English Premier League 2025–26 Season Preview – Full Team Guide, Predictions, and Key Storylines

The countdown is over. Tomorrow 15 August 2025, the English Premier League 2025–26 season kicks off, and football fans around the world are gearing up for another nine months of relentless action, heated rivalries, and unforgettable moments.

From title contenders to relegation fighters, every club begins this journey with hope, ambition, and a clean slate.

Below, we break down each of the 20 clubs in this season’s competition, share predictions, and explore key storylines that could define the campaign.

1. Bournemouth – Can They Build on Recent Progress?

Bournemouth enter the new season with quiet confidence. Known for their compact defensive shape and dangerous counterattacks, they have proven capable of upsetting the big boys. If they can find consistency at home and secure points against mid-table rivals, a top-half finish isn’t out of reach.

Prediction: Mid-table stability (Positions 9–12)
Key Player to Watch: Dominic Solanke – The striker’s goals could be the difference in tight matches.

2. Arsenal – Chasing Glory After Narrow Misses

Arsenal have been on the brink of glory in recent seasons but have fallen just short. With Mikel Arteta still at the helm and a young, hungry squad, the Gunners will once again aim to dethrone Manchester City. Their attacking flair combined with newfound defensive stability makes them one of the favourites.

Prediction: Title contenders (Top 2)
Key Player to Watch: Bukayo Saka – Arsenal’s creative heartbeat and potential Player of the Season.

3. Aston Villa – Europe and Beyond?

Aston Villa’s resurgence under Unai Emery has been one of the league’s best stories. Having flirted with European qualification, they now aim to cement themselves as a regular in the top six. Their balance of youth and experience gives them an edge in tough games.

Prediction: European push (Positions 5–7)
Key Player to Watch: Ollie Watkins – A consistent goal threat in open play and set pieces.

4. Brentford – Punching Above Their Weight

Brentford continue to defy expectations with their smart recruitment and fearless football. Even without star striker Ivan Toney for a large part of last season, they held their own. This year, they’ll aim for another top-half finish and perhaps a cup run.

Prediction: Mid-table (Positions 8–11)
Key Player to Watch: Ivan Toney – Back in action and ready to score.

5. Brighton – The Tactical Innovators

Brighton have won admirers with their stylish, possession-based football. They’ve become a breeding ground for young talent and a nightmare for complacent big teams. If they can keep their best players fit, they may surprise everyone again.

Prediction: European dark horses (Positions 6–8)
Key Player to Watch: Kaoru Mitoma – Pace, skill, and creativity from the wing.

6. Burnley – Vincent Kompany’s Challenge

Burnley’s return to the Premier League under Vincent Kompany brought a fresh, attacking approach. This season will be about survival and adapting their style to the league’s intensity. Defensive solidity will be crucial.

Prediction: Survival battle (Positions 14–17)
Key Player to Watch: Josh Brownhill – Midfield engine who links defence and attack.

7. Chelsea U-21 – The Bold New Experiment

In a surprising twist, Chelsea’s U-21 squad is competing at the highest level. This is a historic move that could redefine player development. The young Blues will face a steep learning curve, but they might shock a few seasoned teams.

Prediction: Lower-mid table (Positions 12–15)
Key Player to Watch: Cesare Casadei – One of the brightest young midfield talents.

8. Crystal Palace – The Silent Climbers

Crystal Palace are often underestimated, but their mix of experienced defenders and creative attackers makes them a tricky opponent. If Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise stay fit, they can push for a comfortable mid-table finish.

Prediction: Mid-table safety (Positions 9–12)
Key Player to Watch: Eberechi Eze – The creative spark capable of winning matches single-handedly.

9. Everton – Aiming to Avoid Relegation Drama

Everton’s last few seasons have been a rollercoaster of near-relegation escapes. The Toffees will be desperate to avoid another tense finale and instead aim for mid-table stability.

Prediction: Lower mid-table (Positions 11–14)
Key Player to Watch: Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Needs to stay fit and score consistently.

10. Fulham – Building on Momentum

Fulham impressed last season with their high-energy style. If they can keep Aleksandar Mitrović firing and maintain defensive discipline, they could even aim for a top-eight finish.

Prediction: Mid-table (Positions 8–10)
Key Player to Watch: Aleksandar Mitrović – A proven Premier League goalscorer.

11. Leeds United – Pressing for Progress

Leeds return to the top flight with their relentless pressing game. The key will be balancing their attacking ambition with defensive discipline to avoid slipping into a relegation battle.

Prediction: Survival fight (Positions 15–17)
Key Player to Watch: Wilfried Gnonto – A lively forward with bags of pace and skill.

12. Liverpool – Klopp’s New Era

Liverpool are in a transitional phase, blending new signings with their established stars. The Anfield faithful will demand a title challenge, and the squad has the depth to deliver.

Prediction: Title contenders (Top 3)
Key Player to Watch: Mohamed Salah – Still one of the most lethal forwards in the world.

13. Manchester City – The Team to Beat

Pep Guardiola’s side remain the benchmark for excellence. With their depth, tactical flexibility, and star-studded squad, City will once again be the favourites to lift the trophy.

Prediction: Champions (1st place)
Key Player to Watch: Erling Haaland – Goals, goals, and more goals.

14. Manchester United – The Red Devils’ Revival?

United showed signs of progress last season but still lacked consistency. Erik ten Hag’s challenge will be turning promise into dominance.

Prediction: Top-four finish (Positions 3–4)
Key Player to Watch: Bruno Fernandes – The creative engine in midfield.

15. Newcastle United – The New Powerhouse

With significant investment and a growing reputation, Newcastle are here to stay as a top-six force. Expect them to challenge for Champions League spots again.

Prediction: Top-six finish (Positions 4–6)
Key Player to Watch: Alexander Isak – A rising star with pace and finishing ability.

16. Nottingham Forest – Fighting for Survival

Forest narrowly avoided the drop last season. They’ll need to be more clinical in front of goal to stay up this year.

Prediction: Relegation battle (Positions 16–18)
Key Player to Watch: Morgan Gibbs-White – Their most creative outlet.

17. Sunderland – Back in the Big Time

Sunderland’s return to the Premier League is a feel-good story for their passionate fan base. Survival will be their main target.

Prediction: Survival fight (Positions 16–18)
Key Player to Watch: Ross Stewart – Needs to find goals at this level.

18. Tottenham Hotspur – Searching for Stability

Tottenham are in a rebuilding phase, with new leadership and a need for defensive improvement. Their attacking firepower could still keep them in the European conversation.

Prediction: Top-eight push (Positions 6–8)
Key Player to Watch: Son Heung-min – Spurs’ talisman and consistent performer.

19. West Ham United – Balancing Europe and League Survival

West Ham have experienced both European glory and domestic struggles in recent years. Their squad depth will be tested again if they go deep in Europe, but they have enough quality to aim for mid-table security.

Prediction: Mid-table (Positions 10–13)
Key Player to Watch: Jarrod Bowen – The Hammers’ most consistent attacking threat.

20. Wolverhampton Wanderers – In Search of Goals

Wolves struggled for goals last season, and solving that problem is their biggest task. If they find a reliable striker, they can climb away from danger.

Prediction: Relegation battle (Positions 17–20)
Key Player to Watch: Pedro Neto – Electric on the wing, but needs to stay fit.

Final Thoughts – The Stage is Set

The Premier League 2025–26 season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent history. With the mix of seasoned giants, ambitious challengers, and hungry newcomers, every match will matter. From title races to relegation scraps, fans can expect another year of drama, passion, and breathtaking football.