As the new Premier League season approaches, fans and experts alike have made their predictions for who will take the crown, who will be the top scorer, and which teams will face relegation. Here’s how the top contenders and the relegation battle might shape up in the 2025/26 season:
Liverpool: The Favourites to Retain the Title
Liverpool are the logical favourites to defend their Premier League title. They’ve strengthened an already top-tier squad and are expected to be one of the main contenders. However, the real test will be how quickly new manager Arne Slot’s tactics can mesh with the existing players and whether the change in playing style will yield results. Their summer signings, combined with the retention of key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, make them a formidable force. It’s expected to be a tight race, potentially going down to the final stretch of the season.
Manchester City: The Threat of Guardiola’s Last Season?
Manchester City remains one of the top challengers, although some speculate this could be Pep Guardiola’s final season at the helm. His efforts last season were somewhat hindered by injuries, and with a solid squad again this year, they’ll be looking to bounce back. The key for City is their defensive setup, and while they have one of the best squads in the league, Guardiola’s influence could be the deciding factor.
Arsenal: The New Striker Could Be the Key
Arsenal will also be in the mix, especially after bringing in striker Viktor Gyokeres to boost their firepower. However, while they’ve made some great strides, they still face an uphill battle to match the depth and quality of Liverpool and Manchester City. Mikel Arteta will be hoping this new signing will help push them over the edge for their first Premier League title in over two decades.
Chelsea: The Wildcard with High Potential
Chelsea, despite their constant rebuilds and managerial changes, could also be a threat if they finally find consistency. They’ve shown they can sell players effectively, and the high turnover of players may eventually lead to a more stable team. While it’s difficult to predict what impact their Club World Cup victory might have, their squad has the potential to surprise, especially if Enzo Maresca gets his lineups right.
Relegation Predictions: Who’s at Risk?
While the top four are likely to be dominated by the usual suspects, the relegation battle is often harder to call. Clubs like Fulham, Brentford, and Leicester might find themselves fighting to avoid the drop. Newly promoted teams will also be at risk, but their fate depends on how well they adjust to the Premier League’s intensity. Teams with less depth in their squads or weaker defenses will be vulnerable, and could be in the mix for relegation.
Top Scorer Predictions: Will Mbappé Dominate?
While the top scorer race is wide open, players like Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé are expected to lead the charge. Haaland, with his proven ability to score goals at an incredible rate, remains a top contender, while Salah’s consistency for Liverpool will keep him in the hunt. New arrivals and potential breakout stars could also make their mark on the goal-scoring charts.
Key Insights
This season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with several teams having strengthened their squads. If the current top contenders can gel and stay consistent, the race for the title will be incredibly tight. The battle for the top scorer and relegation will also be fascinating, with a lot to play for across all fronts. Only time will tell if Liverpool can defend their crown, or if one of their challengers can knock them off the top spot.
