What an exhilarating season it has been! The 2025-26 Premier League journey featured long-awaited victories (with Arsenal claiming their first title since 2003-04), thrilling escapes (Tottenham’s relegation survival), lackluster performances from some historically dominant clubs (Chelsea and Liverpool), and a remarkable resurgence (with Michael Carrick steering Manchester United back into European competition). We also bid farewell to a football icon as Pep Guardiola concluded his 10-year tenure at Manchester City.
With the celebration confetti settled and awards distributed, it’s time to turn our focus to the upcoming season, which kicks off on August 22, shortly after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Let’s delve into bold predictions for what to anticipate. ESPN writers have consulted their insights to uncover potential storylines for next year.
With the title pressure lifted, Arsenal will entertain fans again
Arsenal’s 2025-26 season justified its approach. Critics often pointed out their focus on pragmatism over flair and a heavy reliance on set-pieces, but after a 22-year title drought, any form of success was welcome. Now that they’ve won the Premier League, expectations will shift. The Gunners will be anticipated to showcase an entertaining style, free from the weight of past failures and buoyed by the honors gracing their sleeves.
– Darke: Premier League’s Best and Most Disappointing XI, 2025-26
– Olley: Inside Arsenal’s winning strategy
– Dawson: The future of Manchester City post-Guardiola
In light of Guardiola’s departure from Manchester City, Arne Slot faces immense pressure at Liverpool, while Michael Carrick needs to bridge a gap with Manchester United. Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso starts afresh at Chelsea. Mikel Arteta is well-positioned to compete with City for dominance in English football. However, to do so, Arsenal must adopt a more dynamic and commanding style rather than relying solely on defensive strength.
Emirates Stadium has seen its fair share of anxiety as fans longed for a title, yet successful teams generally don’t maintain such conservatism indefinitely. They evolve into more dominant forces. This is the challenge that lies ahead for Arsenal. — James Olley
Liverpool is likely to change managers… eventually
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Moreno: Guardiola’s Influence on the Premier League
Alejandro Moreno discusses how Pep Guardiola’s coaching style has affected teams in the Premier League.
It’s safe to say that Arne Slot will feel the heat as he starts next season with Liverpool. After a resounding title win in 2024-25, their title defense was far less impressive, though they clinched a UEFA Champions League spot on the final matchday.
Several factors have contributed to Liverpool’s decline, which is why the club has remained supportive of Slot. He believes that many of the team’s issues can be addressed through shrewd signings. This summer is crucial; securing the right players could position Liverpool as title contenders next season. Yet, it’s uncertain if Slot will remain at the helm by that time.
Although Slot deserves recognition for last season’s efforts, he has lost backing from a significant portion of the fanbase, creating doubt about his future. With fans expressing frustration at Anfield during matches, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for a manager to remain in such a fraught environment.
Should Liverpool have a poor start next term, the atmosphere could quickly turn sour. The club’s leadership will certainly hope to avoid that scenario, especially given the absence of a clear successor on the market. — Beth Lindop
Manchester City aims to reclaim their top Premier League status
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Nicol: Liverpool’s Future Depends on Player Support for Slot
ESPN FC analysts evaluate whether Liverpool can maintain success under Arne Slot and the importance of the squad’s backing.
While many expect a downturn in performance following Guardiola’s exit, he has left behind a formidable squad requiring minimal changes. Bernardo Silva‘s role may need replacing, along with potentially scouting for another right-back. Beyond that, the pieces are in place for a title challenge.
Enzo Maresca will draw attention as he steps into a significant role following Guardiola, where predecessors have often faltered after legendary tenures like Sir Alex Ferguson’s or Arsène Wenger’s. However, Maresca’s familiarity with the Etihad environment, thanks to his previous role as Guardiola’s assistant, alongside his Premier League experience with Chelsea, positions him well for success.
Other clubs might view Guardiola’s departure as an opportunity, but City firmly believes they have laid the groundwork for a successful transition, ensuring that the winning legacy of the Guardiola era continues under Maresca. — Rob Dawson
Chelsea emerges as a title contender as well
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Leboeuf: Chelsea Must ‘Wake Up’ Ahead of Alonso’s Arrival
Frank Leboeuf expresses hope that Xabi Alonso can lead Chelsea to success after a disappointing 10th place finish.
The Premier League title race promises to be tightly contested in the upcoming season. Arsenal may be champions, but it’s unlikely they will dominate as in past years, with City, United, and Liverpool all navigating their transitions. Chelsea finds itself in a similar situation but could emerge as a serious title challenger, thanks to the strategic hiring of Xabi Alonso.
This past season saw Chelsea struggle greatly due to frequent managerial changes, leading to the dismissals of Maresca and Liam Rosenior, along with a number of inconsistent performances from players. Nevertheless, Chelsea possesses a wealth of talented players capable of beating any team on their day. With Alonso at the helm, there’s an opportunity for youthful talent to flourish.
Alonso’s leadership, decisiveness, and tactical acumen are exactly what the team needs after a tumultuous season, and he will likely command respect from players who had doubts about previous leadership. Keep an eye on Chelsea as they could surprise with a serious title challenge. — Mark Ogden
The Premier League will return to its vintage glory
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Dawson: Maresca Would Have a ‘Golden Ticket’ at Manchester City
Rob Dawson discusses Enzo Maresca’s potential to succeed Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Acknowledging Arsenal as the standout team this season and Liverpool’s dominance last year, it’s worth noting that the previous two Premier League campaigns lacked overall quality, even if they were competitive. The league had the fewest points between third and 18th in its history, demonstrating that competitiveness doesn’t always equate to excellence.
With top teams (excluding the champions) underperforming, the overall quality of football left much to be desired, with moments of excitement noticeably scarce. However, the upcoming season is primed to be vastly different.
Arsenal and Arteta will continue to develop and improve; Manchester City with Maresca is positioned for a positive shift, while Xabi Alonso is expected to rejuvenate Chelsea. Furthermore, Roberto De Zerbi is set to enhance Tottenham’s fortunes, and each team’s adjustments anticipates a more competitive landscape. I concur with Beth’s assessment regarding Slot’s future; it’s tough to envision him lasting long, and whoever succeeds him could revitalize Liverpool.
Anticipate interesting developments from Michael Carrick at Old Trafford, where Unai Emery will keep Aston Villa competitive. With improvement predicted for Newcastle, if you appreciate German influences, then Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton and Marco Rose as a reliable replacement for Iraola are worth noting! There’s every reason to believe that David Moyes with Everton, Keith Andrews with Brentford, and Regis Le Bris with Sunderland also build on their strong campaigns as well.
Altogether, we are on the verge of experiencing the vibrant Premier League we have missed, filled with thrilling matches, tactical showdowns, excitement, and enjoyment! — Julien Laurens
Newcastle aims to reclaim its top-five status
Here’s a familiar story: Newcastle participated in European competitions this season, leading to struggles with consistency and energy management. Despite high hopes for the 2025-26 season amidst their Champions League backdrop, they ended up in the bottom half of the table.
This pattern is common for Premier League teams focused on high intensity and energy, and particularly characteristic of Eddie Howe, who has faced similar issues before. Maintaining a high-pressing playing style with midweek fixtures is challenging as fatigue accumulates. Without an alternative style, teams tend to falter.
Back in August, Howe acknowledged these challenges and promised to balance their approach better this season, though his strategies didn’t yield expected results.
Despite the difficult 2025-26 campaign, which hindered their European ambitions, this could bode well for the 2026-27 season. With no European football to juggle, the Magpies will have a lighter schedule, enabling them to play with their trademark aggression and energy. This should set them up for success moving forward. — Sam Tighe
Wrexham is poised to achieve Premier League promotion
Next season promises to be fiercely competitive in the Championship, with Burnley, Wolves, and West Ham all vying for a return to the Premier League, while Southampton looks to rebound after their controversial playoff elimination. A surprise package is always probable, and Birmingham City is expected to utilize their financial advantage this summer.
Wrexham finished just outside the playoff spots this year, but are gearing up for a more incremental evolution this summer rather than a drastic overhaul. They have solid talent within their first team, and minor adjustments could be enough to secure them a spot in the Premier League next season, especially with their new Kop Stand in place.
Other predictions include the continued fallout from “Spygate,” upcoming seasons focusing on injury management post-World Cup, Aston Villa advancing in the Champions League, Arsenal retaining the Premier League title, two of the promoted teams successfully staying up, and a promising new midfield partnership at Manchester United with Kobbie Mainoo and Elliot Anderson propelling them to a second-place finish. — Tom Hamilton