2025/26 English Premier League Predictions: Will Liverpool Win Again?

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The English Premier League (EPL) has already started its 2025/26 season, and the recent transfer window has closed. With the clubs’ squads finalized, possible player departures to certain countries notwithstanding, it seems an appropriate time to assess each EPL team’s chances. Liverpool, last season’s runaway winner, has broken transfer records in preparation, but will the Anfield Reds win the EPL for a second time running? What do you think?  Here are our English Premier League predictions for the 2025/26 season.

The Top Three

Which EPL clubs will fight for the title this season?

1. Liverpool

Although the league is only four games into its 38-game season, Liverpool is the only club with a 100% record. Bolstered by the British record signing of Swedish superstar Alexander Isak from Newcastle, the club looks odds-on for a second consecutive Premier League soccer title.

The champions also paid big money for two other new attackers — Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike from Bundesliga clubs have joined the world-class Mohamed Salah, the existing EPL Golden Boot and PFA player of the year winner, up front this term. 

Add the dependable Cody Gakpo and Isak to the mix, and the Reds have a wealth of goalscoring and creative talent. The midfield remains as elite as it was in the last campaign, and the new wide defenders — Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez — add speed and guile on each flank.

Is there any weakness in the Liverpool squad?  With the failure to secure English international Marc Guehi’s signature on transfer deadline day, perhaps manager Arne Slot may feel he’s a man short in central defense. 

Verdict: From pundits and journalists to stadium supporters, armchair experts and online PlayStation soccer gamers, soccer fans will view anything but a first-place EPL finish in 2025/26 as an abject failure. After Liverpool’s record-breaking English summer spending and the wealth of talent at Slot’s disposal, Liverpool should defend its title easily this season. 

2. Arsenal

Although Liverpool spent far more than its 2024/25 rivals, Arsenal had a higher net spend by £18 million ($24 million). That stat means the league’s nearly men have everything to do in 2025/26. After four consecutive second-place EPL finishes, the pressure is on manager Mikel Arteta and Arsenal to produce the goods this season.

For the first time in many years, the Gunners have a recognized striker in Viktor Gyökeres, Isak’s Swedish national teammate, who signed from Sporting Lisbon earlier in the transfer window. 27-year-old Gyökeres scored goals for fun in Portugal, but the Primeira Liga is not the EPL, and he may find the going tougher in London.

To assist him, Arsenal splurged on erstwhile Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard to bolster its midfield, while Noni Madueke and big signing Eberechi Eze will provide forward support. Piero Hincapié’s signature on deadline day will boost the left side of defense. 

Verdict: Although Arsenal’s current EPL start has brought nine points from a possible 12, questions remain about its over-reliance on set pieces for goals. Unless they can get Gyökeres firing from open play, it looks like a second-place finish again in 2025/26. However, Arsenal remains one of the best clubs in the world, so you shouldn’t write it off.

3. Newcastle

This prediction may surprise you, especially considering that wantaway striker Alexander Isak’s refusal to play overshadowed most of Newcastle’s early 2025/26 EPL fixtures. Despite operating without Isak, the North-Eastern giant dominated its matches without deserved success — a brave late loss against Liverpool with 10 men being a fine example.

Isak is now gone and manager Eddie Howe has signed able replacements in the form of the young German star Nick Woltemade — dubbed the “two-meter Messi” by his ex-captain — and established EPL forward Yoane Wissa. Newcastle finished fifth in the EPL last season, only five points off third spot, and won its first trophy in 56 years.

In Howe, Newcastle has one of the finest young English managers and a dominant midfield led by its enigmatic captain, Brazilian Bruno Guimarães. Its central defense is tall and experienced, and with Antony Gordon and Anthony Elanga’s attacking midfield efforts boosted by two new strikers, Newcastle is well-positioned to take that step forward and compete for major honors.

Verdict: Newcastle has the makings of a top EPL side, and every season under Eddie Howe’s management has seen improvement. With the striker turmoil over, there will be a sense of calm in the camp to add to the dynamic, unrewarded performances and a highly motivated squad seen already this season. Howe and Newcastle will see more improvement in 2025/26.

The Best of the Rest

While there are never certainties in the EPL at this time of the season, these clubs are our picks to fill the remaining top six positions.

4. Chelsea

Chelsea shocked the world by thrashing UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA World Club Cup Final not long ago. However, the constant change in playing personnel, a young squad and question marks surrounding the pivotal Cole Palmer’s ongoing fitness, will likely hamper a sustained Chelsea top-three EPL challenge in 2025/26.

Verdict: The new Brazilian acquisitions, João Pedro and teenage sensation Estêvão Willian, will light up the EPL this season. If Palmer can rediscover form and stay fit, Chelsea could challenge for a top-three berth, but its failure to bring in replacements for the injured Levi Colwill in defense means fourth place will be an achievement.

5. Man City

EPL legend Pep Guardiola is among the world’s top managers. Sadly, Man City remains amid ongoing financial fair play hearings, which have undoubtedly hampered recruitment. City has bought well preceding the 2025/26 EPL season, with Tijjani Reijnders looking an outstanding midfield prospect. Guardiola’s consistent champions of previous years are aging, with 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri still finding his feet following a long-term injury.

Verdict: Man City is evolving as a club — on the field and behind the scenes. By bringing in Gianluigi Donnarumma on deadline day and the young James Trafford shortly before, Guardiola has admitted as much. You can expect a more direct style from the Etihad club this season, with neither goalkeeper as adept as the departed Ederson with the ball at their feet. What has worked for Man City for so long is changing, and its final position in the EPL will do likewise. 

6. Tottenham Hotspur

The 2024/25 EPL season was abysmal for Spurs, although they did secure the 2025 UEFA Europa League title, their first trophy in 17 years. Following that triumph, Thomas Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou as manager, and Tottenham has reverted to a less gung-ho approach since, aided by some clever signings. PSG-loanee Randal Kolo Muani, Xavi Simons and João Palhinha will improve Spurs substantially.

Verdict: Before the decline under Postecoglou, Tottenham Hotspur was a top-six side and should revert to the norm under the savvy Frank. Expect more impact up front with new attacking signing Mohammed Kudus also heavily involved. If the club can keep its discipline in defense, with any luck, Spurs may even eclipse Man City and Chelsea for a top-four EPL spot in 2025/26. 

Mid-Table

Some EPL clubs can expect to fight for positions seven to 14 in 2025/26. These are our predictions.

7. Man Utd

The Red Devils have invested heavily in attack, but the new players must still find their feet. Man Utd’s midfield still looks short of impact, with too much reliance on captain Bruno Fernandes. The club will still improve substantially this season.

8. Aston Villa

The Villans must recover from a poor start, but Unai Emery is a savvy manager who will ensure that happens. The loan signings of Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott will help with creativity as the season progresses.

9. Crystal Palace

Oliver Glasner got his wish and captain Marc Guehi will remain at the club until at least January. Glasner has worked wonders at Palace with limited resources. If he keeps Guehi motivated following his failed move to Liverpool, Crystal Palace will push for a top 10 EPL finish in 2025/26, even with the loss of Ebere Eze.

10. Nottingham Forest

Nottm Forest overachieved last season, thanks mainly to veteran striker Chris Wood and Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White in midfield. Wood is a year older and back from injury, with Elanga leaving the club. If loanee Douglas Luiz and new signing Omari Hutchinson combine well with Gibbs-White, the 10th spot could be pessimistic. At his age, it’s crucial that Wood remains fit and doesn’t overtrain to maintain form for the duration. 

11. Everton

With a brand-new stadium and a wise old head in charge, could Everton’s fortunes be changing? David Moyes knows the Merseyside club better than most and has guided it to two wins and a draw in four matches so far. The loan signing of Jack Grealish and the transfer-in of 19-year-old starlet Tyler Dibling appear to be managerial masterstrokes, although the squad still appears light for more improvement than reaching 11th. 

12. Bournemouth

Andoni Iraola has Bournemouth playing great soccer, with three wins from four games this season. Antoine Semenyo is pivotal to their sustained EPL 2025/26 performances, while Iraola will hope that Ben Gannon-Doak, the young Scottish signing from Liverpool, can adequately replace the now-departed enigmatic Bryan Mbuemo. A top 10 finish could be in the cards if this happens. 

13. Brighton

Brighton sold João Pedro to Chelsea during the transfer window, and he wasn’t the only departure. At face value, you must question whether the replacements have enough in them to sustain a top 10 challenge this season. However, the Seagulls have already beaten Man City this season and, since Graham Potter’s days in charge, continue to surprise their detractors. Current manager Fabian Hürzeler will look to do so again in 2025/26.

14. Leeds

Leeds United won the EFL Championship last season and looks set to break the immediate relegation hoodoo of promoted clubs over the past two seasons. Lucas Nmecha already looks like an excellent free signing, with Anton Stach and Noah Okafor bolstering the squad ranks for a concerted EPL mid-table challenge this campaign. Manager Daniel Farke has enough past EPL experience to avoid the drop. 

The Relegation Battle

We believe six teams might struggle to avoid an EPL relegation battle in 2025/26, with two recently promoted sides among them. While Sunderland has started the season brightly, nestled in 7th position, much will depend on new signings Granit Xhaka and Brian Brobbey if they’re to beat the drop.

Burnley, although only missing out on the EFL Championship title on goal difference to Leeds last season, have lost instrumental goalkeeper James Trafford to Man City and look slightly shy on the goalscoring front.

Of last season’s EPL clubs, Fulham and Brentford stand out as the most likely to have better seasons than we predict, while West Ham and Wolves’ campaigns look more uncertain. Wolves prop up the EPL table, and the loss of Matheus Cunha to Man Utd gives them a somewhat toothless feel in attack.

At least the Molineux-based club rebuffed Newcastle’s approaches for striker Jørgen Strand Larsen — vital in its fight for survival. Until a surprise away win at Nottm Forest, West Ham already looked like relegation favorites. 

What Will it Take to Dethrone Liverpool in 2025/26?

After the transfer window, Liverpool looks set to continue dominating the English Premier League, but nothing is ever cut and dried in English soccer. Florian Wirtz has started EPL life slowly and Mohamed Salah seems less effective on the right wing. Alexander Isak should provide goals aplenty if he fits Liverpool’s formation. Even with all this world-class talent, the new players remain untested in the club system. A slow start after the international break could provide other, highly rated teams a chance to gain an early upper hand.