is the shortest season among major professional sports on the planet - in fact, the season begins early September and for teams not reaching the playoffs it ends shortly after the new year. As such, it’s imperative to peak at the right time towards the end of the regular season having won enough games to actually reach the playoffs.
12 of the 32 NFL franchises have yet to win a Super Bowl in the history of the league, the Cleveland Browns are one of those teams - in fact they are one of only four teams yet to appear in the finale. The Browns are infamous for being a cursed franchise and have been a graveyard for quarterbacks. Having watched their starting quarterback Deshaun Watson go down with a shoulder injury earlier in the campaign, 38-year old free agent Joe Flacco was drafted in and has led the team in stunning fashion winning four straight with the Browns sealing just their second trip to the playoffs since 2002.
In a wide open AFC, division rivals Baltimore Ravens are the only consistent contenders at present. Cleveland have already beaten them in their own back yard this season. Would it be unlikely for the Browns to win the AFC? Yes. Can they? Absolutely.
Heavyweight Boxing
Prediction: Usyk defeats Fury, prompting the ‘Gypsy King’ to face Joshua in a British heavyweight showdown
Heavyweight boxing has always been the golden weight class of the sport, even if other weight classes have produced better fighters. Up until recently the sport has come under serious scrutiny with laboured matchmaking and exhibition fight cards increasing in popularity with a younger audience.
Since defeating Deontay Wilder for the WBC title and defending against the American, Fury has faced Dillian Whyte, Derek Chisora and came unstuck against debutant Francis Ngannou out in Saudi Arabia. For all of his claims, Fury has been holding up the division dodging Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk in one fashion or another for more lucrative opportunities. The unification bout against Ukrainian Usyk will supposedly go ahead next month, and we believe ‘The Cat’ will emerge victorious when the pair meet.
Fury has proven he will go where the money is, and if a rematch doesn’t appear commercially attractive, an overdue British heavyweight megafight against Joshua will. Watch this space.
Six Nations
Prediction: Italy to produce their first-ever three-win Six Nations campaign
The 2023 Rugby World Cup only concluded little over two months ago with South Africa defending their title, but the Six Nations is nearly upon us.
Italy have perennially been the whipping boys of the tournament since its inception in 2000. In 13 of the 24 competitions they have competed in, they have gone winless. On only two occasions have they won more than one game (two wins in 2007 & 2013), and we believe they can finally go one better sooner rather than later.
Benetton are second in the United Rugby Championship with a squad littered of Italian internationals, but more importantly, their u20’s are beginning to compete and win in the youth competition with three and two victories in the last two tournaments respectively. Reigning champions Ireland will be without the talismanic Johnny Sexton, while France, England and Wales have injuries, retirements and absentees to contend with. 2024 will be Italy’s greatest opportunity to deliver their best Six Nations performance.
Grand National
Prediction: A 50/1+ long shot triumphs
The 2009 edition of the Grand National saw French-bred Mon Mome became the first 100/1 shot to win since Foinavon in 1967. It also marked the first winner of the race to have been bred in France for 100 years. Since then only two horses with odds priced 35/1 or longer have won the showpiece, the last being 50/1 Noble Yeats in 2022.
It’s interesting and important to note that the following changes are being made ahead of the 2024 race:
A reduction in the number of horses taking part, from 40 to 34
The first fence will be moved closer to the start to slow down the horses as they approach
A reduction in the height of two fences and levelling off on landing ground
Ability ratings for horses entered into the race are to be increased
This will impact the betting with shorter odds to be expected, but the field could throw up a fancied outsider.
Premier League
Prediction: Liverpool win an ugly title race
Until proven otherwise, Manchester City are the gold standard in the Premier League, and the rest of the world these days for that matter. With five titles in the past six seasons, Liverpool are the only side Pep Guardiola’s side have had to duel with for the most part with The Reds triumphing in 2019/20. The festive period was meant to weed out the pretenders, but the reality is that Jurgen Klopp’s men lead a staggered pack including: Arsenal, City, Tottenham, and surprise package, Aston Villa.
The North London rivals led the way for the first few months, but both have dealt with injuries and inconsistency as of late. Villa have been immense under Unai Emery, but can their squad keep up with larger and more expensive groups? They also have a tough list of fixtures during the run-in. City have bounced back from winning the Club World Cup with a pair of victories after Christmas and are due to welcome back Kevin De Bruyne from a long-term injury this month. Erling Haaland has yet to reach his superhuman heights of last season, as have City, who don’t look as sprightly as they did this time last year.
We’re backing Liverpool, who rebuilt their midfield last summer and are ahead of schedule in terms of their development. Their form has been patchy and Mohamed Salah has departed for AFCON, but many of their core players have returned to form following a frustrating 2022/23 season. Topping their Europa League group with relative ease means Klopp can put European football on the backburner until March, by then Liverpool could have built on their lead at the top, and have previously proven they have what it takes to go toe-to-toe with City for the top-flight title.
Champions League
Prediction: Bayern sweep through Europe’s elite to lift 7th title
Only holders Manchester City are fancied better, Bayern Munich aren’t exactly a left-field choice when it comes to predicting the Champions League winners come June. Having lost just one league game to date, Bayern still trail Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, that said the leaders have been on an absolute tear and are undefeated.
Bayern blitzed their Champions League group, beating Manchester United home and away, a draw against Copenhagen prevented them from earning maximum points. Moves are expected to be revived for Fulham’s Joao Palhinha and Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah this January, Fikayo Tomori has been another named linked to the German giants.
Oh, and Harry Kane seems to be settling in well with 25 goals in 21 games across the Bundesliga and Champions League. England’s Captain will be integral to their success, but Bayern boast a strong looking XI and have been near perfect across all competitions so far.
Euro 2024
Prediction: Scotland emulate Wales’ 2016 run to the Semi-Finals
Steve Clarke and his squad may have had to settle for second place in their European Championship qualifying group, but that’s largely because they had already sealed their ticket to Germany long before anyone else, including a memorable 2-0 victory over Spain at Hampden Park last March. In fact, Scotland went on to win their first five games with only Romelu Lukaku, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane bettering Scott McTominay’s tally of seven goals during qualifying.
The Tartan Army were drawn alongside hosts Germany, Hungary and Switzerland for the finals in June and will play the former in the first game of the tournament. Given the Hungarians and the Swiss both booked their places in next summer's finals automatically, you can be sure they will provide stern tests for Scotland. But Steve Clarke has overseen an inspiring campaign, the type of which can really unite the fans, players, staff and nation, similar to Wales’ class of 2016.
The German national team has been in disarray following their shock early exit at the 2022 World Cup, defeating the hosts won’t be beyond Scotland, nor should the notion of progressing out of the group. From there, anything is possible…
So, that’s our [checks notes] not too bold sporting predictions for 2024, do you agree? Which do you think is the likeliest prediction we’ve made? Let us know below!
