EPL Season Preview: Champions Predictions, Top Four Contenders, and Individual Award Favorites
When Liverpool hosts Bournemouth tonight, enthusiastic supporters will greet the English Premier League (EPL) 2025/2026 season amid glitzy visuals, record transfers, and an abundance of statistics. Predictions for the upcoming season, in which the old order is anticipated to be restored, were hinted at amid the anticipated razzmatazz.
It will be extremely difficult for the reigning champions, Liverpool, to keep their title. The Reds’ 20th championship was won by Arne Slot in his debut season, against weak competition. Even though Trent Alexander-Arnold left, and Virgil van Dijk and Mohammed Salah are both getting close to their prime, four important additions have come in, including Florian Wirtz for a record-breaking price. After two defenders and the anticipated signing of Alexander Isak, Liverpool becomes the clear favorite to win the league, ending Manchester City’s hegemony.
Erling Haaland scored goals, but Man City’s performance suffered without Rodri, and Pep Guardiola’s team has lost its spark after winning four straight Premier League titles. The Cityzens are expected to fight for the title, more money has been spent, and let’s hope it doesn’t collapse like it did the previous season.
In contrast, after a busy summer in which Victor Gyokores joined other wise acquisitions, Arsenal is likely primed for another title attempt. With the Swede’s acquisition, Mikel Arteta’s striker problem was resolved, but it is still unclear if the Spanish coach would win the Premier League to establish himself as a top coach rather than Guardiola’s disciple.
However, Chelsea, led by another protégé of Guardiola, Enzo Maresca, is ready to fight for the Premier League crown after their unexpected Club World Cup success. After more than 50 acquisitions, the squad now boasts a top-tier attack and midfield, supported by the dynamic combo of Joao Pedro and Estevao. Notwithstanding their defensive ambiguities, the Blues are ready to close the gap on City and Liverpool in the race for the championship.
To strengthen their goals-shy offense, Manchester United, who had their worst Premier League finish the previous season, continued to rely on Ruben Amorim. They added two experienced Premier League scorers, Mathias Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, as well as Benjamin Sesko, the top-scoring under-23 player in Europe. Nonetheless, the Red Devils’ transition process may be impacted by defense and midfield difficulties.
Isak’s departure might halt Newcastle United’s ascent in the Premier League, and all eyes will be on Thomas Frank to boost Tottenham’s league results after their European run last season. The Magpies have had a terrible summer.
More of the same is anticipated as promoted teams have been sent back to the Championship in the last two seasons.
