The 2025/26 Premier League season is ready to kick off this Friday when Liverpool, the reigning champions, take on AFC Bournemouth at 3 p.m. ET.
The beginning of a season means new, unexpected storylines. With a busy summer full of transfers and new signings, this season will be nothing short of exciting.
The Premier League welcomes promoted clubs Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland for the 25/26 season and says goodbye to relegated clubs Southampton, Leicester City, and Ipswich Town.
Liverpool is coming off an extraordinary season, winning the Premier League in 24/25 under head coach Arne Slot. Luckily, Liverpool has a very similar lineup compared to last season, so defending their title is possible. They did however, show some struggles against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield game this past Sunday, losing in penalties.
Despite being plagued by injuries last season, Manchester City still managed to finish in the top five. A lot of credit goes to manager Pep Guardiola, who is considered one of the best managers in the league. There were a few departures that hurt City fans, such as Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker, but City still has a stacked roster with notable players like Rodri, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, and Omar Marmoush. Assuming City isn’t as unlucky with injuries as last year, there is no reason for them not to be considered a top-five team.
Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta is right behind Guardiola on the list of best managers in the EPL as he has transformed Arsenal into a potential title winner every season since joining the club. They have finished as runner-ups each season since the 2022-23 campaign. Will this be the year they can finally get to the top?
Fans should keep an eye on Chelsea this season. Fresh off winning the club summer tournament, Chelsea is ready to compete. With one of the youngest squads in the EPL, energy will be high, and it would be no surprise to see them towards the top of the table by the end of the season.
After finishing in 17th place, expect Tottenham to jump back up the standings this season. Although they said goodbye to legend Son Heung-min this summer as he left the EPL to play in the MLS, their midfield and defense were strengthened with all the additions they made over the summer. Thomas Frank also joined the club as manager in June, bringing a new style of play and a positive attitude around the team.
Similar to Tottenham, Manchester United had an underwhelming season last year. After adding a few new signings to the team, it won’t be shocking to see United make their way back up the standings.
There is nothing like the feeling of starting a new season. Will Liverpool defend their title, or will Manchester City reclaim the top spot in the league? Will we see a different winner, like Arsenal? Every club has something to prove. The chaos is about to begin.
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