The Premier League is back this weekend as the most watched domestic league in world football returns.
Arsenal ended 22 years of hurt to win the title last season, but can the Gunners defend their crown? Competition will be fierce, in what is set to be another fascinating campaign in English football.
Ahead of the season’s kick-off, we’ve looked at the bookmakers’ favourites for title success.
Manchester United – 12/1
Manchester United‘s resurgence under Michael Carrick led to the interim boss getting the full-time gig, and the pressure is now on to prove his success was no flash in the pan. Carrick won 70% of his 17 games across all competitions, but must now cope with the added demands of European football after Champions League qualification.
Youri Tielemans looks a shrewd signing, while Andrey Santos arrives from Chelsea with a point to prove. United have not won a league title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s exit in 2013 and now look to a former Ferguson favourite to guide them back to the top.
Chelsea – 9/1
The winds of change have swept in at Chelsea this summer, with Xabi Alonso appointed as head coach following the disastrous tenure of Liam Rosenior.
The Spaniard arrives aiming to rebuild his reputation after a short-lived stint at Real Madrid, having been one of Europe’s most coveted coaches at Bayer Leverkusen. Alonso led Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title, unbeaten, in 2023/24 and has title-winning knowhow.
Having added £117m man Morgan Rogers to an already talented, if under-achieving, squad, Alonso will have high hopes.
Liverpool – 6/1
Liverpool are also under new management after Andoni Iraola was named as Arne Slot’s successor. The latter was dismissed after a fifth-place finish last season, 12 months on from title success.
Liverpool started last season as clear favourites after a massive summer spend, and will need those signings to thrive to contend in 2026/27. Reservations remain over their balance and depth, but there’s certainly enough talent to challenge.
Manchester City – 15/4
Manchester City begin a Premier League campaign without Pep Guardiola for the first time since 2016. A golden decade came to an end this summer, with Enzo Maresca anointed as the Spaniards’ successor.
Maresca has won silverware at Leicester and Chelsea, but City represents a massive step up. A Community Shield calamity against Arsenal will need to be forgotten about – and quickly.
Arsenal – 6/4
Arsenal begin the Premier League season as favourites after last year’s title success. The Gunners are, arguably, the best defensive side in Europe and have added class in central midfield by signing Bruno Guimaraes. Christos Tzolis also caught the eye in the Community Shield, and could add an x-factor in the final third. Arsenal have not won successive titles for 91 years. Can the North Londoners end that streak?
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