Predicting the Premier League standings for next season: Arsenal to retain the title, Liverpool to disappoint

The 2026/27 Premier League season promises to be one of the most unpredictable in years.

A series of clubs changing managers, many teams receiving heavy investment, and the return of clubs that have been absent from the Premier League make the race even more difficult to forecast. Below are the assessments from the British newspaper The Independent.

1. Arsenal (1st last season)

Arsenal are the strongest candidates for the championship. After ending a 22-year wait to claim the title, Mikel Arteta has a squad built with a clear objective: to defend the crown. Stability is Arsenal's greatest advantage.

2. Man City (2nd)

The departures of Rodri and Bernardo Silva have significantly altered Man City's midfield. City still possess outstanding quality, however, changing managers and playing style after a decade under Guardiola could cost them points at crucial moments.

3. Chelsea (10th)

Morgan Rogers is a quality addition, while Cole Palmer returns after a difficult period and is motivated to prove his worth. If Xabi Alonso quickly establishes a stable structure, Chelsea could fully compete for the title.

4. Man United (3rd)

Man United will return to the Champions League, meaning their number of matches could increase from 40 to nearly 60. Squad depth thus becomes a major issue. If Carrick maintains form, United can hold a top-four spot, but it will be difficult to break into the title race.

5. Liverpool (5th)

Andoni Iraola replaces Arne Slot and will bring an energetic, high-intensity style of football. But Liverpool still have weaknesses from last season. Liverpool need Isak and Wirtz to integrate quickly if they want to compete for the top four.

6. Aston Villa (4th)

Unai Emery remains Aston Villa's most important foundation. However, losing Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, and Lucas Digne means Villa faces a major rebuilding process while also having to balance Champions League commitments.

7. Bournemouth (6th)

Iraola's departure is a loss, but Marco Rose is a suitable choice to inherit the foundation built by his predecessor. The biggest challenge will be the Europa League, but Bournemouth are capable of remaining in the race for European qualification.

8. Tottenham (17th)

Tottenham only avoided relegation on the final day of last season, but Roberto De Zerbi has been strongly backed with an approximately £180 million overhaul in midfield. Not playing in Europe is a major advantage.

9. Leeds (14th)

Leeds could become a dark horse. Daniel Farke helped the team improve significantly after the mid-season period. James Trafford, Harry Wilson, and Tarik Muharemovic bring more balance to the squad. Dominic Calvert-Lewin also provides a focal point up front after a revival season with 14 goals.

10. Brentford (9th)

Last season they were just short of a European place. With Igor Thiago scoring 22 goals last season, and Mamadou Sangare adding strength to midfield, Brentford will continue to be a tough opponent under Keith Andrews.

11. Nottingham Forest (16th)

After a chaotic season with four managers, Nottingham Forest place their faith in Oliver Glasner. This is a notable move, as Glasner previously led Crystal Palace to two trophies. Not playing in Europe also allows Forest to focus on the Premier League.

12. Sunderland (7th)

Sunderland were the surprise package last season, finishing 7th and securing a European spot. However, the Europa League makes their schedule more demanding. Sunderland may drop slightly but still have enough strength to stay in the top half.

13. Crystal Palace (15th)

Palace enter the season with Pierre Sage replacing Oliver Glasner. After success in the Conference League, they face changes in defence as Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix are both gone. Sage has ability, but Palace need time to adapt.

14. Everton (13th)

David Moyes brings stability to Everton, especially in defence. However, the biggest issue remains their goalscoring ability. Everton will find it difficult to rise into the European spots.

15. Brighton (8th)

New signing Luka Vuskovic strengthens the defence, but Danny Welbeck's departure weakens the attack. Brighton therefore risk repeating the decline they experienced when playing in Europe.

16. Newcastle (12th)

In a short period, Newcastle have lost Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Eddie Howe. Matthias Jaissle must rebuild the team from scratch.

17. Fulham (11th)

Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez have both left, while Alvaro Arbeloa relies heavily on young players from Real Madrid. The early-season schedule is also very tough. Fulham may have to fight to stay up.

18. Coventry City (Championship winners)

Coventry return to the Premier League after 25 years and have great motivation under Frank Lampard. However, the gap between the Championship and the Premier League remains huge.

19. Ipswich Town (Championship runners-up)

Ipswich return immediately after one season away. Gary O'Neil replaces Kieran McKenna and must rebuild the team in a different direction. Ipswich risk returning to the Championship after just one season.

20. Hull City (6th in Championship) Hull are the clearest relegation candidates. They were even ranked 23rd in expected points in the Championship last season. Hull could face many difficulties right from the opening rounds.