The world of football is already gearing up towards the 2025-26 season, with Premier League clubs ramping up transfer business before their return to pre-season training in the coming weeks. As a result, the excitement of supporters is gradually building, with the anticipation of yet another entertaining top-flight campaign.
10 Everton
Position last season: 13th
What AI said: “Steady under David Moyes, they’re expected to remain mid-table, safe but unspectacular, at their new stadium.”
Everton waved goodbye to Goodison Park from the comfort of mid-table at the end of last season. David Moyes took the Toffees from relegation danger under Sean Dyche to finishing above the likes of West Ham, Man Utd and Spurs. Another solid campaign is expected at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
9 Crystal Palace
Position last season: 12th
What AI said: “FA Cup winners in 2024/25, but European fixture congestion may see them finish mid-table again.”
Crystal Palace’s position is perhaps the most difficult to predict as things stand. The Eagles are still waiting to find out if they’ll be granted qualification to the Europa League despite multi-ownership issues. There are also the uncertain futures of Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta to contend with. Despite all that, Palace have been predicted to finish in the top half.
8 Nottingham Forest
Position last season: 7th
What AI said: “Their Conference League participation and solid 2024/25 form (seventh in late standings) suggest a stable mid-table finish.”
Nottingham Forest fans will be dreaming of maintaining their status as a top-half club after decades in the wilderness. Nuno Espirito Santo guided the Tricky Trees to Europa Conference League football despite dreams of Champions League participation after incredible early-season form. An 8th-place finish would still be an incredible achievement while juggling continental football.
7 Brentford
Position last season: 10th
What AI said: “A surprise package, with supercomputer projections suggesting a club-record seventh place, potentially earning a Europa Conference League spot, despite losing Thomas Frank.”
Thomas Frank’s departure to Tottenham and Bryan Mbeumo’s seemingly inevitable exit have left many expecting a significant drop-off from the Bees. Yoane Wissa will need to keep up his sensational goalscoring form, which saw him net 19 times in the league last season, and the club will need to recruit expertly to make this finish happen.
6 Aston Villa
Position last season: 6th
What AI said: “Unai Emery’s team is expected to secure a Europa League spot again, leveraging their European experience, though they may slip slightly from their 2024/25 highs.”
If there’s one word that perfectly describes Aston Villa’s genius tactician Unai Emery, it’s consistency. The former Arsenal and Sevilla boss doesn’t allow his standards to slip, and he’ll now view his team as a European side, having qualified for the Champions League in 2023-24 and the Europa League last time out. From 6th place to, well, 6th place. The Villans’ projected position would see them continue in continental football for a third successive year.
5 Chelsea
Position last season: 4th
What AI said: “Enzo Maresca’s side is predicted to just miss the top four, despite a talented squad. Inconsistency and European commitments may hinder them.”
Chelsea are set to compete in the Champions League once again after a solid debut season under Enzo Maresca. Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Liam Delap are expected to play big parts in another strong campaign, although it remains to be seen if a fifth-place finish will grant entry into Europe’s elite competition.
4 Newcastle United
Position last season: 5th
What AI said: “Eddie Howe’s project continues to gain traction, with a League Cup win in 2024/25 and Champions League qualification. Their lack of early European congestion helps.”
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United made a late charge to qualify for the Champions League after lifting the League Cup last term. The Magpies have the financial power and talent within their squad to maintain their place among the top teams in the Premier League.
3 Manchester City
Position last season: 3rd
What AI said: “Despite a trophyless 2024/25, Pep Guardiola’s squad remains formidable. A bounce-back is expected, though the Club World Cup could strain their early season.”
Pep Guardiola has rarely failed to win a league title in any season he’s been a manager, never mind back-to-back campaigns. Manchester City, however, are predicted to repeat their third-place finish. A bronze medal won’t be any comfort to the Catalan-born manager and his world-class array of players.
2 Arsenal
Position last season: 2nd
What AI said: “After three consecutive second-place finishes, Mikel Arteta’s side are poised for another strong campaign. Their tough opening fixtures (e.g., Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City) may test them early, but consistency should see them near the top.”
Arsenal fans may be starting to slowly despise the sight of their club sitting second in the table after finishing as runners-up in three consecutive Premier League seasons. Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen his squad with Spanish maestro Martin Zubimendi already snapped up. The Gunners will be expecting a serious title challenge after falling short last term.
1 Liverpool
Position last season: 1st
What AI said: “Defending champions with a strong squad bolstered by signings like Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz. Arne Slot’s system is settled, and their depth should handle European commitments. Supercomputer models favour them to repeat.”
