Will Rodri Manchester City return back to the top of the table? Is this the year that Manchester United finally regains their status as a real Premier League power? How will a tragic summer influence Liverpool on the field? Can the promoted teams break the pattern of the recent seasons and stay up?
The 2025-26 season starts on Friday and what a better way to start the week than by looking ahead to what could be in store in the coming months. The athletics predicts the Premier League table.
Who wins the title?
Kay: The least controversial answer is Liverpool, but there are several strangers: how the new signing sessions will adapt, whether they are light in certain areas, and of course how the loss of Diogo Jota can influence them in such tragic conditions.
I will be careful Liverpool, but I could not harden Arsenal, Manchester City discount, or – if they could somehow harden a little – Chelsea, all of whom should be stronger.
Crafton: Arsenal. It's time. He has almost forgotten in the blurring of the summer, but the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid will be great for Liverpool.
Spires: Manchester City had a disastrous season 2024-25 and still finished only 13 points behind Liverpool. They undoubtedly have the best manager, striker and possibly a team in the competition, and I think they will probably revise Liverpool again.
Miller: Oh God, I'm falling for it again: Arsenal. Broadly speaking because they actually seem to have tackled their problems this summer, instead of looking at their team and says: “No, we need a more fleshy mid-half to play with full-back”.
Hughes: Liverpool. I am not convinced that their striking summer in the transfer market results in striking versions immediately because it will probably take time for the team to gelter, but they have recruited proven quality and upgrades in most positions.
James: It has been such a traumatic summer for Liverpool that nobody can be pretty sure how they will react. But my instinct tells me that Arne Slot and his players will develop an even closer bond in the aftermath of the Jota tragedy and, with the help of some excellent signing sessions, keep the title.
Akinwolere: I really want to say Arsenal! Oh, then continue … Arsenal. As you can see, I am not fully convinced, but I have to believe that all the pain of successive second place has shown Finishes what he should add to this team.
Jones: Liverpool. The problems of Arsenal and City helped them last season, but they were not at the top. Slot's team has become even stronger and I don't feel that someone else has added enough to keep up.