The Premier League roars back into action after a summer of transfer sagas, pre-season tours, and the Club World Cup. All eyes are on whether Liverpool can successfully defend their crown, which teams will challenge them, and if any of the newly promoted sides can establish themselves in the top flight.
The season kicks off with Liverpool hosting Bournemouth at Anfield. The weekend unfolds with a series of captivating matches, culminating in Everton’s Monday night visit to Elland Road to face Leeds United, marking the latter’s return to the Premier League after their Championship triumph.
Here’s a comprehensive look at each of the 20 Premier League teams, assessing their chances, key players, and predicted finish.
Arsenal
- Last Season: 2nd
- Manager: Mikel Arteta
- Top Scorer 2024-25: Kai Havertz (9 goals)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: Viktor Gyokeres (£64m, Sporting Lisbon)
Arsenal are poised to challenge for the title once again. The arrival of Viktor Gyokeres could be the final piece in Arteta’s puzzle. With a balanced squad, devastating attacking options, and Declan Rice adding goals from midfield, Arsenal look formidable. Martin Zubimendi is another exciting addition. While the competition is fierce, Arsenal have given themselves a real chance.
- Predicted Finish: 1st
- Title Odds: 9-4
Aston Villa
- Last Season: 6th
- Manager: Unai Emery
- Top Scorer 2024-25: Ollie Watkins (16 goals)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: Evann Guessand (£30m, Nice)
Unai Emery has proven his managerial prowess, and with a strong core of Ezri Konsa, John McGinn, Youri Tielemans, and Ollie Watkins, Villa are set for another season of European football. While Morgan Rogers’ injury is a concern, Watkins’ form in pre-season suggests another strong campaign.
- Predicted Finish: 4th
- Title Odds: 66-1
Bournemouth
- Last Season: 9th
- Manager: Andoni Iraola
- Top Scorer 2024-25: Justin Kluivert (12 goals)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: Djorde Petrovic (£25m, Chelsea)
The key for Bournemouth will be how Iraola manages the departures of key defenders. The fitness of Justin Kluivert, Ryan Christie, and Luis Sinisterra is also crucial. Iraola has worked wonders on the south coast, and they should remain comfortably above the relegation zone.
- Predicted Finish: 12th
- Title Odds: 500-1
Brentford
- Last Season: 10th
- Manager: Keith Andrews
- Top Scorer 2024-25: Bryan Mbeumo (20 goals)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: Antoni Milambo (£18.8m, Feyenoord)
Brentford face uncertainty after losing manager Thomas Frank, top scorer Mbeumo, and captain Christian Norgaard. The arrival of Jordan Henderson provides Premier League experience. The key question is whether new boss Andrews can replace Mbeumo’s goals.
- Predicted Finish: 16th
- Title Odds: 750-1
Brighton
- Last Season: 8th
- Manager: Fabian Hurzeler
- Top Scorers 2024-25: Joao Pedro, Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck (10 goals each)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: Charalampos Kostoulas (£30m, Olympiacos)
Brighton’s impressive pre-season form is encouraging, despite selling Joao Pedro to Chelsea. Maxim De Cuyper looks a promising replacement for Pervis Estupinian. Brighton have a proven track record of replacing key players.
- Predicted Finish: 8th
- Title Odds: 250-1
Burnley
- Last Season: 2nd in Championship
- Manager: Scott Parker
- Top Scorer 2024-25: Josh Brownhill (18 goals)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: Lesley Ugochukwu (£24m, Chelsea)
Burnley are back in the Premier League, but their previous yo-yoing suggests a tough season ahead. Parker’s approach will be more pragmatic than Kompany’s. With 13 new players to integrate, including Kyle Walker, Burnley face a challenging campaign.
- Predicted Finish: 19th
- Title Odds: 2,000-1
Chelsea
- Last Season: 4th
- Manager: Enzo Maresca
- Top Scorer 2024-25: Cole Palmer (15 goals)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: Joao Pedro (£60m, Brighton)
Levi Colwill’s injury is a significant blow, but overall, the mood at Chelsea is positive. New signings Estevao Willian, Liam Delap, and Joao Pedro have impressed. However, the long season, culminating in the Club World Cup win, could take its toll.
- Predicted Finish: 5th
- Title Odds: 8-1
Crystal Palace
- Last Season: 12th
- Manager: Oliver Glasner
- Top Scorer 2024-25: Jean-Philippe Mateta (14 goals)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: Borna Sosa (£3m, Ajax)
After a memorable season, Palace face their first campaign in Europe. Their Community Shield performance showed their strength. However, the demanding schedule could impact their league form. Losing Marc Guehi would be a major setback.
- Predicted Finish: 15th
- Title Odds: 500-1
Everton
- Last Season: 13th
- Manager: David Moyes
- Top Scorer 2024-25: Iliman Ndiaye (9 goals)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: Thierno Barry (£27m, Villarreal)
The signing of Jack Grealish is a statement, but Everton’s overall transfer activity has been underwhelming. Adapting to their new stadium will be key. While there is talent, including Ndiaye, further strengthening is needed.
- Predicted Finish: 14th
- Title Odds: 500-1
Fulham
- Last Season: 11th
- Manager: Marco Silva
- Top Scorer 2024-25: Raul Jimenez (12 goals)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: Benjamin Lecomte (£430k, Montpellier)
Fulham’s days as a yo-yo club may be over. Their quiet transfer window shouldn’t be a major concern. With Jimenez, Adama Traore, Alex Iwobi, and Emile Smith Rowe, they have a potent attacking force. Marco Silva’s experience is also a significant asset.
- Predicted Finish: 11th
- Title Odds: 750-1
Leeds United
- Last Season: 1st in Championship
- Manager: Daniel Farke
- Top Scorer 2024-25: Joel Piroe (19 goals)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: Anton Stach (£17.4m, Hoffenheim)
Leeds have focused on physicality in the transfer window. The potential addition of Dominic Calvert-Lewin would provide vital Premier League experience. Daniel Farke will be determined to avoid another relegation campaign.
- Predicted Finish: 17th
- Title Odds: 1,000-1
Liverpool
- Last Season: Champions
- Manager: Arne Slot
- Top Scorer 2024-25: Mohamed Salah (29 goals)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: Florian Wirtz (£116m, Bayer Leverkusen)
The tragic death of Diogo Jota casts a shadow, but Slot must rally his team. The signings of Wirtz and Ekitike look promising, and Salah has committed his future to the club. Expect further additions to strengthen the squad.
- Predicted Finish: 2nd
- Title Odds: 7-4
Manchester City
- Last Season: 3rd
- Manager: Pep Guardiola
- Top Scorer 2024-25: Erling Haaland (22 goals)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: Tijjani Reijnders (£46.5m, AC Milan)
Injury concerns surround Rodri, who won’t be fully fit until September. Despite a relatively poor season by their standards, City still finished third and scored plenty of goals. Reijnders has impressed, and they still possess the league’s best striker in Erling Haaland.
- Predicted Finish: 3rd
- Title Odds: 7-2
Manchester United
- Last Season: 15th
- Manager: Ruben Amorim
- Top Scorers 2024-25: Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo (8 goals each)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: Benjamin Sesko (£74m, Leipzig)
A new attacking line-up should ease the pressure on Fernandes. Pre-season has highlighted concerns about midfield gaps and the lack of a reliable goalkeeper. Expect improvement, but Amorim’s rebuild is still a work in progress.
- Predicted Finish: 7th
- Title Odds: 25-1
Newcastle United
- Last Season: 5th
- Manager: Eddie Howe
- Top Scorer 2024-25: Alexander Isak (23 goals)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: Anthony Elanga (£55m, Nottm Forest)
The uncertainty surrounding Isak has overshadowed a positive summer. Howe has built a strong squad, which will be tested by Champions League football. Elanga is a smart addition to their attack.
- Predicted Finish: 6th
- Title Odds: 50-1
Nottingham Forest
- Last Season: 7th
- Manager: Nuno Espirito Santo
- Top Scorer 2024-25: Chris Wood (20 goals)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: Dan Ndoye (£36.4m, Bologna)
Nuno is attempting to adapt Forest’s style after a season of counter-attacking football. A lack of goals in pre-season suggests a challenging transition. James McAtee will be an exciting addition in midfield.
- Predicted Finish: 9th
- Title Odds: 200-1
Sunderland
- Last Season: 4th in Championship (won play-offs)
- Manager: Regis Le Bris
- Top Scorer 2024-25: Wilson Isidor (12 goals)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: Habib Diarra (£30m, Strasbourg)
Sunderland’s preparedness for the top flight will be tested. Diarra and Xhaka are promising signings, but the majority of the squad lacks Premier League experience.
- Predicted Finish: 20th
- Title Odds: 2,000-1
Tottenham Hotspur
- Last Season: 17th
- Manager: Thomas Frank
- Top Scorer 2024-25: Brennan Johnson (11 goals)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: Mohammed Kudus (£55.3m, West Ham)
A new era under Frank offers hope, but Spurs lack attacking options after selling Son Heung-min. Injuries to Maddison and Kulusevski are also a concern. Spurs will aim for defensive solidity and should improve significantly.
- Predicted Finish: 10th
- Title Odds: 50-1
West Ham United
- Last Season: 14th
- Manager: Graham Potter
- Top Scorer 2024-25: Jarrod Bowen (13 goals)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: El Hadji Malick Diouf (£19.1m, Slavia Prague)
Morale was low last season, but Potter is starting to turn things around. Diouf looks a promising prospect. Fullkrug’s improved fitness is also a boost.
- Predicted Finish: 13th
- Title Odds: 750-1
Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Last Season: 16th
- Manager: Vitor Pereira
- Top Scorer 2024-25: Matheus Cunha (15 goals)
- Most Expensive Summer Signing: Fer Lopez (£20m, Celta Vigo)
The departures of key players leave Wolves needing reinforcements. Lopez has shown promise, but the club needs more additions to avoid a difficult season.
- Predicted Finish: 18th
- Title Odds: 1,000-1