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Victor Dias - August 14, 2025
With just 10 days to go, the countdown to the 2025/26 Premier League season is on and this one feels like it could be something special. Liverpool returns as defending champions under Arne Slot, having dethroned Manchester City and finished 10 points ahead of Arsenal. But retaining the crown could prove an even bigger task this time around.
Arsenal look hungry after falling short again, while Manchester City will be determined to bounce back from third place. Chelsea, who finished fourth and ended the season strongly, also look poised to compete. With every top side adding key signings this summer, the title race feels wide open once again.
Even after falling short last season, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City remain the bookmakers’ favorites. Their squad is still stacked with elite talent and depth in every position.
Erling Haaland, after a relatively quiet second half of last season, will be eager to rediscover his ruthless edge. They’ve also strengthened smartly this summer, adding flair with Rayan Cherki, midfield control in Tijjani Reijnders, and Premier League-proven quality at left-back with Rayan Ait-Nouri all boosting their already deep squad.
That said, there are still a few concerns. City looked fatigued in the second half of the 2024/25 campaign and struggled with injuries at key moments. Rodri’s absence was particularly felt, and questions remain about the long-term reliability of their defensive pairing, especially if Ruben Dias or Josko Gvardiol miss time.
Still, with Guardiola’s tactical genius and their unmatched experience in title run-ins, City will almost certainly be in the mix until the very end. But this season, the margin for error looks slimmer than ever.
Arsenal pushed Liverpool for most of last season before falling ten points short. Mikel Arteta has shaped a fearless, high intensity side with a clear identity and a core that has grown in confidence and maturity year after year.
This summer, the Gunners added smart reinforcements. Victor Gyokeres boosts their goal threat, Noni Madueke adds pace and flair out wide, and Martín Zubimendi offers control in midfield. In goal, Kepa Arrizabalaga arrives to challenge David Raya, a healthy competition that could raise standards further.
The backbone remains strong: Bukayo Saka delivers game-changing moments, Odegaard pulls the strings with calm authority, and Saliba leads a much-improved backline. Injuries were managed better last season, and squad depth now looks stronger across the board.
The only doubt is mental resilience in the season’s final months. But if Arsenal stays focused, this could finally be the year they end their 21-year league title drought.
Liverpool enters the new season as defending champions under Arne Slot, who impressed in his first year by guiding them to a well-deserved title. With a more fluid, attack-minded approach, the Reds look ready to evolve again rather than stand still.
The summer transfer window has seen bold moves. Florian Wirtz adds creativity and vision in midfield, giving Liverpool another elite playmaker.
Hugo Ekitike joins to support the front line, while new full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong come in after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid marking a major shift in their defensive setup.
Despite changes, the team’s spine remains intact. Alisson, Van Dijk, and Mac Allister still provide stability, while Gakpo and Mohamed Salah continue to offer pace and goals. The key question is how quickly the new players adapt. If they click early, Liverpool will be very tough to stop in their bid to go back-to-back.
Chelsea come into the new season with renewed belief after finishing fourth and re-establishing themselves among the league’s elite. Fresh off their Club World Cup triumph, the Blues look to build on last season’s strong finish under Enzo Maresca.
They’ve added exciting young talent, including Brazilian forward Joao Pedro, powerful striker Liam Delap, and Ajax prodigy Jorrel Hato to strengthen their depth.
With Cole Palmer continuing to shine and a maturing midfield led by Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, Chelsea could quietly become serious contenders if they find consistency early on.
Manchester United enters the new season under Ruben Amorim, who now has the benefit of a full pre-season to implement his tactical vision. After an unstable 2024/25 campaign, the focus at Old Trafford is now on rebuilding discipline, identity, and consistency across the pitch.
With no European football to distract them, United could benefit from a tighter schedule and more preparation time between games. That could prove crucial as they aim to close the gap on the top four.
Manchester United squad still has talent in key areas, and if Amorim can unlock more from players like Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Højlund, a return to elite contention isn’t out of reach.
According to most betting markets:
The odds reflect the general consensus: it’s Liverpool’s to lose, but Arsenal and Manchester City are close behind.
Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City lead the pack as early favorites to lift the 2025/26 Premier League trophy. Chelsea and Manchester United follow closely, each with high ambitions and new-look squads aiming to break into the title conversation.
Liverpool might just edge it thanks to their momentum under Arne Slot and a revamped attack, while Arsenal’s hunger and squad depth make them serious contenders.
Manchester City, however, remain dangerous – Guardiola’s side knows how to grind through title races. With bold signings, shifting tactics, and intense fixtures ahead, the 2025/26 Premier League promises to be a thrilling ride from start to finish.
