The Premier League is back, or perhaps it never truly went away. The summer months have been filled with football, from the Club World Cup to Euro 2025 qualifiers, not to mention the constant churn of pre-season friendlies and transfer speculation. As teams gear up for the 2025/26 season, let’s delve into some bold predictions for the upcoming campaign.
Title Contenders and Champions League Hopefuls
The race for the Premier League title is expected to be fiercely competitive. Liverpool, fresh off their title win, have invested heavily in their squad, bringing in talents like Florian Wirtz. However, Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, are determined to reclaim their crown after what some consider a relatively underwhelming season by their high standards. Arsenal, having secured key signings like Viktor Gyokeres, are also tipped to be in the mix, provided they can find a more attacking balance. Chelsea, with their squad depth, are also expected to challenge for a Champions League spot.
Some pundits are backing Liverpool to repeat their title-winning performance, citing their strong squad and tactical approach. Others believe Manchester City will emerge victorious, spurred on by Guardiola’s renewed fire and strategic acquisitions. Arsenal are also gaining traction as potential champions, with many believing their new signings will provide the necessary boost.
Manchester United, despite not being widely tipped for the title, are seen by some as a potential surprise package. If they can get off to a good start and avoid major injuries, they could potentially secure a higher league position than many expect.
The Surprise Packages
Beyond the usual suspects, several teams are being touted as potential surprise packages for the upcoming season. Manchester United are a frequent mention, with some believing that a new manager and a revamped squad could lead to a significant improvement in their performance. Brighton are also mentioned for a possible strong finish potentially securing a spot in Europe. Sunderland are another team to watch, with some believing their shrewd transfer business could see them comfortably avoid relegation and potentially push for a mid-table finish. Even Wolves are identified as a team that could exceed expectations. Tottenham are also in the mix if they can avoid injury crisis.
The Relegation Battle
At the other end of the table, the battle to avoid relegation is expected to be equally intense. Burnley and Leeds United, both newly promoted, are widely tipped to struggle, with some suggesting Leeds could even break the record for the fewest points in a Premier League season. Brentford are also facing difficulties, having lost key players and their manager, leading to concerns about their ability to stay up. Sunderland are also expected to struggle despite some pundits thinking they will be safe. Nottingham Forest are also tipped for the drop due to European football.
Player of the Season and Young Talents
Florian Wirtz is a popular choice for Player of the Season, with many believing he will have a significant impact on the Premier League. Erling Haaland is also in contention, with some expecting him to bounce back strongly after a season where he still scored plenty of goals. Other dark horse candidates are Omar Marmoush and Granit Xhaka.
Several young players are being tipped for a breakthrough season. Rio Ngumoha and Estevao are both garnering attention as potential stars of the future. Chris Rigg, Josh King, and Ethan Nwaneri are also names to watch out for.
Managerial Casualties
The pressure on Premier League managers is always high, and several are seen as potential candidates for the first managerial sacking of the season. Daniel Farke, in charge of Leeds United, is a frequent mention, given their struggles in the transfer market and his previous Premier League record. Ruben Amorim, despite heavy investment in the squad, is also under pressure to deliver results quickly. Other managers who may face the sack include Vitor Pereira, Scott Parker, Nuno Santos, Mikel Arteta, and Thomas Frank.
Bold Predictions
The predictions extend beyond the conventional, with some bold and outrageous claims being made. One prediction suggests that Jack Grealish, now at Everton, will rediscover his scoring and assisting form. Another claims that Alexander Isak might attempt a deadline-day move to Liverpool. There is also a prediction that Liam Delap and Joao Pedro will outscore Viktor Gyokeres. Nicolas Jackson is tipped to turn into a goal scoring machine after leaving Chelsea.
Cup Competitions
Manchester City are widely expected to perform well in the cup competitions, with many predicting them to win the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. Liverpool are also seen as strong contenders, particularly in the Champions League. Chelsea are also expected to perform well in cup competitions.