Sunderland, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace all have Europa League football to contend with in 2026/27, but will it affect their Premier League form?
The 2026/27 campaign gets underway on Friday night, as champions Arsenal make the trip to newly promoted Coventry.
Below, fans of Sunderland, Bournemouth and Palace have previewed the upcoming season. Whose predictions do you agree with?
Sunderland
Last season: 7th
TIA predicted finish: 15th
Best XI: Roef; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki, Rigg, Talbi, Le Fee; Brobbey
THE VIEW FROM SUNDERLAND
Graham Falk (@WTFSunlunPod)
Where will Sunderland finish? At the time of writing, we’ve only signed one player so I’m reluctant to make a judgement.
With the current squad we have, there’s more than enough to get top 12, but it all depends on how much the squad is stretched with the Europa League.
But if I’ve got a gun to my head, I’ll say 10th and knockout stages of the Europa League. I’d be happy with that too.
Where will Liverpool finish?
Higher than last season, surely?
Your performance against us at Anfield surprised me – how poor you were – but then the game at the Stadium of Light, I thought you were excellent.
Suppose it doesn’t matter, though, as you’ve got Iraola now.
Do I think you’re a better side than Arsenal or City at present? No, but I’d back you to beat the other contenders around you over a season.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz (R) during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz (R) during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
I’ll say third, but a top-two finish wouldn’t shock me if the likes of Wirtz click properly.
Who will win the title?
I say it every year, but Man City. They have the best striker in the league and that gives them an advantage. They weren’t firing on all cylinders at points last season, and still nearly caught Arsenal.
Favourite and least favourite Liverpool player: Hugo Ekitike, because he wound that lot up no end last season (Newcastle) and was the first of 300 players to reject them. Then he scored against them, so that was good.
I like big Virgil, too. Enjoyed him putting Paredes into touch at the 2022 World Cup so have always respected him.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk during the pre-match warm-up before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk during the pre-match warm-up before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It would have been Robbo. Chatted to him a few times as part of my day job and he’s absolutely cracking. Top bloke.
Least favourite? Alexis Mac Allister. Crap hair transplant.
One player you wish Sunderland would sign, realistically: From Liverpool? Harvey Elliott.
In general? Amad Diallo. I love him so much, and he deserves better than a bit-part role at Man United.
How’s your optimism for the season ahead?
I’m sort of alright. I’m a bit panicked that we’ve only signed one player, but at the same time I trust the recruitment team.
I have supported Sunderland for 40 years and never seen us in Europe. I’m absolutely buzzing and the smile hasn’t come off my face since.
I know you’ll be used to it, but I’ve never experienced it. Think we deserve some fun after the last decade, too. We’re going to enjoy it, come what may.
Advice for visiting fans: Drink in Sunderland. It’s had a really great makeover in the city centre and I’m proud as punch of it.
There’s a great place called The Sheepfolds right near the ground. You’ll get looked after by us, no animosity.
Everyone loves Scousers so come and enjoy yourself in the town. I promise you won’t regret it. Salt of the earth us lot, just like you.
Bournemouth
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, February 10, 2026: Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha applauds the travelling supporters after the FA Premier League match between Everton FC and Bournemouth AFC at Bramley-Moore Dock. The game ended 1-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, February 10, 2026: Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha applauds the travelling supporters after the FA Premier League match between Everton FC and Bournemouth AFC at Bramley-Moore Dock. The game ended 1-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Last season: 6th
TIA predicted finish: 14th
Best XI: Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Silva, Truffert; Scott, Adams, Rayan, Kroupi, Tavernier; Evanilson
THE VIEW FROM BOURNEMOUTH
Tom Jordan (@afcbpodcast)
Where will Bournemouth finish? With it being our first-ever season managing European football, I certainly don’t expect a record high again.
I still think we’ll have enough to be fine though; I’ll go 11th.
Where will Liverpool finish? It may take some time adjusting to the new, intense way of playing, but Andoni is special. Third and a domestic trophy.
Who will win the title? Now Arsenal have that burden off their back and with plenty of other sides changing coaches, I’ll go with them to win it again.
Favourite and least favourite Liverpool player: Favourite simply has to be Milos Kerkez. Only spent a short time here, but he was simply such fun to watch!
NEW YORK, USA - Wednesday, July 29, 2026: Liverpool's Milos Kerkez during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Wrexham AFC at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
NEW YORK, USA - Wednesday, July 29, 2026: Liverpool's Milos Kerkez during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Wrexham AFC at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Least favourite, I’ll go with Alexis Mac Allister. He’s just a bit annoying.
One player you wish Bournemouth would sign, realistically: I think we’re well set, so I’ll chuck a Liverpool angle on it and say Harvey Elliott.
I think he can plug plenty of gaps and provide good energy for a more gruelling schedule. A loan (where he actually plays) could be beneficial for all parties, too.
How’s your optimism for the season ahead? I’d say quietly optimistic.
I would be more than happy with a mid-to-low table finish and decent stint in Europa, and I believe we can achieve just that.
Advice for visiting fans: You haven’t got many seats, but the expansion is nearing! Get yourself down with plenty of time and go check out the beach.
Crystal Palace
Last season: 15th
TIA predicted finish: 17th
Best XI: Henderson, Munoz, Canvot, Richards, Riad, Mitchell, Kamada, Wharton, Sarr, Pino, Mateta
THE VIEW FROM PALACE
Robbie Scotcher (@RobbieScotcher)
Where will Palace finish? 15th
Where will Liverpool finish? A very close second. I think Iraola will be a big success and Liverpool could dominate for years.
Who will win the title? It pains me to say it, but Arsenal
Favourite and least favourite Liverpool player: Favourite is Freddie Woodman, mainly because his dad was a goalkeeper for Palace and he was born in Croydon.
There isn’t anyone I particularly dislike for Liverpool – there has been in the past. But I’ll go for recency bias and say Mac Allister.
England’s Adam Wharton during a press conference (Adam Davy/PA)
England’s Adam Wharton during a press conference (Adam Davy/PA)
One player you wish your team would sign, realistically: I’ll keep it Liverpool-based and say Harvey Elliot.
He seems to have lost his way a little and has something to prove, which usually works out as a good signing for us.
How’s your optimism for the season ahead? A bit of trepidation; I’m not sure how Pierre Sage will do and at this point we’ve sold our captain and not brought anyone in.
That said, we’re in the Europa League, which will be a good adventure for us I think it will be another tight season across the league with lots of new managers and changes.
We have a lot to do in the transfer market.
Advice for visiting fans: Check the trains – it will definitely take longer than you think – and try Tasty Jerk opposite the club shop.