It is that time of year when dreaming is free, and where the impossible may just become possible.
Can Michael Carrick win the Premier League?
More Videos
Every supporter begins to imagine what could be. New signings promise fresh hope, and academy players are tipped for breakout campaigns.
For clubs across the division, this is a summer of opportunity. Some are searching for the final pieces to challenge for silverware, others are rebuilding after difficult seasons, while a select few simply hope to survive.
The league this year looks set to be an open race – the champions have injuries, while the traditional ‘big six’ all have new managers. For Manchester City, they are tasked with replacing the irreplaceable.
With that in mind, here are our Premier League predictions for how the 2026/27 season will finish – from 20th place all the way to the champions.
At the foot of the table comes newly promoted Hull City. Their return to the Premier League is a huge achievement, but the step up in quality could prove too much.
Their most established signing is between the sticks in the form of Jack Butland, while Matt Targett provides valuable Premier League experience. But those additions are unlikely to have enough of an impact to keep Hull in the division, and they could find themselves struggling from the opening weeks.
Coventry City are next on the list and, after 25 years away, they are back in the big time. Credit has to go to the club for their journey back to the top flight, and they have built a competitive squad capable of making life difficult for opponents.
Frank Lampard has brought belief back to the club, and his presence on the touchline – never one to hide away or shrink from the challenge – could prove vital.
The CBS Arena will be a difficult place for teams to visit, but the jump in quality to the Premier League is unforgiving, and survival still feels like a step too far.
The Magpies prepare to hijack Manchester United’s midfield pursuit of Felix Nmecha as Bruno Guimaraes nears an exit, potentially snatching a key target from Michael Carrick’s busy summer recruitment drive.roundtable.ioNewcastle United Eye Felix Nmecha As Bruno Guimareas Replacement
The Magpies prepare to hijack Manchester United’s midfield pursuit of Felix Nmecha as Bruno Guimaraes nears an exit, potentially snatching a key target from Michael Carrick’s busy summer recruitment drive.
Here comes the first surprise. The Eagles have soared in recent years, but this could be the season where they suffer a harsh reality check. Crystal Palace have become one of the Premier League’s best-run clubs, but the loss of key figures could finally catch up with them.
Oliver Glasner’s departure leaves a huge void in the dugout, while Maxence Lacroix has also moved on. Palace have already had to replace Eberechi Eze following his departure last summer, and with Óscar Mingueza their only senior addition so far, the squad looks weaker.
European football will also add further pressure after their league form dipped during the middle part of last season before recovering towards the end.
Ipswich Town are predicted to narrowly avoid relegation. They have recruited smartly, and Gary O’Neil feels like the right manager to continue the Kieran McKenna fairytale at Portman Road.
O’Neil has experience of fighting relegation battles from his time at Bournemouth, while additions such as Abdul Fatawu and Daizen Maeda show ambition. Ipswich appear to have learned from Fulham’s previous mistakes after promotion, avoiding simply throwing money at survival and instead building with a clearer strategy.
16th - Newcastle United
Newcastle United are the next surprise inclusion. Although the managerial situation has been resolved, there are still concerns about the direction of the club and whether the squad has been strengthened enough.
The potential loss of important players such as Bruno Guimarães, who has been linked with Arsenal, and uncertainty around Lewis Hall’s future create doubts. They have also missed out on genuine transfer targets, including players such as Johan Manzambi, and that lack of recruitment could leave them vulnerable.
15th - Sunderland
Next up, just above their rivals, is Sunderland. While they exceeded expectations last season, the second season in the Premier League is often the more difficult one. The first campaign can feel like a free hit, but the following year is about proving that the club belongs at this level and establishing themselves.
Sunderland also have the added challenge of European football, which will make the schedule more demanding.
They have recruited well and shown they can compete, but balancing those extra fixtures with the demands of the Premier League will test them. A 15th-place finish would still represent a successful season and another step forward.
With Joshua Zirkzee’s future uncertain, Michael Carrick must find a clinical backup. From Eredivisie stars to explosive free agents, these three bargain targets could solve United’s goal-scoring crisis.roundtable.ioSurprise Options Manchester United Could Target At Striker
With Joshua Zirkzee’s future uncertain, Michael Carrick must find a clinical backup. From Eredivisie stars to explosive free agents, these three bargain targets could solve United’s goal-scoring crisis.
Everton are predicted to regress rather than kick on. David Moyes remains a steady pair of hands in the dugout. He gets results, and his philosophy is tried and tested, but there are still question marks and speculation surrounding him from some sections of the fanbase.
It could become a case of being careful what you wish for. Everton have also not recruited as strongly as some of their rivals, with Merlin Röhl making his move permanent, Hayden Hackney arriving as arguably their marquee signing, and Tyrique George also joining permanently. Christian Nørgaard’s expected arrival could bring leadership and experience, but overall this feels like it could be an underwhelming season.
Fulham are another side who could finish lower, but 13th feels like a realistic prediction. The biggest uncertainty comes from the managerial position, with Marco Silva departing and Álvaro Arbeloa taking charge. Arbeloa could bring an exciting Spanish style of football to Craven Cottage, but there are doubts over whether he will adapt quickly enough.
Fulham have punched above their weight in recent seasons, but losing players such as Raúl Jiménez and Harry Wilson creates another challenge. Recruitment has been acceptable, but more is still needed, and the transition to a new manager could mean this has the makings of a difficult season for Fulham.
12th - Bournemouth
Bournemouth are another club entering the season with a new manager, following the departure of Andoni Iraola to Liverpool. Losing Iraola is a huge blow because he was the jewel in the crown of the club, bringing a clear identity and style that helped them exceed expectations.
But Bournemouth remain one of the best-run clubs in the Premier League. Their recruitment model, structure and decision-making have consistently allowed them to compete above expectations, and that should help them through the transition. European football will present another challenge, but the way the club operates should get them over the line.
11th - Leeds United
Leeds are a club on an upward trajectory after returning to the Premier League and surviving last season. This season is about building on that progress and proving they can establish themselves back in the top flight.
They have recruited well, specifically with additions such as Harry Wilson, and they should be able to ride the momentum from last season. A comfortable mid-table finish would represent another successful step in Leeds’ development.
10th - Brentford
Brentford continue to be one of the most impressive operators in the Premier League. Many expected them to struggle last season, but they proved their critics wrong and secured another campaign in the top flight.
Keith Andrews has shown that he is an excellent manager and the right fit for the club. Mamadou Sangaré could be one of the signings of the window, and his arrival demonstrates Brentford’s ambition. The next step is progression, and a top-half finish would represent another strong season.
Fenerbahçe targets Marcus Rashford in a potential blockbuster move, testing Manchester United’s resolve as the Red Devils balance squad depth against the need to raise essential funds.roundtable.ioTurkish Giant Prepared To "Break the Bank" For Man Utd's Marcus Rashford
Fenerbahçe targets Marcus Rashford in a potential blockbuster move, testing Manchester United’s resolve as the Red Devils balance squad depth against the need to raise essential funds.
Brighton are a side that seem to find themselves in a familiar position every year, somewhere between seventh and 12th. This prediction sees them dip slightly, but there should be no panic around the club because their recruitment model and long-term planning remain among the best in the division.
The challenge this season will be balancing Premier League football with European commitments. Brighton have Conference League football, and they could even go all the way and win the competition. Replacing Danny Welbeck’s goals after his move to Chelsea will not be easy, but Brighton’s ability to identify talent and develop players should allow them to remain comfortable.
8th - Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest are one of the most difficult teams to predict, but eighth feels like they are where they are supposed to be. They have not had a consistent upward trajectory, with an excellent season two years ago followed by a turbulent campaign last year.
A lot depends on the relationship between Oliver Glasner and the ownership. The owner is known for being impulsive, while Glasner can be a fiery figure himself.
Forest are still short of quality additions and have not fully invested the Elliott Anderson money yet. They have brought in Xaver Schlager, though, who has worked under Glasner at Wolfsburg. He has the physical profile to be a smart signing.
There are also potential murmurs of a move for Lucas Bergvall. The early indications are good, but if things do not align early, it could become another Greek tragedy at the City Ground.
7th - Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham are the first side in the European places, but this prediction comes with little conviction.
They narrowly avoided relegation last season and have underperformed for the past two campaigns, so expecting an immediate return to the top four feels unrealistic. Even so, the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi could prove transformative. He is one of the elite coaches in European football, and his tactical approach and ability to improve players could completely change the direction of the club.
Tottenham have also recruited exceptionally well this summer, showing a level of ambition that has been missing in recent years. If those signings settle quickly, they should improve significantly on last season. There is still plenty of work to do before they can challenge the league’s elite again, but seventh would represent a successful first season under De Zerbi and provide a platform to build on.
6th - Chelsea
Chelsea are predicted to finish sixth after another summer of evolution. There is quality throughout the squad, but there are still enough inconsistencies to suggest they are a level below the clubs expected to challenge for the title. There are clear signs that the squad is becoming more balanced.
The additions of Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck could prove invaluable, not because of what they offer on the pitch, as game time will be limited, but because of the leadership and experience they bring to a relatively young dressing room.
Chelsea should be competitive throughout the season, but sixth feels like a fair reflection of where they currently stand.
5th - Aston Villa
Aston Villa complete the European places, and this prediction is based largely on one man: Unai Emery. Villa have lost important players such as Morgan Rogers and Youri Tielemans, but Emery has repeatedly shown that he can build competitive teams regardless of the personnel available to him.
Time and again, players have slotted seamlessly into his system, and there is little reason to believe this season will be any different. Johan Manzambi could be one to watch if he settles quickly, but Villa’s biggest strength remains the manager. Emery’s organisation, tactical flexibility and consistency should once again deliver another impressive campaign.
As midfield reinforcements arrive at Old Trafford, Michael Carrick’s tactical shift reveals a homegrown solution. Discover how the youngster is evolving into the elite deep-lying playmaker United crave.roundtable.ioMan Utd Already Have Their No.6 – His Name Is Kobbie Mainoo
As midfield reinforcements arrive at Old Trafford, Michael Carrick’s tactical shift reveals a homegrown solution. Discover how the youngster is evolving into the elite deep-lying playmaker United crave.
Liverpool are entering another period of change, and with change comes uncertainty. Andoni Iraola appears a better stylistic fit than Arne Slot, bringing an aggressive, high-intensity approach, which is closer to what supporters became accustomed to under Jürgen Klopp.
But there are enough reservations surrounding the squad to suggest Liverpool may fall short of the top three.
The departures and injuries could prove costly over the course of a long campaign. Mohamed Salah has moved on, Hugo Ekitike is expected to miss the opening months of the season through injury, and Liverpool’s squad lacks the depth of some of their direct rivals. Another injury to a key player such as Virgil van Dijk or Alexander Isak could expose those weaknesses, making fourth a realistic prediction.
3rd - Manchester United
Manchester United are predicted to finish third, and there is genuine optimism surrounding Old Trafford.
Since Michael Carrick took charge in January, United have accumulated more league points than any other side. While those statistics do not carry over into a new season, they demonstrate the progress that has been made in a relatively short space of time.
Pre-season has provided further encouragement, with players such as Andrey Santos impressing. Mason Mount could also become a key player if he remains fit.
United still need further additions, with Lewis Hall, Aurélien Tchouaméni and another striker all capable of making the move to Old Trafford, while the return of Champions League football will test their depth after a season with only one match each week.
If they cope with those demands, they could mount a genuine title challenge.
2nd - Manchester City
Manchester City are the most difficult side to predict. Enzo Maresca has the enormous task of replacing Pep Guardiola, and history shows that succeeding an iconic manager is rarely straightforward. Manchester United struggled after Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, although Liverpool demonstrated that smooth transitions are possible when Arne Slot succeeded Jürgen Klopp.
Much of City’s squad remains from Guardiola’s era, and that continuity should help Maresca through his first season. City have enough quality to compete near the top of the table, but there could be enough inconsistency during the transition to leave them just short of reclaiming their title after a couple of seasons away from Manchester.
1st - Arsenal
Arsenal are backed to retain the Premier League title. Winning the league for the first time under Mikel Arteta removed the biggest psychological barrier facing this group, and there is every chance that success becomes the start of a sustained period at the top rather than a one-off achievement.
The Gunners have built one of the strongest squads in Europe, and they continue to strengthen from a position of success rather than necessity. A potential move for Vinícius Júnior would be one of the biggest statements any Premier League club could make and would send a clear message to the rest of the division. Arsenal already know what it takes to become champions, and that experience could prove decisive as they look to make it back-to-back league titles.