Premier League 2025/26 Predictions: Champions, Top Four, Relegation & More
- Max Martin
- Aug 14
- 4 min read
The 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off tomorrow, and it looks set be one of the most thrilling campaigns ever. From the title race to the relegation scrap, here’s my full breakdown of where every club will finish, which signings will shine, and who could surprise us all.
Relegation Battle Predictions
In recent years, promoted sides have often gone straight back down, but could this season be different?
Sunderland have invested heavily, with Granit Xhaka’s shock move from Bayer Leverkusen bringing leadership and grit to their midfield. Leeds and Burnley have also been active in the market, but whether it’s enough to survive remains to be seen.
Brentford’s summer has been turbulent. They’ve lost their top scorer, manager, captain and goalkeeper and have appointed their former set-piece coach as manager. It’s a bold gamble that could define their season.
West Ham, Fulham, and Wolves are the established Premier League sides I expect to be dragged into the battle at the bottom. This season’s relegation fight could be one of the tightest in years.
Battle for European Places
With the expansion of European competitions in recent years, more clubs than ever are dreaming of continental football.
Brighton will aim to sneak into the top seven after narrowly missing out last season. Bournemouth, led by Andoni Iraola, will hope their attacking style can compensate for losing their entire backline of Dean Hjulsen (Real Madrid), Milos Kerkez (Liverpool) and Illia Zabarnyi (PSG).
Manchester United and Spurs will also push for Europe after poor 2024/25 campaigns. United have recruited smartly, while Tottenham’s appointment of Thomas Frank feels like a turning point.
Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest will have the extra challenge of European schedules. Forest keeping Morgan Gibbs-White is huge, even if Anthony Elanga’s move to Newcastle is a blow. Newcastle themselves may slide a little from last season as a tough Champions League schedule and likely departure of Alexander Isak take their toll.
My hot take for the season is that Aston Villa are going to struggle in the league and turn their attention to the Europa League and end up winning that competition. Unai Emery is no stranger to Europa League success having won it three times with Sevilla and once with Villareal. I don’t think that Villa have the squad depth to fight on both fronts, but I think that they have the quality to go far in the revamped Europa League.
Champions League Race
The ‘traditional big six’ have all invested massively, with notable signings including Mohammed Kudus to Spurs, Florian Wirtz to Liverpool, Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal, Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City, João Pedro to Chelsea, and Bryan Mbuemo to Manchester United.
United, despite improvements, still look short of a genuine top four push. The other five, however, will all be in the Champions League hunt.
Liverpool’s £300m summer spend makes them huge contenders again. Arsenal’s new striker finally solves their long-standing No.9 issue, and City will hope Reijnders helps plug their Rodri problem. Chelsea, fresh off a Club World Cup win, should finally mount a proper title challenge under pressure from their heavy spending. Spurs are the wildcard; Thomas Frank’s impact could be huge. All teams will be expected to finish in the Champions League places, but, as always with the Premier League, there are no guarantees…
Premier League Title Race
Predicting the order of Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City feels almost impossible. They all look really strong and arguments can be made for each of them to be expected to win the title next season.
Chelsea have the momentum from their Club World Cup win, City have the quality of Haaland, Arsenal have balance and depth, and Liverpool have the winning formula. All four are looking strong heading into the new season, but Liverpool’s relentless form last season, plus their summer business, makes them the side to beat.
Still… my heart says Arsenal’s squad is finally ready to get over the line.
My Predicted 2025/26 Premier League Table:
Arsenal
Liverpool
Chelsea
Manchester City
Tottenham Hotspur
Nottingham Forest
Newcastle
Manchester United
Bournemouth
Aston Villa
Brighton
Crystal Palace
Everton
Wolves
Fulham
Sunderland
West Ham
Brentford
Burnley
Leeds
Golden boot: Erling Haaland
The big Norwegian goal machine is primed to dominate the scoring charts once again. While the Premier League will be stacked with elite strikers in 2025/26, it’s hard to see anyone matching Haaland’s ruthless consistency. Even without Kevin De Bruyne supplying him, Manchester City’s No.9 looks set to outscore the competition comfortably yet again.
Signing of the season: Martin Zubimendi
Zubimendi has quietly established himself among the world’s finest midfielders, and his performances in Euro 2024, particularly in the final against England, proved there’s little difference between him and Rodri. Arsenal’s new Spanish star has already impressed in pre-season, and his composure, passing range, and defensive intelligence could be the final piece Mikel Arteta needs to push the Gunners to the title.
First manager sacked: Daniel Farke
Leeds flirted with the idea of sacking Farke at the end of last season despite winning the Championship, which speaks volumes about the board’s doubts. Survival will be the only priority, but if early results go badly, the Leeds hierarchy won’t hesitate to act. Sadly for Farke, a poor start will likely make him the first managerial casualty of the campaign.
Who do you think will be lifting the Premier League trophy in May? Do you agree with where I have predicted your team to finish? Who do you think will be the surprise package? Let me know your predictions below.
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