The Premier League 2025-26 season has kicked off, promising 10 months of thrilling football and fierce competition. As the action unfolds, Sportstar’s writers share their predictions on how the campaign might conclude.
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Champion Predictions
Liverpool – The 2024-25 season was a relatively smooth march to a 20th English First Division title for the Merseyside giants. Champions rarely make drastic changes to a winning formula, but Arne Slot’s side has opted for a revamp. With the potential arrival of Alexander Isak, Liverpool looks a clear favourite ahead of Arsenal and Manchester City. – Anish Pathiyil
Arsenal – Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal has steadily built a side capable of challenging for the title. The addition of Viktor Gyökeres to an already strong squad could provide the spark the Gunners need to finally end their long wait for a league crown. – Pranay Rajiv
The Premier League 2025-26 season is underway, promising 10 months of drama, intensity, and excitement. With fierce competition expected across the board, Sportstar’s writers share their predictions on how the campaign might unfold.
Manchester City – A host of top signings signal that City is going all in to reclaim the title after a trophyless season. History offers a warning to rivals: the last time Pep Guardiola endured a campaign without silverware, his response was a record-breaking 100-point season. – Joan Mathew Jacob
Liverpool – Liverpool was comfortably the best team in the league last year, and its summer transfer business has only made it stronger. While other sides may push harder this season, the Reds remain clear favourites. – Aditya Padinjat
Arsenal – The Gunners have added both quality and depth during the transfer window. After coming close in recent seasons, this could finally be the year they lift the trophy. – Aashin Prasad
Arsenal – With key reinforcements, including a new striker, Arsenal has upgraded its attack and further bolstered an already solid defence. This balance could be crucial in their title charge. – Saikat Chakraborty
Arsenal – It’s now or never for Mikel Arteta. With Viktor Gyökeres leading the line and improvements across the pitch, Arsenal has no excuse not to turn potential into silverware. – Rajdeep Saha
Top Four Predictions
Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea – Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest have all made major strides in recent years, while Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will be eyeing a resurgence. However, the battle for Europe may be their limit, as the top four still look a class apart on paper. – Anish
Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa – Arsenal, City, and Liverpool feel like safe picks for the top three, while Aston Villa could edge out Chelsea for the final Champions League spot. – Pranay
Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea – All four clubs have been active in the summer transfer window, strengthening their squads with top international signings. Liverpool’s Community Shield win and Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph could provide early momentum, while Arsenal continues to grow under Mikel Arteta’s “process.” – Joan
Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea – There isn’t much to separate the leading trio in terms of quality. Though at different stages of development, all three should finish above the chasing pack, with Chelsea completing the top four. – Aditya
Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Brighton – The top three from last season pick themselves. But fatigue from the Club World Cup could hit City hard, with Rodri’s fitness especially crucial. Brighton may well emerge as the surprise package in the top four. – Aashin
Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City – Manchester United and Tottenham should improve on their poor previous campaigns, but the gap to the Champions League places might still be too much to bridge. – Rajdeep
Dark Horse Predictions
Bournemouth – Andoni Iraola has made a big impression since taking charge on the south coast. Despite losing key defenders, Bournemouth still looks like a side capable of punching above its weight and making a push for a European spot. – Anish
Aston Villa – Having largely retained their core squad over the summer, Aston Villa looks well-placed to build on recent progress and aim even higher this season. – Pranay
Sunderland – Back in the Premier League after promotion, Sunderland has spent over £130m in the summer, bringing in Granit Xhaka, Reinildo Mandava, and Marc Guiu. Survival will be the first target, but given how some mid-table clubs struggled last year, a 16th or 17th-place finish could be achievable. – Joan
Brentford – Despite losing manager Thomas Frank and key players Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, Brentford has held on to Mikkel Damsgaard and Kevin Schade, both underrated performers last season. If any team can adapt to such turnover and still thrive, it’s Brentford. – Aditya
Brighton – Fabian Hurzeler’s side fell just five points short of a Champions League place last season. With smart additions and continuity in the squad, Brighton could push hard for a European spot—and maybe even sneak into the top four. – Aashin
Brighton – Injuries hampered Brighton last season, yet Fabian Hurzeler still guided them to eighth, just five points off fifth. With minimal departures and clever summer signings, they could be primed to overachieve once again. – Saikat
Manchester United – A surprising pick for some, but under Ruben Amorim, United may finally have the tactical clarity they’ve lacked. With signings tailored to his system, the Red Devils could exceed expectations—or completely fall flat. – Rajdeep
Top Scorer Predictions
Erling Haaland – With Liverpool’s new-look attack likely to share the scoring load, Haaland could reclaim his Golden Boot crown. – Anish
Erling Haaland – By his lofty standards, Haaland had a quieter season last year. Expect him to come back sharper and hungrier to dominate once again. – Pranay
Erling Haaland – There are three certainties in life: death, taxes, and Haaland scoring goals. With 124 strikes in 146 City appearances, and rivals like Salah ageing or Isak inconsistent, the stage is set for the Norwegian to terrorize defences once more. – Joan
Erling Haaland – Perhaps the most obvious pick, but even in what was considered a “bad” year, Haaland still scored 22 league goals. It’s hard to bet against him bouncing back. – Aditya
Mohamed Salah – The Egyptian could set new records, becoming the oldest Golden Boot winner at 34 and extending his tally to a record five wins. – Aashin
Erling Haaland – The clear favourite once again, with City’s attack still revolving around his finishing prowess. – Saikat
Viktor Gyökeres – Arsenal’s new striker has been in red-hot form in Portugal over the past two seasons. Riding that momentum, he could spring a surprise and challenge for the Golden Boot in his debut Premier League campaign. – Rajdeep
Player to Watch Out For
Jørgen Strand Larsen – Strikers in relegation-threatened sides are often overlooked, but Larsen stood out last season with 14 goals and four assists in his debut Premier League campaign for Wolves. Another strong year could see him earn a move to a top-six club. – Anish
Florian Wirtz – After dazzling with Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz now has the platform at Liverpool to reach even greater heights and establish himself as one of Europe’s elite playmakers. – Pranay
Jhon Arias – At 27, the Colombian forward isn’t the typical young prospect, but his breakout performances for Fluminense at the Club World Cup—where he claimed three Player of the Match awards—show he’s ready to make his mark in Europe with Chelsea. – Joan
João Pedro – Chelsea’s hunt for a reliable striker may be over if Pedro continues his Club World Cup form. His sharp finishing and chemistry with Cole Palmer make him one to watch closely this season. – Aditya
Matheus Cunha – A high-risk, high-reward signing for Manchester United. He could either shine spectacularly or fall victim to the club’s turbulent cycle. – Aashin
Martín Zubimendi – Arsenal’s midfield looks set for a major upgrade with Zubimendi’s arrival. A composed ball-winner who can dictate tempo while adding creativity, he could be the anchor Arteta has long sought. – Saikat
Hugo Ekitike – Already showing glimpses of his quality with Liverpool, the young forward has the potential not only to shine this season but also to emerge as a Golden Boot contender. – Rajdeep
Relegation Picks (Premier League)
Burnley, Leeds, Brentford – Sunderland’s investment in experienced players could prove crucial in breaking the trend of promoted clubs going straight back down. But Brentford’s gamble on Keith Andrews is a major risk rarely seen in the Premier League. With Bryan Mbeumo already gone and Yoane Wissa possibly following, goals may dry up—spelling trouble for their top-flight survival. – Anish
Burnley, Leeds, Brentford – With Sunderland tipped as a dark horse, it’s unlikely that both of the other promoted sides—Burnley and Leeds United—will also succeed. Brentford, meanwhile, faces a massive challenge after losing Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Nørgaard, and manager Thomas Frank without adequate replacements. – Joan
Leeds, Sunderland, Wolves – Staying up often comes down to finding goals, and these three clubs look short in firepower. Burnley’s strong defensive record could give them a chance, but Wolves look vulnerable after losing Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri, with their replacements unproven at this level. – Aditya
Brentford, Leeds, Burnley – Brentford may buck the trend of all three promoted teams going straight back down, but survival will still be an uphill battle. – Aashin
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