Premier League Predictions 2026/27: SPORTbible writers share who they think will be champions, best new player, biggest flop, and more!
The 2026/27 Premier League season kicks off this Friday night, with reigning champions Arsenal facing newly-promoted Coventry City in the first match. Mikel Arteta’s team will be hoping for a strong start at the Emirates as they aim to keep hold of their title—something they haven’t done since winning three in a row back in the 1930s.
Manchester City, Liverpool, and Manchester United are expected to challenge Arsenal closely, but teams like Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur, who’ve had a busy summer, will also be looking to compete. The new teams, Hull City, Ipswich Town, and Coventry, will be fighting hard to avoid dropping back down to the Championship.
To get ready for the new season, SPORTbible writers have shared their predictions for the champions, Player of the Season, best new signing, and biggest flop.
Jack Kenmare thinks Arsenal’s stability gives them an edge over their rivals, who are all going through changes. With new signings like Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis, and Ezri Konsa strengthening the squad, he expects Arsenal to win back-to-back titles.
Josh Lawless agrees, saying Arsenal’s squad is too strong to beat, especially with Guimaraes being a game-changer in midfield.
Ryan Smart sees Arteta’s team as the front-runners after another great transfer window. Ben McCrum and Tom Griffin also back Arsenal, highlighting how their steady squad and smart signings set them apart, especially with Guimaraes shining bright.
On the other side, Jack Kenmare believes Manchester City need more time to settle under new boss Enzo Maresca and must find a replacement for Rodri. He also thinks Manchester United and Chelsea will finish strong, with Chelsea thriving under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Josh Lawless predicts City may start slow but will still finish in the top three and win a cup. He’s optimistic about Chelsea’s chances too, feeling Alonso could lead them to second place. Ryan Smart sees Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United all improving, with solid coaching helping each team. Ben McCrum calls Chelsea’s squad strong and thinks United will grab the last Champions League spot. Tom Griffin expects Chelsea to challenge Arsenal closely, Liverpool to improve under Iraola, and Manchester United to continue their consistency.
When it comes to the promoted clubs, Jack Kenmare is worried Ipswich will drop right back down despite their efforts to sign Liam Delap. He hopes Coventry pulls off an upset like Sunderland once did but thinks Hull will finish last. Josh Lawless agrees two promoted sides will go down, with Coventry just surviving, and warns Fulham could also struggle. Ryan Smart finds it tough to pick which promoted side will stay up, but feels Sunderland may suffer due to the extra strain of European games. Ben McCrum thinks all promoted teams will likely go straight back down, while Tom Griffin is hopeful Lampard keeps Coventry safe but predicts Hull, Ipswich, and Sunderland will struggle.
For the top scorer, Jack Kenmare is sure Erling Haaland will keep banging in goals. Josh Lawless and Ben McCrum also back Haaland, though Josh thinks Joao Pedro at Chelsea could challenge him for the Golden Boot after a strong first season. Ryan Smart feels Haaland remains the most reliable scorer, while Tom Griffin thinks Pedro might finally end Haaland’s reign, thanks to great support from teammates.
When it comes to Player of the Season, Jack Kenmare picks Bruno Fernandes, highlighting his record-breaking assists and freedom to create at Manchester United. Josh Lawless looks to Martin Odegaard as Arsenal’s key player, while Ryan Smart feels Bukayo Saka will be crucial if he stays fit. Ben McCrum supports Cole Palmer of Chelsea to step up big after a quiet season, and Tom Griffin sees it as a close call between Saka and Declan Rice.
For standout new signings, Jack Kenmare champions Andrey Santos for Manchester United, praising his energy and passing. Josh Lawless sees Leeds’ new goalie James Trafford as a smart pick-up, while Ryan Smart expects Harry Wilson to be a key player for Leeds. Ben McCrum calls Bruno Guimaraes a title-winning signing for Arsenal, and Tom Griffin likes Leeds’ defender Tarik Muharemrovic as a strong addition.
Jack Kenmare is cautious on Liverpool’s Ronald Araujo, noting he’s had a rough time recently and might need to step up if injuries hit. Josh Lawless questions Spurs’ big money spent on Mateus Fernandes, while Ryan Smart says Chelsea’s Marco Palestra will learn a lot this season. Ben McCrum is skeptical about Dwight McNeil’s move to Crystal Palace, and Tom Griffin thinks Ipswich’s record signing Emersonn could struggle to adapt, making him a potential flop.
Going beyond players, Jack Kenmare is excited about young talent Rio Ngumoha, who could score 10+ goals and become an England regular. Josh Lawless predicts David Moyes will be the first Premier League manager to lose his job, hoping Eddie Howe will replace him at Everton. Ryan Smart is optimistic that Fulham coach Alvaro Arbeloa will have a positive impact, with key players joining and top talent Josh King ready for a big season.
Ben McCrum expects Chelsea to win a domestic cup and be solid title contenders this year, focusing fully on domestic competitions without European distractions. On a surprising note, Tom Griffin thinks Manchester City might miss out on the Champions League spots this season, feeling the transition after Guardiola’s departure and player losses could hit them hard.
All in all, it’s set to be an exciting season with plenty of battles on and off the pitch!