
After a long summer of pre-season tours, blockbuster transfers, and even a new Club World Cup, the Premier League is finally back. The season kicks off Friday night with champions Liverpool hosting Bournemouth, before a weekend packed with 10 more fixtures, including Sunday’s headline clash: Arsenal vs Manchester United. The action continues into Monday when Everton welcome newly-promoted Leeds at Elland Road.
The big questions loom large: Can Liverpool defend their crown? Will Arsenal finally end their title drought? And which of the newcomers can survive the top-flight grind?
Here’s a club-by-club breakdown to guide you through every twist and turn of the new season and predictions as per a DailyMail report.
Arsenal have spent big to plug their glaring gap upfront. Viktor Gyokeres arrives with expectations of being the final piece in Arteta’s puzzle. With Declan Rice stepping up in midfield and young star Martin Zubimendi adding creativity, the Gunners look balanced and dangerous. Their challenge is no longer just catching Liverpool—it’s finally overtaking them.
Prediction: 1st. Odds: 9-4.
Liverpool begin the season under a cloud after the tragic death of Diogo Jota, yet they remain a formidable force. Salah, Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike provide firepower, and the squad is tipped to add more depth. Slot faces the difficult task of keeping morale high while defending the crown.
Prediction: 2nd. Odds: 7-4.
City had a rare “off” season but still finished third. Injuries, including Rodri’s delayed return, are a concern, but with Haaland leading the line and Reijnders adding creativity, Guardiola’s side will be there or thereabouts.
Prediction: 3rd. Odds: 7-2.
Villa keep their core intact, with Watkins, John McGinn, and Ezri Konsa ready for another push. Pre-season has shown glimpses of their potential. Emery knows how to get the best from his squad, and a top-four finish is realistic.
Prediction: 4th. Odds: 66-1.
Chelsea are coming off a Club World Cup win, but the Premier League is a tougher test. Injuries, particularly Levi Colwill’s ACL setback, are challenging. New signings like Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian could be the spark they need, but depth will be tested over 38 games.
Prediction: 5th. Odds: 8-1.
The Isak saga has dominated headlines, overshadowing a team otherwise looking strong. Howe’s squad is ready for the rigours of Europe and domestic competition, but balancing both will be crucial.
Prediction: 6th. Odds: 50-1.
From 14th last season, United’s new attacking recruits, led by Benjamin Sesko, aim to lift the team. Gaps remain in midfield, and goalkeeping concerns persist. Expect steady progress, but the rebuild is far from complete.
Prediction: 7th. Odds: 25-1.
Brighton impressed with seven wins and a draw in pre-season. Despite selling Joao Pedro, Kaoru Mitoma and Danny Welbeck are expected to lead the charge.
Prediction: 8th. Odds: 250-1.
After counter-attacking last season, Forest aim to play more possession-based football. Chris Wood remains the main goal threat, but pre-season struggles suggest a tough start.
Prediction: 9th. Odds: 200-1.
With Son Heung-min sold and injuries to key stars, Spurs will rely on defensive organisation and set-piece efficiency. Mohammed Kudus could make a big impact, but attacking depth is a concern.
Prediction: 10th. Odds: 50-1.
With limited summer activity, Fulham rely on the combination of Jimenez, Traore, and Smith Rowe to maintain a mid-table finish. Silva’s experience provides reassurance.
Prediction: 11th. Odds: 750-1.
Selling three defenders for £150m leaves gaps. Andoni Iraola will rely on home form and careful rotation to stay afloat.
Prediction: 12th. Odds: 500-1.
Jarrod Bowen remains crucial, and El Hadji Diouf adds excitement down the left. Expect better cohesion than last year, though top-half ambitions may remain out of reach.
Prediction: 13th. Odds: 750-1.
Goodison’s poor record last season raises doubts, but the team has talent and new additions like Thierno Barry could make a difference.
Prediction: 14th. Odds: 500-1.
Winning the Community Shield shows progress, but a European campaign may stretch their squad depth.
Prediction: 15th. Odds: 500-1.
Keith Andrews inherits a team without its top scorer. Jordan Henderson provides experience, but survival is the realistic goal.
Prediction: 16th. Odds: 750-1.
Daniel Farke has focused on physicality with all seven summer signings over 5’11”. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s experience could be decisive.
Prediction: 17th. Odds: 1,000-1.
Selling key players leaves gaps. Fer Lopez is promising, but adaptation will take time.
Prediction: 18th. Odds: 1,000-1.
Promoted again after dominating the Championship, Burnley faces a brutal test in the top flight.
Prediction: 19th. Odds: 2,000-1.
New to the top flight and with limited experience, Sunderland will rely on Granit Xhaka and Habib Diarra to survive.
Prediction: 20th. Odds: 2,000-1.
Arsenal appear ready to end their title drought. Liverpool remain deadly despite adversity, and City, as ever, will challenge on all fronts. Mid-table battles will be tight, and the fight for survival promises drama from day one. This season, more than ever, every point counts.
From Anfield’s Friday lights to the final whistle in May, Premier League fans are in for a rollercoaster ride of goals, glory, and heartbreak.