As the celebrations for Liverpool`s recent Premier League title win begin to wind down, attention is already shifting towards the potential contenders for the upcoming 2025-26 season. While it`s very early days and many factors could change, forecasting the next title race is always a compelling exercise.
Predicting the outcome remains challenging, particularly after a season filled with surprises. Liverpool, for instance, started with just a 5.1% chance of winning according to Opta but quickly established a dominant lead. Conversely, Manchester City, initially strong favorites with an 82.2% probability, were out of contention early and found themselves battling for a Champions League spot.
The dynamics of the next title race will be heavily influenced by activity in the summer transfer window. Several clubs, including established giants like City and Liverpool, as well as ambitious sides such as Newcastle United and Aston Villa, and even teams aiming for redemption like Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur after disappointing campaigns, are expected to be busy. Not all will realistically challenge for the title, but the unexpected nature of the past season suggests some could make significant leaps forward and are worth monitoring.
Here is an early look at potential contenders for the Premier League title next season.
Honorable Mention: Aston Villa
Under Unai Emery, Aston Villa has consistently improved over the past two years, recently reaching the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals where they competitively faced Paris Saint-Germain. However, a Premier League title challenge feels like a step too far for now. Breaking into the league`s top tier is inherently difficult, especially when factoring in the demanding schedule associated with participating in the UEFA Europa League or Conference League. They are strong candidates for a top-four finish, but a title push would likely require substantial summer signings and another highly unusual Premier League season.
5. Chelsea
Chelsea have shown glimpses of potential with their youth-focused squad and ambitious approach. However, consistency has been elusive over recent years. While securing a spot in a European competition, particularly the Champions League, would provide a significant boost in attracting top talent, the team still appears to be a few steps away from being a genuine title contender. Their recent form indicates there is still considerable development needed to compete at the very top.
4. Newcastle United
Newcastle United has earned the label of a potential dark horse. Eddie Howe`s transformative impact is comparable to Emery`s work at Villa, though Newcastle seem slightly ahead in their development. Their form since the start of the year has been particularly impressive, marked by notable victories against strong opponents like Arsenal and Liverpool. Adding to their progress, the team ended a significant trophy drought by winning the EFL Cup. Newcastle`s prospects for next season`s title race will largely depend on their success in the summer transfer window, particularly concerning the future of key players like Alexander Isak and the necessary squad upgrades.
3. Liverpool
Liverpool are one of the three main teams expected to challenge for the title next season, alongside Arsenal and Manchester City, but their standing could shift based on summer moves. Despite their recent title success, achieved despite low initial odds, the squad wasn`t significantly refreshed prior to the past season. While their established stars delivered, the club faces the task of planning for the future without long-serving key figures like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. The potential departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid would add another layer of complexity. Their ability to repeat as champions will hinge heavily on effective recruitment and integration of new players.
2. Arsenal
Arsenal under Mikel Arteta appear set for a third consecutive second-place finish in the league. While reaching the Champions League semifinal was a positive achievement, their Premier League campaign highlighted a clear need for a prolific goalscorer to seriously challenge for the title. There is an argument that if their rivals fail to strengthen effectively, Arsenal might still have the capability to compete in a season of imperfections. However, the most reliable path to winning the league likely involves securing the top-tier forward they seemingly lack, otherwise, pressure on Arteta could intensify.
1. Manchester City
Regardless of the unpredictable nature of recent seasons, Manchester City remains the team to watch and the likely favorite. Despite their uncharacteristically early exit from the title race in the recent campaign, expectations will be sky-high once again at the Etihad Stadium. The club faces tasks related to squad evolution, potentially needing to find replacements for influential players like Kevin de Bruyne and managing the return of Rodri from injury (though timing relative to next season might vary). Nevertheless, with Pep Guardiola continuing as manager and Erling Haaland poised to reaffirm his status as one of the world`s best strikers, it is difficult to see past City as the team to beat for the Premier League crown.
