Premier League enters a new season
The 2026-27 Premier League season kicks off tonight with defending champions Arsenal hosting Coventry City. Amidst a wave of change with nine clubs appointing new managers,
Arsenal are favorites to retain their title, leading projections with a 42.9% probability. Mikel Arteta becomes the league’s longest-serving manager as the Gunners look to build on their first title in over two decades.
Hull City and Ipswich rank 20th and 19th
Hull City ranks 20th after defying underlying numbers with 53.1 expected points despite a 73-point actual total and promotion via the Championship playoffs.
Ipswich Town holds the 19th spot following automatic promotion, with Gary O’Neil replacing Kieran McKenna and strengthening the squad before the August 22 opener against Sunderland.
Coventry City and Fulham rank next
Coventry City rank 18th after winning the Championship and ending a 25-year Premier League absence. Frank Lampard remains in charge, while midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi joined for a club-record fee before the top-flight return.
Fulham rank 17th after Marco Silva left following five seasons at Craven Cottage. Alvaro Arbeloa became head coach in July, while Harry Wilson and Raul Jimenez departed following the previous campaign.
Newcastle and Brighton rank 16th and 15th
Newcastle United enters the season under new manager Matthias Jaissle, who takes over from Eddie Howe following a summer of massive player departures. The former Red Bull Salzburg and Al-Ahli coach faces a rebuilding job on Tyneside after the club parted ways with several established stars.
Brighton begins their campaign balancing domestic demands with the UEFA Conference League after finishing eighth last season. Manager Fabian Hürzeler must navigate European football while integrating teenage Croatian defender Luka Vušković, who arrived in a club-record £46 million transfer.
Everton and Palace enter the season outside the title contenders
Everton begins the 2026-27 season under David Moyes after his return helped provide greater stability. The club continues to focus on improving its attacking output.
Crystal Palace enters the campaign after a managerial change, with Pierre Sage taking charge following Oliver Glasner’s departure. The club faces the challenge of adapting to another demanding schedule.
Sunderland and Forest land in midtable
Sunderland ranks 12th after an impressive return to the Premier League, finishing seventh last season and securing European football. Régis Le Bris’ side enters the campaign looking to prove last year’s success was not a one-off, although underlying attacking numbers remain a concern.
Nottingham Forest rank 11th after a turbulent season that saw multiple managerial changes. Oliver Glasner takes charge after replacing Vítor Pereira, bringing tactical stability and a new approach as Forest aim to turn a chaotic period into a more consistent campaign.
Brentford and Leeds reach the top 10
Brentford rank 10th in preseason projections after adapting well under Keith Andrews following Thomas Frank’s departure. The Bees continue to rely on smart recruitment and squad development as they prepare for another Premier League campaign.
Leeds United rank ninth in preseason projections after a strong turnaround under Daniel Farke. The club enters the new season with renewed confidence after strengthening its squad and aiming to establish itself back in the Premier League.
Tottenham and Bournemouth move higher
Tottenham ranks eighth in preseason projections after a difficult previous campaign. Roberto De Zerbi begins a new era at the club, with Spurs rebuilding their squad and searching for greater consistency after recent struggles.
Bournemouth ranks seventh in preseason projections after an impressive rise in recent seasons. The club enters a new campaign with European ambitions while continuing to build on the progress achieved under recent managers.
Aston Villa and Liverpool rank among the leading contenders
Aston Villa rank sixth in preseason projections after another strong campaign under Unai Emery. The club enters the season facing the challenge of balancing domestic competition with European commitments.
Liverpool rank fifth in preseason projections after entering a new era under Andoni Iraola. The club continues reshaping its squad while adapting to major changes following Arne Slot’s departure.
Manchester United and Chelsea enter top four
Manchester United rank fourth in preseason projections after finishing third last season under Michael Carrick, who continued as the club’s permanent manager. United enter the campaign looking to build on their late-season improvement and challenge the leading clubs again.
Chelsea rank third in preseason projections after a difficult previous campaign and the appointment of Xabi Alonso. The club enters the season without European competition, giving Alonso more preparation time as he looks to guide Chelsea back toward the Champions League places.
Fun fact: All 7 previous defending champions who opened at home against a promoted Premier League club won, which gives Arsenal a strangely perfect historical setup against Coventry.
Manchester City rank second under Maresca
Manchester City rank second in preseason projections as Enzo Maresca begins the difficult task of replacing Pep Guardiola after 10 seasons. City enter a new era after Guardiola’s departure while aiming to remain among the Premier League’s leading contenders.
City finished second last season and strengthened their squad with England midfielder Elliot Anderson in a reported £116 million deal. Maresca inherits a squad built around possession-based football but faces the challenge of maintaining the standards established during Guardiola’s tenure.
Arsenal rank first as defending champions
Arsenal ranks first in preseason projections after winning the 2025-26 Premier League title and begins the campaign as the team to beat. The club enters the season with strong defensive foundations and continuity under Mikel Arteta, the Premier League’s longest-serving current manager.
Bruno Guimarães joined Arsenal from Newcastle United as the champions strengthened their midfield ahead of the title defense.
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Premier League opener sets early tests
The Premier League opening weekend begins with Arsenal hosting Coventry City on August 21. Hull City face Manchester United, Ipswich Town host Sunderland, and Manchester City begin their campaign against Bournemouth.
Preseason projections place Arsenal among the leading title contenders, with Manchester City, Chelsea, and Manchester United also expected to challenge for a top-four finish. Promoted clubs Hull City, Ipswich Town, and Coventry City face the challenge of adapting to Premier League football.
Gianni Infantino’s leadership is facing growing resistance as national football associations take opposing positions. Curious which countries are backing FIFA’s president and which are pushing back? Dive into how the divide is taking shape.
Arsenal enter as champions, while Manchester City, Chelsea, and Manchester United lead a changing group of challengers. Which club would you rank higher or lower before kickoff? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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