Premier League 2026-27 Season Preview

The Premier League season begins on Friday with Coventry City facing Arsenal, marking the former’s return to top-flight football after 25 years. This season promises unpredictability, as nine clubs start with new managers. Furthermore, Manchester United’s Michael Carrick and Tottenham Hotspur’s Roberto De Zerbi have recently taken over their teams.

Among the Big Six, five clubs – Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Tottenham – have new leadership compared to last year. Only Arsenal retains managerial stability. With this shake-up, questions emerge: how will these new managers perform, which teams have made successful transfers, and can the promoted sides compete effectively?

Predictions for the Season

Our team at The Athletic’s global newsroom shares predictions for the upcoming season.

Teams Expected to Perform Better

Anka: Tottenham and Nottingham Forest should improve significantly, moving closer to Europa League positions. I’m eager to see a fully fit Yoane Wissa play for Newcastle United.

Stafford-Bloor: Florian Wirtz is expected to thrive under Andoni Iraola, who has demonstrated remarkable coaching for offensive players at Bournemouth.

Miller: Tottenham and Manchester United both have potential for significant improvements. If attackers like Bruno Fernandes align well with new midfield additions, they’ll shine.

Harris: Chelsea should excel under Xabi Alonso. Their recruitment reflects his tactical style, which should lead to improvement.

Jones: Chelsea, having balanced their squad, should see improvements. Tottenham might need further strengthening, but their signings indicate progress.

Spiers: Nottingham Forest, with Oliver Glasner leading, should outpace their previous 16th-place finish.

James: Tottenham should climb the table. Their recruitment includes experienced Premier League players and Mateus Fernandes.

Paton: Leeds, due to strong pre-season and key signings like James Trafford, should secure a top-half finish.

Teams Likely to Perform Worse

Anka: Sunderland and Bournemouth may struggle with European competition commitments, but Fulham seems less stable under new management.

Stafford-Bloor: Aston Villa lost significant players; reliance on unproven talent like Brian Madjo is risky.

Miller: Villa may face difficulty integrating new signings.

Harris: Sunderland’s squad remains strong, but their European commitments could be distracting.

Jones: Sunderland’s overperformance last season is unsustainable; Villa’s competitive dynamics have shifted adversely.

Spiers: Bournemouth may drop significantly without Iraola.

James: Sunderland’s commendable past season might precede struggles this year.

Paton: Newcastle, having sold key players, might falter under new leadership.

Best Managerial Appointments

Anka: Oliver Glasner’s history suggests success at Nottingham Forest.

Stafford-Bloor: Andoni Iraola fits well with Liverpool’s squad structure.

Miller: Glasner seems poised for success, backed by a fitting squad.

Harris: Marco Rose should transition Bournemouth smoothly.

Jones: While Iraola may struggle initially, Marco Rose shows promise for success.

Spiers: Enzo Maresca follows Guardiola at City, promising innovation and familiarity in playing style.

James: Alonso’s strategic prowess could revitalize Chelsea amidst their fluctuating approach.

Paton: Xabi Alonso will likely cement Chelsea’s position as one of the best-coached teams.

Title Predictions

Anka: Arsenal remains favorites, showcasing their depth and strength.

Stafford-Bloor: Arsenal’s stable squad could lead to victory by season’s end.

Miller: Arsenal, with their cohesive planning, should surpass competitors.

Harris: City has strengthened with prominent signings, challenging Arsenal.

Jones: Arsenal’s continuity contrasts rivals undergoing transitions.

Spiers: Arsenal and City hold an advantage with formidable squads.

James: Arsenal’s consistency positions them as likely winners.

Paton: Arsenal, strengthened further, appears set for dominance.

Best Signings

Anka: Mamadou Sangare for Brentford offers strong defensive capabilities.

Stafford-Bloor: Xaver Schlager at Forest adds versatile midfield strength.

Miller: Tielemans is a bargain for Manchester United, enhancing their tactical versatility.

Harris: Ipswich acquired promising players like Florentino Luis, fortifying their squad.

Anticipated Player Performances

Anka: Tielemans offers creative potency for Manchester United, while Coventry’s Caleb Yirenkyi emerges as a talent to watch.

Stafford-Bloor: Bazoumana Toure’s adaptation to Newcastle’s play adds intrigue.

Miller: Florian Wirtz under Iraola holds potential for remarkable displays.

Harris: Rayan Cherki at City is anticipated for his defensive maneuvering.

Managerial Pressure will elevate even further at clubs like Man City, with high expectations on Maresca succeeding Guardiola’s legacy. From title contenders like Arsenal to newly promoted teams, this Premier League season promises excitement with every twist and turn. It remains to be seen which clubs will flourish and which will falter as the campaign unfolds.