Connellys Daring 2026

In reality, confirmation bias can lead us astray. We tend to seek out information that aligns with our existing beliefs, shaping a potentially flawed perspective.

While this can be detrimental in life, in the world of soccer, confirmation bias can be quite entertaining.

As we embark on a new season, we bring with us various assumptions and suspicions, often jumping to bold conclusions at the slightest hint of validation. Sometimes, those bold calls turn out to be spot on!

Every year I compile a list of audacious predictions, often heavily based on these quick conclusions, a few weeks into the soccer campaign. Looking at last year’s predictions, I found that many of them actually came true. For instance, Arsenal did clinch the Premier League, while both Manchester City and Liverpool struggled. Additionally, Bayer Leverkusen missed the Bundesliga‘s top four, Como qualified for European competition for the first time, and both Wolves and West Ham suffered relegation from the Premier League. Perhaps the most astonishing call was predicting that Rangers would finish outside of Scotland‘s top two.

Of course, not all predictions hold water—Eintracht Frankfurt faltered rather than flourished, and Villarreal‘s Nicolas Pépé didn’t quite have his best season (though it was his most successful of the 2020s). Still, achieving a “50% success rate” on predictions is commendable for such bold forecasts.

It’s time to make another set of predictions. Based on a limited number of matches—three in LaLiga, one in the Bundesliga, and two across most other leagues—let’s see if confirmation bias works in our favor once more!

Michael Olise will claim the 2027 Ballon d’Or

While it’s likely that Harry Kane will take home the 2026 Ballon d’Or, surprises can happen. Kane balanced a stellar club season with impressive performances in this summer’s World Cup. Others, like Lamine Yamal, had quieter showings in the World Cup despite winning the tournament.

However, at this point, the race for next year’s award is already shaping up. This is going to be the year for Michael Olise. Last season, he delivered exceptional stats: 25 goals and 28 assists across all competitions, including his contributions to the FIFA Club World Cup, alongside seven assists in eight World Cup matches. Following a brief post-World Cup break, he has not slowed down during the 2026-27 season.

In a recent 2-1 Supercup win for Bayern Munich against Borussia Dortmund, he assisted a goal and remarkably scored the winner with a stunning flick shot.

Eiskalter Abschluss. Eiskalter Spieler. 🥶😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/GY6LTR8I3R

— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) August 24, 2026

Then, in Bayern’s Bundesliga opener, they secured a 5-1 victory against VfB Stuttgart, where Olise’s crucial goal sparked a dramatic end to a closely contested match.

With his exceptional performance in passing, chance creation, and dueling, Olise ranks among the world’s top players. He has a legitimate case for this year’s Ballon d’Or, but as the season progresses, his recognition will become increasingly impossible to overlook.

Brentford will qualify for the Champions League

The recent closing of the transfer window marked one of the wildest spending sprees in Premier League history.

Eight teams spent over €220 million in transfer fees (Ipswich included!), while six more exceeded €124 million. Many clubs appeared to be bidding against themselves, inflating prices unnaturally: For instance, Manchester City acquired Chelsea‘s Enzo Fernández and Nottingham Forest‘s Elliot Anderson for a combined €280 million! Additionally, Tottenham Hotspur allocated €295 million for Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, and Manchester City’s underperforming Sávio! Aston Villa‘s Morgan Rogers transferred to Chelsea for €138 million! Brighton’s Carlos Baleba moved to Manchester United for €75.9 million, while even Chelsea’s own Liam Delap found a home at Forest for €52.5 million!

This frenzy is anything but rational! After a whopping collective expenditure of over €4 billion—yes, that’s billion!—it feels like only five teams have genuinely improved. Yet, amidst this chaos, clubs with a cohesive plan and identity are poised to succeed.

Brentford, Bournemouth, and Brighton were positioned sixth, eighth, and ninth, respectively, in last year’s Premier League standings. Despite Bournemouth losing a strong manager (Andoni Iraola) and Brighton parting ways with key players to Manchester United (Baleba) and Tottenham (Jan Paul van Hecke), Brentford managed to retain most of their squad intact, suffering only the loss of veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson to Chelsea. They also made an exciting addition in midfielder Mamadou Sangare of Ligue 1’s Lens.

It’s no surprise, then, that while many high-spending teams have stumbled at the start, Brentford has shone brightly. They kicked off the Premier League season with a 3-0 victory over Spurs, followed by a 6-1 thrashing of Birmingham in the EFL Cup’s opening round. Although they settled for a 1-1 draw against Leeds due to a late equalizer from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, that result felt acceptable given Leeds’ strength at home. After two matches, Brentford ranks second in the league for xG differential (+3.5) and third for goal differential (+3).

The upcoming seven league matches include home fixtures against Sunderland and Nottingham Forest, as well as a trip to Hull City. They will also host transitioning squads from Chelsea and Liverpool at Brentford Community Stadium. If the Bees maintain their performance, they could amass an impressive point total and remain in contention for a Champions League spot throughout the season. After posting top-half finishes in three of the last four campaigns, the 2026-27 season could present them with an opportunity for significant advancement.

Inter Milan will compete with AS Roma for the Scudetto

It’s no bold assertion to claim that last year’s Serie A champion, Inter Milan, will again contend for the title this season. After winning last season by 11 points and bolstering their squad with notable signings, they are on track for another strong performance.

However, predicting AS Roma to challenge them is risky. The last time they won the Scudetto was in 2000-01, and they haven’t finished second since 2016-17. Following seven consecutive seasons of placing between fifth and seventh, they hired Gian Piero Gasperini from Atalanta, resulting in a third-place finish last season.

With another offseason to adapt to Gasperini’s tactics and a promising influx of youth, Roma has commenced this season with an impressive performance, boasting 4-0 victories against both Lecce and Fiorentina. The squad includes the young attacking midfielder Rodrigo Mora (19 years), who has already made an impact with a goal and two chances created, along with 18-year-old academy graduate Emanuele Lulli, who has showcased promise since the season began.

Roma is generating chances through well-structured build-ups as well as counterattacks, leading the league in progressive carries. They are also prominent in progressive and line-breaking passes, demonstrating a balanced and effective attacking style.

To dethrone Inter, Roma will need to maintain their form and cohesion, particularly as they enter a crucial phase of the season. Their resurgence at the end of last season combined with their robust start to the 2026-27 campaign places them as legitimate contenders for the Scudetto.

Crystal Palace stumbled after a promising start last season, eventually fizzling out in league play despite winning the Conference League. After losing their coach Oliver Glasner and key players, their future seemed uncertain.

As we prepared our preseason rankings, I anticipated a tough season for Palace, even considering possible relegation. Two matches in, my forecast seems overly generous. Following a strong opening, their subsequent performances saw them conceding multiple goals and struggling to create chances.

Their early-season troubles are concerning, particularly given the added pressure of balancing Europa League commitments. Manager Pierre Sage and fresh faces may find a rhythm, but I fear Palace could be in for a challenging season ahead.

RB Leipzig will achieve a record points total

Historically, RB Leipzig’s success has involved a degree of turnover. After losing standout players last season but maintaining a steady points tally, they now have an opportunity to push for even higher totals.

This summer, they bid farewell to key figures like Josko Gvardiol and Dominik Szoboszlai, yet they managed to secure competitive results, including a resounding 6-0 DFB Pokal win and a 3-0 Bundesliga match victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Six players have already made their mark early this season, demonstrating the squad’s depth and potential. Although they haven’t faced top-tier opponents yet, they are poised to set new club records if they can maintain this level of play against stronger competition.

There’s a good chance for a record-setting performance this season as potential challengers like Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt adjust to their own transitions, while VfB Stuttgart’s shaky start opens a path for Leipzig to capitalize.

Jack Hinshelwood emerged as a notable talent for Brighton, joining their youth academy early on and progressing through the ranks. Despite injury setbacks, he has made a substantial impact in recent matches, leading his team in goals and contributing significantly to overall performance.

However, recent injuries could impede his progress—following an excellent season opener against Aston Villa, he now faces a spell on the sidelines. Should he return to form, he may soon catch the attention of England’s head coach, Thomas Tuchel.

Alavés and Paris FC will compete in Europe next season

After a strong finish in LaLiga in 2000-01, Deportivo Alavés had an unforgettable UEFA Cup run, only to be relegated by 2003. Conversely, Paris FC has never made its mark in European competitions, only beginning its third top-flight season in the last five decades.

Both clubs have had promising starts this season. Under Quique Sánchez Flores, Alavés has established a direct style of play, securing wins against Getafe and Villarreal, alongside an unfortunate draw with Rayo Vallecano, where they exhibited impressive offensive and defensive strategies.

Alavés ranks high in both shot attempts and goals, showing tactical execution. Similarly, Paris FC is unbeaten, with a dominant 3-0 victory over Nice and a solid draw (0-0) against Troyes.

Both teams have struck a chord with fans as they look to secure spots in UEFA competitions next season and elevate their status in European football.

Either Spurs or “Italian Spurs” (Fiorentina) faces relegation

This comparison may provoke strong reactions, but the similarities between Tottenham Hotspur and Fiorentina are striking:

In the historical rankings of Serie A, Fiorentina sits fifth, while Tottenham occupies the same position in the all-time Premier League table. Both clubs have spent minimal time outside their respective top divisions since the 1940s and have not claimed a championship since the 1960s.

Following a disappointing last season, Spurs narrowly avoided relegation, and while they made some strategic signings, their early results have been alarming. Fiorentina also struggled, having just escaped the relegation battle last season after a strong finish.

With no goals scored in their starting matches, both teams now look to turn things around. While Fiorentina may benefit from the collective struggles of other Serie A teams, Spurs will likely leverage their significant talent to find a path to redemption.

However, Fiorentina’s lack of experience and proven leadership could impede their recovery more than Spurs. The pressure is on both teams to start the season strong and avoid an early exit from their leagues.