With the start of the Premier League just weeks away and the summer transfer window in full flow, who are the favourites to go all the way?
NB: These predictions are based on the bookmakers’ odds at time of writing.
Liverpool, 30%
Last year’s champions have strengthened considerably in the summer transfer window. Florian Wirtz joins the Premier League as an established world-class star, having contributed 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 games for Bayer Leverkusen. Exactly how Arne Slot uses the young German remains to be seen, but he will be expected to hit the ground running.
Klopp’s Liverpool relied upon their full-back pairing of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson to add an extra dimension to their attacking play, often overloading teams with Robertson’s overlaps and Trent’s passing arsenal. Slot’s new full-backs, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez bring different playstyles but are expected to be equally as exciting and effective.
If reports are to be believed, Liverpool still intend to further strengthen their squad, with Frenchman Hugo Ekitike tipped to join the Premier League champions in a deal reportedly worth over £70m.
The tragic loss of Diogo Jota introduces an element of the unknown to Liverpool’s chances of retaining their title. Not only will he be a big loss on the pitch, he was a much-loved member of the dressing room whose absence will be sorely missed by players and fans alike.
Arsenal, 27%
Arsenal might have been a distant second in the 2024/25 season, but the bookies are strongly tipping Arteta’s men to give Liverpool a run for their money in 2026/26.
Injuries to key players and a lack of a recognised number 9 were contributing factors towards Arsenal’s title push curtailing last season.
Martín Zubimendi should fit nicely into the number 6 role, freeing up Declan Rice for more of a box-to-box role that he excelled in last season. The arrival of Christian Nørgaard could prove to be a shrewd signing if he can provide depth following the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
A vocal minority of Arsenal fans on social media weren’t too complimentary of the now-confirmed signing of Noni Madueke, expressing doubts over his price tag and whether he is an improvement over the wingers they already have. He is unlikely to dislodge Saka on the right, so it remains to be seen whether Arteta will deploy him elsewhere in his starting eleven or just as a strong squad rotation player. Arsenal struggled with the three month absence of Saka last season. Should Saka face another lengthy time on the sidelines, the signing of Madueke could look like a masterstroke.
Viktor Gyokeres appears close to sealing a move to the Emirates. If he joins and can continue his goalscoring form that has made him one of Europe’s most in-demand number 9s, expect to see Arsenal mounting a serious title charge.
Man City, 23%
Never write off a Pep Guardiola team.
The 2024/25 season is likely to be an outlier in terms of City being off the title-chasing pace.
Much was made of Rodri’s absence in the heart of City’s midfield and the knock-on effect that this had across the team. Whilst the Spaniard was forced off in extra time against Al-Hilal at the Club World Cup, it is expected that he will be fit and ready for the start of the season. There are rumours that Xabi Alonso’s Madrid are keen to launch a €100 million bid for Rodri; it is vital for City’s chances of success this season that they keep hold of their key midfielder.
Two experienced serial winners in Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker have left the club, although the new recruits Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Aït-Nouri and Rayan Cherki will be expected to slot straight into the starting eleven.
If Rodri stays fit, Haaland keeps firing and the new faces settle in quickly, don’t be surprised to see Pep lifting a trophy at the end of the season.
Chelsea, 10%
Chelsea are the official champions of the world, but are only fourth favourites to win the Premier League.
Their victory against PSG came as a surprise to most. Their 2024/25 season was a mixed bag, with a particularly poor run across the festive period where they picked up just two wins in ten games. Despite this, Chelsea secured Champions League football for 2025/26 as well as picking up silverware winning the UEFA Conference League.
The Blues have brought in considerable reinforcements up top, with big money moves for Jamie Gittens, João Pedro, Liam Delap and the exciting Estêvão. Whilst all four forwards are young – Pedro is the oldest at just 23 – given Chelsea’s large squad, they will be expected to make an instant impact if they are to nail down a consistent starting spot.
Expect to see Chelsea bring in a new number 1, with a renewed interest in Mike Maignan expected. Djordje Petrovic, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Marcus Bettinelli and Lucas Bergström have all left in the summer window, and question marks remain over Robert Sanchez’s form.
Chelsea are the great unknown this season. They could win the league; they’re probably just as likely to get relegated. Let’s wait and see.
Newcastle, 3%
Newcastle could be an outside shout to win the Prem this season, especially if they can keep hold of star striker Alexander Isak.
Following the Saudi investment, Newcastle have started slowly building something rather special. Eddie Howe’s stock has never been higher, and they’ve been ambitious in recent transfer markets. Anthony Elanga joins the Toon off the back of a successful season for Forest, scoring six goals and contributing 11 assists in the league. If he can link up nicely with his compatriot Isak, Newcastle should have no struggles in front of goal this season.
Doubts linger over Newcastle’s squad depth, with PSR restrictions preventing too many new faces joining this summer. With Champions League football during the week, Newcastle’s small squad is likely to be stretched.
Man United, 2%
Could this be the season Manchester United remember how to win?
They were absolutely dismal last season, finishing 15th and losing to Spurs in the Europa League final.
The confirmed signing of Matheus Cunha and the expected arrival of Bryan Mbuemo introduces two goalscorers who are proven in the Premier League – something the Red Devils were sorely missing last season.
Rashford, Sancho and Antony have all returned from loans, but are not expected to play a role for United next season.
A full pre-season should help the players to better understand Amorim’s favoured 3-4-3 possession-based football. Question marks remain over how suitable certain key players are for this formation.
Many players will be under scrutiny from the first minute of the season. With so much to prove, could United fire themselves back to the top? Stranger things have happened.
Tottenham, 2%
Tottenham have ended their silverware draught – could they add a Premier League to their recently rediscovered trophy cabinet?
Daniel Levy has opened his chequebook this summer, with the arrival of Mohammed Kudus from London rivals West Ham and a well-documented move for Morgan Gibbs-White.
Whilst Thomas Frank has never won a major trophy as a manager, his tenure at Brentford was impressive and earned the Dane serious plaudits for his attacking, possession-based style of play. Frank’s teams, just as Spurs teams of old, have never struggled to find the back of the net but he will have a serious job on his hands to sort Tottenham’s leaky defence should they have any hope of winning the league.
Who are you backing to win the Premier League this season?
