The Premier League season is here again, and with it comes a mix of excitement, new signings, tactical shifts, and endless debates about who’s heading for glory and who’s going to struggle just to survive. From Liverpool defending their crown to the newly promoted sides hoping to avoid a quick return to the Championship, the storylines for 2025–26 are stacked.
This preview runs through the top 10 teams, with more focus on player transfers, tactical stats, strength, weaknesses and including Matchplug’s season predictions.
Title Contenders
Liverpool
Arne Slot’s debut season couldn’t have gone better. Liverpool were not just effective; they were more efficient than they had been in years. According to ESPN, their expected goals per shot rose significantly under Slot compared to Klopp’s final campaign, and defensive metrics stayed among the league’s best.
The rebuild continued this summer. Salah remains central, but the departures of Núñez and Díaz mean the attacking structure looks new. Wirtz and Ekitike are top young talents, but they will have to adapt quickly. Defensively, Frimpong adds attacking thrust from right-back, but also leaves questions about balance.
Last Season
Liverpool finished 1st in 2024/25, regaining the title for the first time since Jürgen Klopp’s departure. Slot made them more controlled in possession compared to Klopp’s high-risk chaos, improving shot quality and reducing defensive lapses. Salah delivered a sensational season, topping both goals and assists charts, while the back line held strong despite transition.
Key Transfers
- In: Florian Wirtz (€125m, Bayer Leverkusen), Hugo Ekitike (€80m, Eintracht Frankfurt), Milos Kerkez (LB, Bournemouth), Jeremie Frimpong (RB, Bayer Leverkusen).
- Out: Luis Díaz (to Bayern Munich), Darwin Núñez (to Al-Hilal), Trent Alexander-Arnold (to Real Madrid), Jarell Quansah (to Leverkusen), Caoimhín Kelleher (to Brentford).
They’ve spent big to rebuild the attack, while also moving on several key names. Losing Díaz, Núñez, and especially Alexander-Arnold changes the dynamic, but Wirtz and Ekitike bring top-level potential.
Strengths
- Mohamed Salah: Even at 33, Salah remains elite. Last season he hit 29 goals and 18 assists.
- Midfield balance: With Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, and Endo, the midfield has both control and creativity.
- Squad depth: Liverpool now have quality rotation options in attack and defence, something they lacked a few years ago.
- Arne Slot’s system: More measured than Klopp’s, it has made them harder to break down.
Weaknesses
- Defensive balance: Frimpong is an attacking full-back, and Robertson is ageing. If Kerkez takes time to adapt, they could be exposed in wide areas.
- Transition risk in attack: Integrating Wirtz and Ekitike into Salah’s orbit might take time.
- Reliance on Salah: If he declines or misses time, Liverpool’s title hopes dip significantly.
Tactics
Slot will stick with a 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 hybrid, pressing with structure but more compact than Klopp’s sides. Wirtz could play as the No. 10 behind Ekitike, with Salah drifting inside from the right. Expect Liverpool to dominate possession more than in past years, while still threatening in transitions.
Prediction
Liverpool’s squad looks strong enough to defend their title, but Arsenal and City have also strengthened. If Wirtz and Ekitike settle quickly and Salah maintains his outrageous form, Liverpool are in the fight to the very end. The defence could wobble at times, but talent depth across the pitch keeps them in pole position.
Predicted finish: 1st or 2nd
Arsenal
Arsenal enter the new season with the same ambition to finally take the final step and win the Premier League. After back-to-back second-place finishes, Mikel Arteta’s squad looks stronger than ever, both in depth and quality, and the club’s summer business shows they are determined not to fall short again.
Last Season
Arsenal finished 2nd in 2024/25 with 74 points, behind Liverpool but ahead of Manchester City. Their defensive record was excellent, anchored by William Saliba and Gabriel, but their attack didn’t always produce enough clear chances in the biggest games.
Key Transfers
- In: Martín Zubimendi (midfield anchor from Real Sociedad), Viktor Gyökeres (striker from Sporting CP), Noni Madueke (winger from Chelsea), Cristhian Mosquera (centre-back from Valencia)
- Out: Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu
The standout signing is Gyökeres, a proven finisher who gives Arsenal the true No. 9 they’ve lacked. Zubimendi offers stability and control in midfield, allowing Declan Rice to push forward more often. Madueke adds depth and competition on the right wing, while Mosquera strengthens defensive depth.
Strengths
- Core of young stars: Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Saliba, Rice, all entering peak years.
- Defensive solidity: Saliba and Gabriel remain one of the best partnerships in the league.
- Squad depth: For the first time under Arteta, Arsenal can rotate without a major drop-off in quality.
Weaknesses
- Chance creation: Despite possession dominance, they lacked enough “great chances” last season. Converting pressure into goals consistently remains a question.
- Injury history: Several key players (Saka, Ødegaard, Jesus) have had fitness issues. Sustained availability will be crucial.
Tactics
Expect Arteta to continue with his flexible 4-3-3/3-2-5 system, with Zubimendi sitting deepest, Rice operating as a box-to-box disruptor, and Ødegaard pulling strings further up. Gyökeres will be the focal point in attack, giving Arsenal more direct scoring options compared to Jesus or Havertz as false nines.
Prediction
Arsenal look primed for another title challenge. Their transfer window directly addressed last season’s shortcomings, particularly in midfield balance and finishing. If Saka and Ødegaard remain fit and Gyökeres adapts quickly, Arsenal could finally edge past Liverpool and Manchester City.
Predicted finish: 2nd again but genuine title contenders
Manchester City
After a season where Pep Guardiola’s side fell short of their usual dominance, Manchester City head into 2025/26 with plenty to prove. A third-place finish in 2024/25 was considered underwhelming by their standards, especially after losing key games against Arsenal and Liverpool in the title run-in. The squad still oozes quality, but the summer has been about reshaping and ensuring Guardiola’s system stays fresh.
Last Season
City finished 3rd with 71 points. While still boasting the league’s best possession stats, their attack lacked sharpness at crucial moments, and defensive lapses cost them games they would normally control. Erling Haaland’s numbers remained elite, but the supporting cast didn’t hit the same heights as previous years.
Key Transfers
- In: Savinho (winger from Girona), Dani Olmo (attacking midfielder from RB Leipzig), Valentin Barco (young left-back)
- Out: Jack Grealish (loan exit expected), Kalvin Phillips, and a few squad players moved on
The big addition is Savinho, who impressed on loan at Girona last year. His pace and dribbling give Guardiola another wide option alongside Jeremy Doku. Dani Olmo offers creativity and versatility, while Barco is one for the future but adds depth in a position City often rotate.
Strengths
- Erling Haaland: Even in a “quiet” season, he’s the league’s most dangerous striker.
- Depth of talent: Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Rodri — the core remains unmatched in quality.
- Guardiola factor: No team in the league adapts mid-season as well as City.
Weaknesses
- Aging stars: De Bruyne and Bernardo are still brilliant but not playing every week. Replacing their creativity long-term is a challenge.
- Over-reliance on Haaland: If he’s injured or marked out of games, the goals can dry up.
- Defensive uncertainty: Guardiola’s shifting between fullbacks as inverted midfielders sometimes leaves them exposed, particularly on counters.
Tactics
Expect Guardiola to continue his hybrid 3-2-4-1, with Rodri as the anchor, De Bruyne/Foden as creators, and Haaland leading the line. The difference this year may be more wing-focused play with Doku and Savinho providing width. Dani Olmo gives flexibility, especially when City face deep blocks.
Prediction
Manchester City may not start the season as outright favourites after finishing behind Liverpool and Arsenal, but writing them off would be foolish. Guardiola’s ability to rebuild cycles is proven, and with Haaland still a goal machine, they remain in the mix. Depth could be the difference in the final months, but their margin for error is smaller now.
Predicted finish: 3rd
Chelsea
Chelsea enter another season of change, with a new coach and yet another summer of heavy spending. The club continues to invest aggressively, but the big question is whether this version of Chelsea finally finds balance after years of inconsistency.
Last Season
Chelsea finished 6th in 2024/25, securing a European spot but never truly threatening the title contenders. They showed flashes of quality, especially late in the season, but inconsistency and lack of cohesion kept them out of the top four.
Key Transfers
- In: Vítinha (midfield control from PSG), Désiré Doué (attacking midfielder from Rennes), João Félix (permanent deal), plus youth additions to strengthen depth.
- Out: Noni Madueke (to Arsenal), Armando Broja, and several fringe players.
The additions of Vítinha and Doué point towards a midfield rebuild that emphasizes creativity and control. Félix, meanwhile, has another chance to establish himself in the Premier League after previously struggling for consistency.
Strengths
- Young attacking core: Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Nicolas Jackson give Chelsea pace, flair, and unpredictability.
- Depth across positions: Chelsea have options for every system, multiple wingers, energetic midfielders, and a deep defensive unit.
- Cole Palmer’s rise: Last season’s breakout star is now central to the team’s attack.
Weaknesses
- Lack of proven striker: Jackson showed promise but still needs to become more reliable. Without a 20+ goal scorer, Chelsea may lack cutting edge.
- Constant changes: New coaches and rotating squads make it hard to build rhythm.
- Defensive lapses: Despite talent, errors and lapses in concentration remain frequent.
Tactics
The new coach is expected to lean towards a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 setup, with Vítinha playing deep alongside Enzo, Doué or Félix providing creativity, and Palmer operating either as a winger or advanced playmaker.
Chelsea’s pace on the flanks should stretch opponents, but their success will depend on whether Jackson or another forward can provide consistent finishing.
Prediction
Chelsea will likely improve compared to last season, but breaking into the top four will be difficult given the strength of Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City. Their season could hinge on whether Palmer continues his rise and whether Jackson or Félix steps up as a reliable scorer.
Predicted finish: 5th
Surprise Packages for 2025/26
Every Premier League season brings unexpected stories. While the focus is usually on the big clubs, there are always teams that punch above their weight and shake up the table. This year, three clubs in particular stand out as potential surprise packages: Brighton, Manchester United, and Crystal Palace.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton finished 8th last season, but they flew under the radar compared to the bigger stories around them. With Fabian Hürzeler heading into his second season in charge, there’s reason to believe the Seagulls can climb even higher, potentially breaking into the top six and securing European football.
The key for Brighton has been squad stability. They’ve managed to hold on to Carlos Baleba, Kaoru Mitoma, Jan Paul van Hecke, and goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen despite heavy links with bigger clubs. That kind of continuity is rare for a club of their size. On top of that, they’ve invested in young talent this summer rather than chasing short-term fixes, a risky strategy, but one that aligns with their long-term recruitment model that has served them so well.
If Hürzeler gets more consistency out of his side, Brighton could take the next step from being a solid top-half team to genuine European contenders.
Prediction: Brighton finish in the top six, finally breaking into the European picture.
Manchester United
It feels strange to call Manchester United a “surprise package,” but after the worst season in their history, expectations have hit rock bottom. That actually works in their favour. Under Ruben Amorim, who has had a full summer to implement his philosophy, United could be one of the league’s most improved teams.
The club has addressed one of its biggest problems: scoring goals. The arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo give Amorim fresh options up front, and the lack of European football means United can fully focus on the Premier League. That could be a hidden advantage, especially when compared to rivals juggling midweek fixtures.
The challenge will be consistency. United’s squad is still uneven, and Amorim’s style will take time to fully bed in. But with fewer distractions and a clear plan, they should be competing for a top-six place again.
Prediction: A much-improved United finish in the Europa League spot.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace is not a name you usually associate with European football talk, but the transformation under Oliver Glasner has been remarkable. They ended last season by winning their first-ever trophy, and just as importantly, they’ve managed to keep their core players despite outside interest. Both Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze remain at Selhurst Park, and their influence is central to Palace’s rise.
The Eagles had a poor start to last season but turned things around in the second half, losing only four of their final 21 games. That’s not mid-table form, that’s European form. If they can maintain that level from the start this year, Palace could make a real push into the top six.
What makes them dangerous is balance. Glasner has them playing disciplined but attacking football, and the confidence of winning silverware has lifted belief around the club. This isn’t a side aiming just to survive anymore.
Prediction: Palace push into the top eight, with a serious shot at Europe.
