The Athletic’s Premier League predictions for 2025-26: Who will win the title?

Will the return of Rodri propel Manchester City back to the top of the table? Is this the year Manchester United finally regain their status as a genuine Premier League power? How will a tragic summer affect Liverpool on the pitch? Can the promoted teams break the pattern of recent seasons and stay up?

The 2025-26 season kicks off on Friday and what better way to start the week than by looking ahead to what might be in store over the coming months. The Athletic predict the Premier League table.

Who will win the title?

Kay: The least controversial answer is Liverpool, but there are various unknowns: how the new signings will adapt, whether they’re light in certain areas, and, of course, how the loss of Diogo Jota in such tragic circumstances might affect them.

I’ll say Liverpool, cautiously, but I wouldn’t discount Arsenal, Manchester City, or — if they can somehow harden up a bit — Chelsea, all of whom should be stronger.

Crafton: Arsenal. It’s about time. He’s almost been forgotten in the blur of the summer, but Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid will be big for Liverpool.

Spiers: Manchester City had a disastrous 2024-25 season and still only finished 13 points behind Liverpool. They undoubtedly have the best manager, striker and possibly squad in the league, and I think they’ll probably overhaul Liverpool again.

Miller: Oh god, I’m falling for it again: Arsenal. Broadly because they seem to have actually addressed their problems this summer, rather than Arteta looking at their squad and saying “No, we just need one more beefy centre-half to play at full-back”.

Hughes: Liverpool. I’m not convinced their eye-catching summer in the transfer market results in eye-catching performances straight away because it will probably take time for the team to gel, but they have recruited proven quality and upgrades in most positions.

James: It’s been such a traumatic summer for Liverpool that nobody can be quite sure how they will respond. But my instinct tells me that Arne Slot and his players will develop an even closer bond in the wake of the Jota tragedy and, with the help of some outstanding signings, retain the title.

Akinwolere: I really want to say Arsenal! Oh, go on then… Arsenal. As you can tell, I’m not fully convinced, but I have to believe all the pain of consecutive second-place finishes has shown Arteta what he needs to add to this team.

Jones: Liverpool. Arsenal and City’s problems helped them last season, but they have not stood still at the top. Slot’s squad has got even stronger and I don’t feel anyone else has added enough to keep up.