Premier League 2026: Phil McNulty's predictions
BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty shares his Premier League predictions for all 20 teams amidst a summer featuring nine new managers.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Arsenal are backed to successfully defend their Premier League crown
- Manchester City enters a transitional era under manager Enzo Maresca
- Liverpool begins life after Mohamed Salah with boss Andoni Iraola
- Chelsea and Manchester United heavily revamp their squads for Europe
BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty is back with his annual task of predicting where all 20 Premier League teams will finish this season. After confidently tipping Liverpool for the title last year only to watch them stumble and cost Arne Slot his job, this campaign proves even trickier.
A remarkable total of nine new managers have taken charge in the top flight ahead of this season, making these predictions the most challenging of his career.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
A breakdown of the top contenders reveals fascinating changes:
- Arsenal: Having ended their 22-year wait for the title, Mikel Arteta's side is in prime shape to retain the crown, bolstered by quality additions like Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis.
- Manchester City: Enzo Maresca takes over from Pep Guardiola in a new era at Etihad Stadium. Despite losing big names like Rodri and Bernardo Silva, the presence of Erling Haaland keeps them dangerous.
- Liverpool: Andoni Iraola arrives from Bournemouth to steady the ship, with Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak now fully accustomed to life at Anfield following Mohamed Salah's departure.
- Chelsea: Xabi Alonso takes charge, bringing in standout talents Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix alongside veteran leaders Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck.
Meanwhile, Manchester United enters its first full season under Michael Carrick with ambitions firmly set on the Champions League, supported by smart signings like Youri Tielemans. Aston Villa continues under Unai Emery despite financial balancing acts, while Tottenham Hotspur has loosened the purse strings significantly, highlighted by a £100m move for Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.
This season's managerial shake-ups and massive transfer spending highlight the ruthless nature of the modern Premier League. The transition phases at clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool, coupled with ambitious spending at Tottenham and Chelsea, point towards a fiercely competitive title race and a tightly contested battle for European qualification.
Source: BBC Sport
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