The 2025/26 English Premier League kicks off today, August 15 which marks the beginning of another season of intense competition and high drama. Newly promoted Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland get ready for the battle of their lives in the top flight, while reigning champions Liverpool start their title defense against Bournemouth at Anfield.
Based on a combination of expert opinions, betting odds, and supercomputer projections, the following is the anticipated result for the 2025-2026 Premier League season:
Title Contenders
A fiercely contested title race is anticipated this new season, with multiple teams possessing the quality, depth, and momentum to contend for first place. Experts forecast a battle that might last until the very last few weeks because attacking firepower, tactical creativity, and squad depth all have a significant impact on how the campaign turns out.
Manchester City: Predicted Champions (92 points)
Driven by Erling Haaland, who is expected to score 36 goals this season, Phil Foden, and the returning Rodri, Manchester City’s system continues to be a dominant, machine-like force under Pep Guardiola.
The team has a proven track record of winning consecutive league titles under his leadership and an unrivaled ability to perform under pressure. The weaknesses from the previous season are addressed by summer additions like Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and possibly Gianluigi Donnarumma, especially in midfield and defense, where Rodri’s absence resulted in a 30% increase in expected goals conceded.
Despite Rodri’s ACL injury, which will keep him out until September, Mateo Kovacic’s absence, and a modest addition in Tijani Reijnders, City has a clear advantage due to their outstanding squad depth and extensive title-race experience.
Arsenal: Predicted 2nd (88 points)
Viktor Gyokeres has given Arsenal the prolific striker they’ve long lacked, and Martin Zubimendi has improved midfield control. Last season, Arsenal had the best defensive record in the league with just 29 goals given up. Mikel Arteta can now rotate important players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes due to increased squad depth, which lessens the impact of injuries that previously hindered them. Additionally, three consecutive second-place finishes highlight their consistency and readiness for a title breakthrough.
Their depth still lags behind Manchester City’s, so avoiding injuries to players like Saka, Declan Rice, and their center-backs is crucial as the pressure to perform after a five-year trophy drought looms large. Additionally, preseason has exposed a vulnerability to counter-attacks that top opponents could take advantage of.
Liverpool: Predicted 3rd (85 points)
Liverpool’s aggressive transfer window, which included the signings of Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong, gives their already strong attack; led by Mohamed Salah, who finished the previous season with 28 goals and 18 assists, much more firepower. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté’s defensive tandem proved incredibly strong last season, giving up just 26 goals when both started, and the club’s “galacticos” spending strategy; nearly £300 million this summer, signals clear ambition under Arne Slot, who successfully modified Jurgen Klopp’s system to secure a dominant title win.
But, as demonstrated in the Community Shield, the move to more attacking full-backs like Kerkez and Frimpong may reveal defensive weaknesses, and the lack of depth at center-back with only three senior options presents a risk in the event of injuries. Because they are the reigning champions, there are high expectations that anything less than winning the title would be considered a failure, and integrating several high-profile additions could make it difficult for the team to work together.
Chelsea: Predicted 4th (79 points)
Chelsea’s young team, which averaged just 24 years and 36 days last season, is full of potential. New players Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, and Jamie Gittens add energy, and players like Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez are exciting additions. The team is on the rise, as evidenced by recent victories in the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup under Enzo Maresca. Additionally, a lot of transfers have improved the squad’s depth, making Champions League qualification a realistic expectation even during a difficult campaign.
The dependability of goalie Robert Sanchez is still in question, though, and their center-back options have been weakened by Levi Colwill’s injury. Even though they are talented, Chelsea doesn’t have enough superstar players outside of Palmer and Moises Caicedo to contend for the championship, and their recent slump in play following a strong December raises questions about their capacity to remain consistent throughout the season.
European Spots & Mid-Table
A number of aspirational teams are hoping to qualify for the Champions League and Europa League, making the battle for European spots expected to be fierce. The season in midtable will be characterized by stability and steady advancement as teams strive to strike a balance between consistency and ambition, avoiding relegation while occasionally pulling off upsets against top contenders.
Manchester United: Predicted 5th (76 points)
United is predicted to bounce back from their worst Premier League season ever (42 points) under Ruben Amorim. Although a projected 34-point gain indicates improvement, a midfield makeover is required to contend for the top four.
Aston Villa: Predicted 6th (70 points)
Villa is a contender for a “new big six” status due to their impressive home record and Europa League campaign, but losing Marco Asensio could impair their attacking ability.
Tottenham Hotspur: Predicted 7th (67 points)
Spurs want to capitalize on their Europa League success under new manager Thomas Frank, but defensive upgrades are essential.
Newcastle: Predicted 8th (63 points)
The possible departure of Alexander Isak could restrict their potential, even though they have a strong midfield core (Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton).
Relegation Battle
Burnley, Sunderland, and Leeds United; all promoted teams, have an uphill battle ahead of them. All three are projected to finish in the bottom three, continuing the recent pattern of quick returns to the Championship. If things don’t work out, Brentford, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and even West Ham might be pulled into the conflict.
With the departure of manager Thomas Frank and important players like Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford may have trouble. West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also predicted as possible relegation candidates in the event that their form deteriorates.
Dark Horses and Surprise Packages:
While Everton, rejuvenated by David Moyes’ return and the addition of a new stadium, may push into the top half, Nottingham Forest is predicted to lose ground from last season’s strong finish, though keeping star player Morgan Gibbs-White gives them a chance to stay competitive. Brighton, on the other hand, has strengthened their defense and is still well-coached, setting them up to make another run for European qualification.
Players to Watch:
Erling Haaland of Manchester City is still the clear favorite to win the Golden Boot, but Alexander Isak, whether at Newcastle or possibly Liverpool, Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal, and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool are all formidable opponents. Florian Wirtz of Liverpool is anticipated to be a standout creative force in the Player of the Season competition, with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal, as well as Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool, also in the running.
Final Verdict: A Season of Drama, Twists, and Uncertainty
The 2025-26 Premier League season is expected to be a highly competitive one, with Manchester City predicted to win the championship again because of their unparalleled depth and experience, but Liverpool and Arsenal are ready to challenge them. Chelsea’s talented young team appears poised to finish in the top four, but the prospects for recently promoted teams dealing with the demanding demands of the top flight seem bleak.
Right up to May 2026, fans can anticipate months of intense drama, surprising turns, and an unpredictable race.
Note: The open transfer window still has the power to change a team’s fortunes, so all predictions are based on squad profiles and transfer activity as of August 15, 2025.
