The upcoming 2026/27 Premier League campaign promises excitement as the defending champions prepare to begin their title defence. The season kicks off on Friday evening when Arsenal, the reigning champions, play host to Coventry City at Emirates Stadium.
Frank Lampard will lead Coventry back into the top tier for the first time since their 2000/01 appearance. Joining them among the newly promoted sides are Ipswich Town and Hull City.
Much attention will focus on whether Mikel Arteta can replicate his previous achievements, though the challenge appears formidable given that nine clubs have appointed new head coaches. Enzo Maresca takes charge at Manchester City, Xabi Alonso has arrived at Chelsea, and Andoni Iraola is the new man at Liverpool’s helm. All three will be determined to dethrone Arsenal from their summit. Tottenham have also invested heavily during the close season and Roberto De Zerbi should guide them towards a more significant presence near the summit under his leadership.
So what unfolds when the 2026/27 term concludes? Which clubs claim the major accolades and which face the drop in May?
football.london’s contributors share their outlook on the campaign ahead.
Sam Truelove
Champions: Arsenal
Top four: Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea
Relegated: Hull, Ipswich, Sunderland
Golden Boot winner: Erling Haaland
Playmaker award: Florian Wirtz
Best summer acquisition: Marco Palestra / Harry Wilson
Worst summer signing: Alejandro Garnacho
Breakout performer: Christos Tzolis
Best young player: Jeremy Jacquet
First managerial departure: Sergej Jakirovic
Champions League winners: Paris Saint-Germain
Europa League winners: Juventus
Conference League winners: Brighton
FA Cup winners: Liverpool
Carabao Cup winners: Manchester United
The reasoning: Arsenal appear formidable once more and the addition of Bruno Guimaraes strengthens their credentials considerably. Rivals find themselves in phases of adjustment, meaning the Gunners ought to secure the Premier League crown again. Hull and Ipswich seem destined for the drop, with Sunderland also facing a difficult campaign. Marco Palestra looks an excellent acquisition and should thrive during his debut season at Chelsea, while Harry Wilson joining Leeds on a free transfer has attracted insufficient attention. Despite being just 21 years old, Jeremy Jacquet should slot comfortably alongside Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool if he maintains his fitness. Liverpool should prove more competitive the following term, though a cup triumph appears achievable, with Andoni Iraola’s enthusiasm helping transform Anfield into an intimidating venue once again.
Tom Canton
Top four: Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham
Relegated: Coventry City, Ipswich Town, Hull City
Playmaker award: Martin Odegaard
Best summer acquisition: Bruno Guimaraes
Worst summer signing: Elliot Anderson
Breakout performer: James Trafford
Best young player: Brian Madjo
First managerial departure: Matthias Jaissle
Champions League winners: Barcelona
FA Cup winners: Arsenal
Carabao Cup winners: Manchester City
The reasoning: Could Arsenal achieve a double triumph? Absolutely. With significant alterations occurring elsewhere in terms of coaching and personnel, particularly concerning Rodri and Bernardo Silva, plus the squad depth the Gunners possess – demonstrated in the Community Shield even at this early juncture – they appear set to retain their crown for the first occasion since the 1930s. However, without securing the ideal left-wing reinforcement they sought, the Champions League may remain beyond reach for the time being. Barcelona’s acquisition of Rodri could prove transformative for their ambitions.
The three promoted clubs this term appear unlikely to survive, particularly given that the side finishing 17th has invested heavily and surely will not occupy a similar position; in fact, they might achieve considerably more than anticipated.
Brighton should claim the Conference League, making it four Premier League representatives across four years of the competition’s existence. Juventus ought to have a strong opportunity to finally secure a European trophy by winning the Europa League.
Remember the name Brian Madjo of Aston Villa – credit Ryan Taylor for the recommendation. Newcastle United could face significant difficulties and should Matthias Jaissle experience a poor start, circumstances could deteriorate rapidly. Martin Odegaard and Bruno Guimaraes are primed for exceptional campaigns, provided they remain injury-free.
Ryan Taylor
Top four: Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool
Relegated: Hull, Ipswich, Coventry City
Playmaker award: Bruno Fernandes
Best summer acquisition: Mamadou Sangare (Brentford)
Worst summer signing: Alejandro Garnacho (Aston Villa)
Breakout performer: Jack Hinshelwood
Europa League winners: AC Milan
FA Cup winners: Manchester City
Carabao Cup winners: Arsenal
Arsenal retaining the championship this term seems inevitable, particularly following their Community Shield display. Erling Haaland represents the obvious selection for the Golden Boot, and the three promoted clubs will likely encounter difficulties despite Coventry conducting some impressive recruitment.
Mamadou Sangare excelled at Lens last term, clinching the Coupe de France, and appears destined for a major club move within the next year or two. Jack Hinshelwood represents an underappreciated young talent capable of contributing goals, and another strong season at Brighton appears likely. Brian Madjo appears capable of causing problems for Aston Villa opposition. Sergej Jakirovic has performed admirably at Hull but newly-promoted clubs typically change managers when results disappoint.
Paris Saint-Germain appear well-equipped to contest the Champions League once more, AC Milan under Ruben Amorim should prove competitive, while Brighton possess sufficient depth to become the latest Premier League side to claim the Conference League. Manchester City look set to collect some trophies this term and always represent solid value in the FA Cup. Arsenal require additional honours to realise their potential as a collective, with their squad depth potentially enabling them to reach the EFL Cup final without deploying their strongest eleven.
Matt Maltby
Top four: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham
Golden Boot winner: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Playmaker award: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
Best summer acquisition: Sandro Tonali (Tottenham)
Worst summer signing: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City)
Breakout performer: Youri Tielemans (Manchester United)
Best young player: Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
First managerial departure: Oliver Glasner (Nottingham Forest)
Champions League winners: Liverpool
Europa League winners: Crystal Palace
FA Cup winners: Manchester United
Carabao Cup winners: Tottenham
The reasoning: Opposing Arsenal this term proves challenging, especially given their Community Shield performance. Manchester City appeared poor, but Erling Haaland lacked match fitness. He inevitably excels once match-sharp, though his goalscoring alone will prove insufficient. Who else poses a genuine threat? Chelsea not participating in European competition provides a significant advantage, though challenging Arsenal for the championship seems beyond them. Another straightforward victory awaits Mikel Arteta’s side.
Relegation appears certain for the promoted clubs, with Crystal Palace potentially struggling following another disappointing transfer window. Nevertheless, Pierre Sage will produce a remarkable upset by guiding them to Europa League success. His predecessor Oliver Glasner will regret moving to Nottingham Forest and will become the first manager dismissed.
Regarding remaining honours, Liverpool will claim another Champions League trophy, Manchester United will win the FA Cup, and Tottenham will lift the Carabao Cup. Roberto De Zerbi has overseen an impressive transfer window and with Sandro Tonali directing operations, they will also finish within the top four.
Bobby Vincent
Top four: Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City
Golden Boot winner: Joao Pedro (Chelsea)
Best summer acquisition: Marco Palestra (Chelsea)
Breakout performer: Cody Gakpo (Liverpool/Tottenham)
Best young player: Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool)
First managerial departure: Alvaro Arbeloa (Fulham)
Champions League winners: Paris Saint-Germain
Conference League winners: Atalanta
FA Cup winners: Chelsea
Carabao Cup winners: Liverpool
The reasoning:
Arsenal currently appear the team to overcome. They essentially represent champions by default, as no other side appears capable of matching them presently.
However, with Xabi Alonso appointed and no European commitments to manage, Chelsea should perform well this term. Do they possess sufficient quality to contest Arsenal throughout? Not quite, though they possess as much opportunity as anyone else. Liverpool similarly.
Joao Pedro impressed during his debut campaign at Chelsea and similar output appears likely. Erling Haaland represents the obvious Golden Boot selection but some variation seemed appropriate.
The prediction may prove incorrect, though Alvaro Arbeloa does not appear likely to enjoy a lengthy tenure at Fulham. Marco Silva performed exceptionally at Craven Cottage, perhaps undeservedly so. The post-Silva Fulham side generates considerable curiosity.
Jake Stokes
Champions: Arsenal
Top four: Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea
Relegated: Hull City, Ipswich Town, Coventry City
Golden Boot winner: Erling Haaland
Playmaker award: Cole Palmer
Best summer acquisition: Marco Palestra
Worst summer signing: Elliot Anderson
Breakout performer: Kevin Schade
Best young player: Rayan
First managerial departure: Sergej Jakirovic
Champions League winners: Paris Saint-Germain
Europa League winners: Bournemouth
Conference League winners: Brighton
FA Cup winners: Chelsea
Carabao Cup winners: Tottenham Hotspur
Arsenal represent overwhelming favourites for Premier League glory in my estimation. Even without additional signings, they would maintain a stronger position for a title challenge than any other English top-flight club – they could remain static and still retain their championship status.
Should Mikel Arteta desire Champions League success, however, Andrea Berta must secure a world-class left-sided forward to elevate them further. Arsenal might also claim the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, though Chelsea and Tottenham appear more likely to collect those honours as they pursue silverware elsewhere.
Cole Palmer, having enjoyed his first full summer break in two years, could return to his best form this term. With fewer matches scheduled, Xabi Alonso can carefully manage his minutes and preserve him throughout the entire campaign.
Joao Pedro may score numerous goals this season, but Erling Haaland operates on a different level entirely. Kevin Schade will emerge as Brentford’s next major success story, Elliot Anderson will fade into Rodri’s shadow, Rayan will propel Bournemouth to unprecedented heights, and each of the three promoted clubs will descend having lacked the financial resources to compete against established Premier League sides.
Alasdair Gold
Champions: Chelsea
Top four: Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham
Relegated: Hull, Ipswich, Coventry
Playmaker award: Rayan Cherki
Best summer acquisition: Mateus Fernandes
Breakout performer: Mohammed Kudus
Best young player: Rio Ngumoha
First managerial departure: Pierre Sage
Champions League winners: Bayern Munich
FA Cup winners: Tottenham
Carabao Cup winners: Chelsea
The Premier League poses difficulties under optimal circumstances, yet juggling European competition creates an enormous challenge unless possessing the deepest, healthiest squad available. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that a recurring pattern over seasons involves leading clubs experiencing poor campaigns before subsequently surging up the table following seasons without continental commitments.
With nine clubs participating in European competition this term, both Chelsea and Tottenham should enjoy considerably improved seasons. They have expended substantial funds and strengthened their rosters considerably. No opponent will relish facing them following a full week of dedicated preparation.
The financial disparity between Premier League and Championship spending should make survival difficult for the newcomers. While Manchester City appear unlikely to claim the Premier League under Enzo Maresca this season, considerable pressure will fall upon Haaland to score and Cherki to create within his tactical setup.
Tottenham have secured a potential star in the making by signing Mateus Fernandes during the summer. Mohammed Kudus has perhaps faded from memory following his injury setback. De Zerbi will transform the £55million Ghanaian into a central figure set to excel within the Italian’s preferred system.
Several Premier League managers face uncertainty should early results disappoint, though Pierre Sage seems destined to encounter considerable difficulties following Oliver Glasner’s departure, despite the Austrian’s own position at Forest likely proving equally precarious as those who preceded him.