The 2025-26 Premier League season is set to kick off in just nine days, with Liverpool hosting Bournemouth at Anfield. As squads finalize their rosters and the transfer window nears its close, the excitement and speculation are palpable. Here’s a detailed look at each team’s prospects for the upcoming season.

Arsenal

Last season: 2nd place, 74 points Arsenal has consistently finished as runners-up in the last three seasons. With the league’s best defense last season, conceding only 34 goals, they’ve now bolstered their attack. The spotlight is on Viktor Gyökeres, who scored 45 goals for Sporting CP last season. Noni Madueke’s arrival from Chelsea could also be pivotal.

Aston Villa

Last season: 6th place, 66 points Aston Villa has been relatively quiet in the transfer market, focusing on retaining key players like Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martínez. The reported signing of Evann Guessand from Nice adds depth to their attack. Success in the Europa League might be more achievable than a top-five finish.

Bournemouth

Last season: 9th place, 56 points Bournemouth faces defensive challenges with key players leaving. However, under the guidance of Andoni Iraola, they remain a team capable of surprises.

Brentford

Last season: 10th place, 56 points Brentford has seen significant changes, including the departure of head coach Thomas Frank and top scorer Bryan Mbeumo. New boss Keith Andrews faces a tough task to maintain the team’s competitive edge.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Last season: 8th place, 61 points Brighton continues its tradition of nurturing talent. Despite losing João Pedro to Chelsea, new signings like Charalambos Kostoulas and Maxim De Cuyper could shine. Midfielder Carlos Baleba remains a key player.

Burnley

Last season: Promoted from the Championship Burnley’s solid defense was instrumental in their promotion. With 10 new signings, including Kyle Walker, they aim to defy the odds and avoid relegation.

Chelsea

Last season: 4th place, 69 points Chelsea, buoyed by their Club World Cup victory, are emerging as strong title contenders. Key signings like Jorrel Hato and Liam Delap add depth to their squad.

Crystal Palace

Last season: 12th place, 53 points FA Cup winners Crystal Palace have the quality to surprise, especially if they can retain key players like Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Everton

Last season: 13th place, 48 points Everton’s new stadium, the Hill Dickinson Stadium, brings fresh optimism. New signing Thierno Barry from Villarreal is expected to bolster their attack.

Fulham

Last season: 11th place, 54 points Fulham has been quiet in the transfer market but retains a solid squad under Marco Silva. Late additions could make them a tough opponent.

Leeds United

Last season: Promoted from the Championship Leeds has strengthened their squad with players like Sean Longstaff and Jaka Bijol. Top scorer Joël Piroe and Daniel James will be crucial for their success.

Liverpool

Last season: 1st place, 84 points Liverpool’s £300 million spending spree makes them favorites to retain the title. Key signings like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike are expected to make an immediate impact.

Manchester City

Last season: 3rd place, 71 points Manchester City aims to bounce back from last season’s disappointment. New arrivals like Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Aït-Nouri add depth, with Rodri anchoring the midfield.

Manchester United

Last season: 15th place, 42 points Manchester United looks to improve under Ruben Amorim. New signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha bring goals, but midfield reinforcements are needed.

Newcastle United

Last season: 5th place, 66 points Newcastle faces challenges with Alexander Isak’s potential departure. Winger Anthony Elanga adds speed, but the squad needs depth for a successful Champions League campaign.

Nottingham Forest

Last season: 7th place, 65 points Retaining Morgan Gibbs-White is crucial for Nottingham Forest. European matches add to their schedule, requiring tactical adjustments.

Sunderland

Last season: Promoted from the Championship Sunderland’s signing of Granit Xhaka brings experience to a young squad. Winger Simon Adingra and midfielder Habib Diarra are key additions.

Tottenham Hotspur

Last season: 17th place, 38 points New head coach Thomas Frank faces the challenge of instilling a winning mentality. The departure of Son Heung-Min and James Maddison’s injury are significant hurdles.

West Ham United

Last season: 14th place, 43 points West Ham aims to improve under Graham Potter. Key players like Jarrod Bowen and Aaron Wan-Bissaka need support from new recruits.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Last season: 16th place, 42 points Wolves’ improved defense was key last season. Replacing Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri is crucial for maintaining their competitive edge.