2025/26 Premier League Season Preview: What to Expect and Who Will Shine
Accra, Ghana – August 14, 2025
The 2025/26 Premier League season, marking the 34th edition of England’s top-flight competition which starts on 15th August 2025, promises drama, star power, and technological firsts. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the season ahead:
What to Expect
- New Technology & Format: This season introduces semi-automated offside technology across all matches—enhancing accuracy in decisions, a first for the league, and marking a significant step forward in officiating.
- Promoted Clubs: Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland return to the top flight. Notably, Sunderland’s promotion revives the Tyne–Wear derby for the first time since 2015–16.
- Match Ball Supplier: Puma has replaced Nike as official match ball provider.
Teams to Watch
- Liverpool: The defending champions remain the firm title favorites, bolstered by the arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Giorgi Mamardashvili
- Arsenal: Poised for a breakthrough, they’ve reinforced their squad, notably signing striker Viktor Gyökeres and a commanding midfielder Martín Zubimendi.
- Manchester City: Always in the mix. Despite missing Kevin De Bruyne, their depth and resilience keep them firmly in contention
- Chelsea: Rising quietly—with improved form, strategic signings, and European momentum, they are seen as a dark horse this season
- Newcastle United & Manchester United: Newcastle riding high on recent progress, while United aim to rebound strongly after summer investment.
Players to Watch
- Golden Boot Contenders: At long odds, Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal) stands out if Arsenal’s title push holds. Alexander Isak (Newcastle) also features prominently in forecasts.
- Potential Player of the Season: The likes of Wirtz, Salah, and rising stars across the top teams—especially those driving their clubs’ ambitions—will be in the spotlight.
- Young Player of the Season: Look out for emerging talents such as Klopp’s latest recruits, Arsenal’s Max Dowman, or other rising stars spotlighted by My News Ghana
Overachievers and Underachievers
- Dark Horses/Overachievers: Chelsea, Everton, and Newcastle could outdo expectations with smart, effective squad improvements.
- Possible Underachievers: Manchester United risk disappointing even post-investment; pundits suggest they may struggle to break into the top ten.
Top Four and Relegation Predictions By Major News Outlets
- DAZN News Panel: Almost unanimously back Liverpool to win again, with Arsenal and Man City among the top challengers.
- TalkSPORT (Rory Jennings): Forecasts Liverpool, followed by Man City, Chelsea, and Arsenal in the top five—alas, only four Champions League spots. His relegation picks include West Ham, Sunderland, and Burnley.
- Alan Shearer’s View: Argues Liverpool as champions, Arsenal second, then City, Chelsea, and Newcastle.
- Other Forecasts: Many expect all three promoted teams—Leeds, Sunderland, Burnley—to struggle or go down
Predicted Final Standings (My News Ghana Editor’s Pick)
| Position | Team |
|---|---|
| 1 | Liverpool |
| 2 | Arsenal |
| 3 | Manchester City |
| 4 | Chelsea |
| 5 | Newcastle United |
| 6 | Manchester United |
| 7 | Everton |
| 8 | Aston Villa |
| 9–12 | Tottenham, Brighton, Wolves, Fulham |
| 13–17 | Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Brentford, Leeds |
| 18 | West Ham United |
| 19 | Burnley |
| 20 | Sunderland |
Key Takeaways:
- Liverpool remain the class of the competition, though Arsenal, City, and Chelsea are strong contenders.
- Relegation: Promoted sides face uphill battles—leagues often prove unforgiving.
- Watchlist: Gyökeres, Wirtz, Isak, and other young stars must deliver to stand out.
Source – My News Ghana
