Premier League predictions: Andy Cole vs Robbie Fowler
Ahead of the Castlewood Group Battle of the Reds between Liverpool and Manchester United legends in Singapore, FFT asked the goalscoring machines for their thoughts ahead of the new campaign...
The two striking greats agree on the teams that will get relegated, otherwise they have quite different opinions on what Premier League fans should expect in 2015-16.
We also ask them for their opinions on the prospects of the Reds and the Red Devils – the clubs where they made their names.
Part 1: Premier League preview
Who will win this year's English Premier League?
Robbie: Arsenal
Andy: Chelsea
Who will finish in the top four?
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
Robbie: Arsenal, Chelsea, Man United and Liverpool
Andy: “The usual suspects” - Chelsea, Man City, Man United and Arsenal
Who will get relegated?
Robbie: Leicester, Bournemouth and Watford
Andy: Leicester, Bournemouth and Watford
Who will win the golden boot and how many goals will they score?
Robbie: An injury-free Diego Costa, 22+
Andy: Sergio Aguero, 26
Who will be Liverpool/Manchester United's leading scorer?
Robbie: Christian Benteke
Andy: Wayne Rooney
Which manager is under the most pressure entering the season?
Robbie: (Manuel) Pellegrini at Manchester City is under a lot of pressure to reclaim the title. All the managers in the Premier League are constantly under pressure, particularly at the top.
Andy: All managers are under huge pressure. In regards to the top four in particular, Brendan Rodgers has spent a lot of money and is under pressure to deliver. Louis van Gaal is expected to start challenging for the title.
Who will be the Premier League's surprise packet this season?
Robbie: Crystal Palace – I was very impressed with them last season at Anfield. Wilfried Zaha and Yannick Bolasie are top players and give them good width and pace. I fancy them to have a strong campaign.
Andy: Could go either way, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tim Sheerwood have a good season with Aston Villa.
Can you single out one favourite goal you scored from your time with Liverpool/Manchester United?
Robbie: Any goal against Man United or Everton!
Andy: Impossible to pick one. Loved them all. I love scoring goals!
Who was your toughest opponent?
Robbie: (Steve) Bruce/(Gary) Pallister as a pair were very tough. Jaap Stam as well was a top centre-half.
Andy: Des Walker
Part 2: Liverpool and Man United's prospects
What do you think of Liverpool and Manchester United's recruiting this close season?
Robbie: Impressive. I'm a big fan of Nathaniel Clyne and think Benteke could be exactly what we need. I'm very optimistic heading into the new season.
Andy: Good players. Still in need of a centre-forward with real pace to stretch opposing defences.
When do you think Liverpool and Manchester United could be challenging for the title?
Robbie: It seems to be getting harder and harder to mount a serious title challenge. Hopefully very soon.
Andy: Hopefully not much longer. Another year or 18 months.
The Castlewood Group Battle of the Reds Tour is not officially endorsed by Manchester United Football Club or Liverpool Football Club
Joe was the Deputy Editor at FourFourTwo until 2022, having risen through the FFT academy and been on the brand since 2013 in various capacities.
By weekend and frustrating midweek night he is a Leicester City fan, and in 2020 co-wrote the autobiography of former Foxes winger Matt Piper – subsequently listed for both the Telegraph and William Hill Sports Book of the Year awards.
‘Arteta, Alonso, Emery, me… none of us were physical players – we needed the understanding of the game. That probably helped us move into management’: Premier League boss reveals reasons for natural career progression
‘England have the players to win the World Cup – it’ll be tough for Thomas Tuchel to do a bad job, with the squad he has at his disposal’ Former Three Lions winger backs new boss after gentle qualifying draw