Premier League 2025-26 Season
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Premier League 2025-26 ultimate preview: Latest title odds, top-4 contenders, relegation Favorited, Golden Boot race, key transfers & expert predictions.
The 2025-26 Premier League season kicks off on Saturday 16 August 2025, and for the first time in two decades the landscape feels genuinely wide open. Manchester City’s domestic dominance has been dented by 115 charges hanging over the club, Arsenal have finally turned promise into genuine belief, Liverpool begin a new era under Arne Slot, and the “big six” has become a “big seven” with Aston Villa and Newcastle crashing the party.
Here’s your complete, data-driven guide to the campaign ahead.
Title Race: Three Genuine Contenders
Arsenal (+175)
Mikel Arteta’s side are no longer the nearly-men. A club-record 91 points last season, the summer arrivals of Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino and the permanent signing of David Raya have deepened an already elite squad. Declan Rice is now the best central midfielder in the league, Bukayo Saka is entering his prime, and Martin Ødegaard’s creativity (16 assists in 2024-25) remains world-class. The only question mark is a proven 25-goal striker — but Kai Havertz’s 19 goals from the false-nine role last term suggest they may already have the answer.
Manchester City (+225)
The elephant in the room: the 115 financial charges. Even if sporting sanctions are delayed until 2026-27, the uncertainty has affected focus. Erling Haaland remains the most devastating No.9 on the planet (42 goals in all competitions last season), but the midfield is ageing — Kevin De Bruyne turns 35 in June, Rodri missed half of 2024-25 through injury, and Ilkay Gündogan’s legs are gone. The potential loss of key staff to the England national team setup adds further instability.
Liverpool (+450)
Arne Slot’s first full season. The Dutchman kept Liverpool competitive despite losing Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold to Saudi clubs in the summer of 2025. In came Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Dean Huijsen and Giorgi Mamardashvili — a refresh rather than a rebuild. New captain Virgil van Dijk signed a surprise one-year extension, while 21-year-old striker Jayden Danns exploded for 12 goals in pre-season. Liverpool’s high-intensity pressing game looks perfectly suited to Slot’s philosophy.
Top-4 Race: Who Joins the Big Three?
- Chelsea (+110 to finish Top 4) have spent another £300 m but finally look coherent under Enzo Maresca. Cole Palmer (28 goals + 18 assists last season) is the best attacking midfielder in the league.
- Newcastle (+250) are the dark horse. Eddie Howe has Sandro Tonali fully integrated, Valentino Livramento at right-back, and a potential £80 m move for Marc Guehi. St James’ Park is a fortress again.
- Aston Villa (+300) proved last season wasn’t a fluke by reaching the Champions League knockout stages. Unai Emery’s side added João Félix permanently and Ross Barkley looks reborn.
Golden Boot Race 2025-26 – Early Contenders
Haaland remains the overwhelming favourite, but Palmer and Isak offer serious value if their teams overperform.
Key Transfers That Will Shape the Season
- IN: Jeremie Frimpong → Liverpool (£50 m)
- IN: Riccardo Calafiori → Arsenal (£42 m)
- IN: Dean Huijsen → Liverpool (£33 m)
- OUT: Salah, Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold → Saudi Pro League
- OUT: Ivan Toney → Al-Ahli (£60 m)
- OUT: Kevin De Bruyne → expected MLS or Saudi move in January
Manager Hot Seat Watch (Odds to be first sacked)
- Erik ten Hag (Man United) – +300
- Gary O’Neil (Wolves) – +400
- Steve Cooper (Leicester) – +600
LikeGoals Expert Predictions – 2025-26 Final Table (Top 8)
- Arsenal
- Liverpool
- Manchester City
- Chelsea
- Newcastle United
- Aston Villa
- Tottenham Hotspur
- Manchester United
Champions: Arsenal
Top scorer: Erling Haaland (34 goals)
First manager sacked: Erik ten Hag (by November)
Surprise package: Newcastle United
Relegated: Wolves, Southampton, Leicester
The Premier League has never felt this unpredictable in years. Arsenal finally look ready to end their 22-year wait, but Liverpool’s youthful revolution and Chelsea’s spending spree mean nothing is certain.
Buckle up — the greatest league in the world is back, and 2025-26 might just be the most thrilling season yet.
Stay locked to LikeGoals.com all season for match previews, live blogs, player ratings and exclusive betting insights.
Who are you backing for the title? Let us know in the comments!
