The Premier League season is almost upon us, and with it comes the annual ritual of crystal-ball gazing. BBC Sport’s chief football writer Phil McNulty has delivered his predictions for the 2026-27 campaign, ranking all 20 clubs from title favourites to potential strugglers. After a dramatic previous season that saw Arsenal claim their first title in 22 years and several managerial changes, this year’s forecasts feel particularly challenging.
Nine new managers will take charge in the top flight, adding layers of uncertainty. McNulty himself acknowledges the difficulty, noting that last season’s confident tip of Liverpool as champions unravelled spectacularly. Still, he has set out a clear order based on squad quality, recent form, transfer activity and managerial appointments.
Title Contenders and the Top Four
Arsenal to Retain the Crown
McNulty places Arsenal firmly at the top. Having ended their long wait for the Premier League title last season, the Gunners enter the new campaign with confidence, depth and quality in every department. Key summer additions such as Bruno Guimarães and Christos Tzolis impressed in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City. Mikel Arteta’s side looks equipped to defend the trophy successfully, making this McNulty’s most straightforward prediction.
Manchester City in Transition
Second place goes to Manchester City. The departure of Pep Guardiola marks the start of a new era under Enzo Maresca. High-profile exits including Rodri, Bernardo Silva and John Stones create a sense of change at the Etihad. Yet the continued presence of Erling Haaland, combined with new arrivals such as Elliot Anderson and the expected signing of Ayyoub Bouaddi, keeps City firmly in the title conversation. McNulty expects silverware of some description even amid the transition.
Liverpool’s Recovery under Iraola
Liverpool are predicted to finish third. Andoni Iraola arrives from Bournemouth tasked with restoring stability after a disappointing title defence that cost Arne Slot his job. The post-Mohamed Salah period will require adjustment, and Iraola’s high-intensity style may take time to embed. However, the squad retains significant quality, with Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak now more settled. Potential further arrivals and the emergence of young talents support a return to the top four and a realistic push for trophies.
Chelsea’s Alonso Project
Fourth is reserved for Chelsea. Xabi Alonso takes over a large and complex squad following mixed results under previous regimes. McNulty notes Alonso’s previous success at Bayer Leverkusen and believes the Spaniard can mould the group effectively, especially without European commitments. Signings such as Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix add quality, while experienced heads like Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck are expected to provide leadership. It is described as something of a punt, yet one McNulty is prepared to take.
The Chasing Pack and Mid-Table Outlook
Manchester United occupy fifth in the predicted table. Michael Carrick’s first full season in charge follows a strong end to the previous campaign that secured Champions League football. A top-four challenge and silverware are realistic aims, though further recruitment is still required to elevate the side fully. Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos represent useful additions.
Aston Villa are placed sixth. Unai Emery continues to earn high praise for his work, including last season’s Europa League success. Financial constraints have led to the departures of Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers, placing greater responsibility on new arrivals such as João Gomes and Johan Manzambi. McNulty believes Emery’s strategic ability can still deliver a strong campaign despite the squad turnover.
Tottenham Hotspur rise to seventh. After a turbulent previous season that nearly ended in relegation, Roberto De Zerbi has received significant backing. Major investments in Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, alongside defensive reinforcements, signal renewed ambition. McNulty sees no excuse for another struggle, though he cautions that early optimism has been seen before at the club.
Nottingham Forest are predicted eighth under new manager Oliver Glasner. The side’s quality should have prevented last season’s relegation scrap, which was partly attributed to managerial instability. Funds from the sale of Elliot Anderson are expected to support Glasner’s demands, with Morgan Gibbs-White remaining a central figure.
Brighton and Hove Albion take ninth, balancing domestic duties with Conference League football. Fabian Hürzeler’s side is viewed as well-run and capable of remaining competitive despite some notable departures. Brentford complete the top half in tenth, with Keith Andrews expected to build on a solid first season in charge and the club-record arrival of Mamadou Sangaré.
Lower Mid-Table and Relegation Battle
Further down the predicted order, Crystal Palace feature under new manager Pierre Sage following Oliver Glasner’s departure. McNulty notes the loss of key defensive personnel but recognises Sage’s strong reputation from his time at Lens. Other established sides such as Newcastle United, Everton and Fulham are expected to occupy mid-to-lower positions depending on consistency and recruitment.
At the bottom end of the table, newly promoted clubs face the sternest tests. McNulty’s rankings reflect the historical difficulty of survival for teams coming up from the Championship, though individual quality and managerial appointments will ultimately decide their fates.
Why These Predictions Matter
McNulty’s annual exercise always generates debate. The presence of nine new managers this season increases the margin for error, as styles take time to bed in and squads adapt. Transfer business remaining open until the deadline also leaves room for late shifts in the projected order.
Arsenal’s status as defending champions and their early-season statement in the Community Shield provide a solid foundation for the top prediction. City’s enduring attacking threat under a new coach keeps them close. Liverpool and Chelsea represent sides with clear potential for recovery or improvement, while United and Villa offer continuity mixed with fresh challenges.
For supporters, the rankings offer a starting point for discussion rather than a definitive forecast. Form, injuries, refereeing decisions and unexpected breakout performances regularly rewrite the script across a long Premier League season. McNulty himself frames the exercise with characteristic caution, reminding readers that previous confident calls have sometimes landed wide of the mark.
As the new campaign begins, these predictions will be tested week by week. Arsenal start as favourites to retain their title, yet the depth of competition across the division ensures that few outcomes can be taken for granted. Fans of every club will watch closely to see how closely reality matches the pre-season outlook.
