Premier League 2025/26 Guide: Everything You Need to Know About the Teams in England’s Prestigious Championship

Ready for the most talked-about European football championship on the planet? The 2025/26 Premier League starts this Friday, August 16, and promises plenty of excitement, goals, and sports betting opportunities for fans of the world’s most popular sport.

There will be 38 rounds full of big-name signings, traditional teams, and shocking underdog victories against the Big Six — the clubs with the highest profile in England.

And whether you’re a fan or a bettor, you need to be up to date with everything that’s going to happen in the Premier League and with the elite English teams before placing your bets. To help you get to know the tournament and its participants better, Blaze has prepared a special guide to the 2025/26 English Championship. Check it out!

About the 2025/26 Premier League

The English Football Championship began 137 years ago, but underwent a restructuring in 1992: the First Division gave way to the Premier League. More than 51 clubs have participated in the league since then — today, 20 teams compete in a double round-robin format until May 24, 2026. Whoever earns the most points takes home the trophy, with goal difference and goals scored being the main tiebreakers.

One of the biggest changes this season is the introduction of semi-automatic offside technology, which will help speed up VAR checks (and avoid refereeing controversies). Referee bodycams may also be adopted after their success at the FIFA Club World Cup, although this innovation is still under discussion.

This year, Leeds United returns to the top flight after two years away, winning the EFL Championship title in the final minutes with a victory over Plymouth Argyle, forcing Burnley to settle for second place. Sunderland is also back after nine years — having even dropped to the third division — returning after a 2-1 comeback win over Sheffield United in the Playoffs.

The first match of the season will be on Friday, August 15, at 4:00 PM: reigning champions Liverpool will host Bournemouth at Anfield. Other key matches in the opening round include Aston Villa vs. Newcastle at Villa Park on August 16, the classic clash between Arsenal and Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 17, and Leeds United vs. Everton at Elland Road, which will close out the tournament’s first weekend on August 18.

Arsenal

Arsenal even dreamed of a Premier League title but finished second for the third consecutive year — this time, the Gunners were 10 points behind champions Liverpool.

Despite recent strong campaigns and reaching the semifinals of the last UEFA Champions League, offensive efficiency has been the main weakness for Mikel Arteta’s team. Without a league title for two decades, the London club invested over €224.2 million in signings such as striker Viktor Gyökeres to end the drought.

Manager

Mikel Arteta

Last Season

2nd place

Titles

13 (Football League First Division: 1930/31, 1932/33, 1933/34, 1934/35, 1937/38, 1947/48, 1952/53, 1970/71, 1988/89, 1990/91, and 1997/98; Premier League: 2001/02 and 2003/04)

Key Signings

• Martín Zubimendi (Defensive Midfielder)
• Viktor Gyökeres (Striker)
• Noni Madueke (Right Winger)
• Cristhian Mosquera (Centre-Back)
• Kepa Arrizabalaga (Goalkeeper)

Key Departures

• Nuno Tavares (Left-Back)
• Thomas Partey (Defensive Midfielder)
• Kieran Tierney (Left-Back)
• Jorginho (Defensive Midfielder)
• Takehiro Tomiyasu (Right-Back)

Key Players

The Gunners managed to keep their core players for another season, especially standout winger Bukayo Saka, who scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in the 2024/25 season. Midfielder Declan Rice also remains at the club. They also signed Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres for €65.76 million.

Expectations

As one of the country’s biggest clubs, Arsenal will step onto the pitch aiming for the title: the Gunners have everything they need to end their 22-year drought and are considered the second-most likely to win, starting the season with odds of 3.3.

Aston Villa

Since returning to the top flight six years ago, Aston Villa has been regaining its status as a prominent club — especially with the arrival of coach Unai Emery, who led the Villains to the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals last season.

Despite a more low-profile approach in the transfer market, the Birmingham side has everything it takes to establish itself as the main force outside the Big Six. Currently qualified for the Europa League, the Lions are aiming to return to Europe’s top competition.

Manager

Unai Emery

Last Season

6th place

Titles

7 (Football League First Division: 1893/94, 1895/96, 1896/97, 1898/99, 1899/00, 1909/10, and 1980/81)

Key Signings

• Evann Guessand (Striker)
• Yasin Özcan (Centre-Back)
• Marco Bizot (Goalkeeper)

Key Departures

• Kaine Kesler-Hayden (Right-Back)
• Enzo Barrenechea (Defensive Midfielder)
• Robin Olsen (Goalkeeper)

Key Players

Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez has been a mainstay at Aston Villa since 2020. Another veteran is Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans, starting his third season with the club. The team also signed Ivorian striker Evann Guessand from Nice for €30 million.

Outlook

Aston Villa is far from being among the contenders for the 2025/26 Premier League title, with odds of 70.0. The more realistic fight is for a Champions League spot, with odds of 5.0 placing the Villains seventh among the contenders.

Bournemouth

Despite its 135-year history, Bournemouth has no top-flight titles to its name. After returning to the Premier League four years ago, the Cherries are dreaming of more than just survival — a goal that became clear two years ago with the hiring of promising coach Andoni Iraola.

Despite matching their best Premier League finish, the south coast side lost momentum and had to “settle” for ninth place. Important departures, such as centre-back Dean Huijsen and left-back Milos Kerkez, raise questions about the club’s ambitions for the season.

Manager

Andoni Iraola

Last Season

9th place

Best Finish

9th place (2016/17 and 2024/25)

Key Signings

• Djordje Petrovic (Goalkeeper)
• Adrien Truffert (Left-Back)

Key Departures

• Dean Huijsen (Centre-Back)
• Milos Kerkez (Left-Back)
• Jaidon Anthony (Left Winger)
• Mark Travers (Goalkeeper)

Key Players

Bournemouth paid Chelsea €28.89 million for Serbian goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. The team also spent €13.5 million on French left-back Adrien Truffert from Rennes. On the other hand, they managed to keep forward Dango Ouattara, a key starter for the past two years.

Outlook

Bournemouth begins the Premier League without major expectations, with a projected mid-table finish. Odds of 26.0 for a Champions League spot place the Cherries behind ten other teams — making a Conference League spot a more realistic goal.

Brentford

Heading into their fifth consecutive Premier League season, all signs point to an emotional campaign for Brentford — and not in a good way.

In addition to having fewer financial resources, the Bees lost key players in every area: right winger Bryan Mbeumo, defensive midfielder Christian Nørgaard, and even coach Thomas Frank — who left for Tottenham. Betting on newcomer Keith Andrews to lead this new chapter, the club seems set for a challenging year.

Manager

Keith Andrews

Last Season

10th place

Best Finish

5th place (1935/36)

Key Signings

• Antoni Milambo (Midfielder)
• Michael Kayode (Right-Back)
• Caoimhín Kelleher (Goalkeeper)
• Romelle Donovan (Right Winger)
• Jordan Henderson (Defensive Midfielder)

Key Departures

• Bryan Mbeumo (Right Winger)
• Christian Nørgaard (Defensive Midfielder)
• Mark Flekken (Goalkeeper)

Key Players

Young Dutch midfielder Antoni Milambo, a Feyenoord academy product, was signed by Brentford for €19.7 million. The team also spent €14.8 million on goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher, formerly Liverpool’s backup, and completed the permanent signing of Italian right-back Michael Kayode for €17.5 million, after his loan spell.

Expectations

All signs suggest Brentford will be battling in the lower half of the table, likely against relegation. With odds of 900.0 for the title and 50.0 for a Champions League spot, the Bees rank ahead of only five teams: the newly promoted sides and Wolverhampton.

Brighton

Now eight years in the Premier League, Brighton has cemented itself in the top flight and comes off a run of strong seasons: they played in the Europa League two years ago and continue competing for UEFA tournament spots. Everything suggests the project will keep running at full speed on the south coast.

Under the guidance of young coach Fabian Hürzeler, just 32 years old, the Seagulls continue their proven approach: scouting high-potential players and selling them for big profits — this time, striker João Pedro was sold to Chelsea for €63.7 million.

Manager

Fabian Hürzeler

Last Season

8th place

Best Finish

6th place (2022/23)

Key Signings

• Charalampos Kostoulas (Striker)
• Maxim De Cuyper (Left-Back)
• Tom Watson (Left Winger)
• Diego Coppola (Centre-Back)
• Do-young Yoon (Right Winger)

Key Departures

• João Pedro (Striker)
• Simon Adingra (Left Winger)
• Pervis Estupiñán (Left-Back)
• Valentín Barco (Midfielder)
• Evan Ferguson (Striker)

Key Players

Brighton’s big bet this season is 18-year-old Greek striker Charalampos Kostoulas. The club paid €35 million to Olympiacos for the player. They also spent €20 million on Belgian left-back Maxim De Cuyper from Club Brugge. In central defense, the team retains Dutch centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.

Expectations

Brighton will aim to improve its league position and fight for another European spot. With odds of 17.0 to qualify for the Champions League, they rank ninth in the table — so a Conference League place may be a more achievable target.

Burnley

After just one year away, Burnley has returned to the Premier League. Following the departure of manager Vincent Kompany to Bayern Munich, the Clarets brought in Scott Parker, once again proving himself a promotion specialist — despite losing the second-tier title on tiebreakers.

The goal is to regain the top-flight stability they once had under Sean Dyche. To shed their “yo-yo club” status, the team invested €125.65 million in reinforcements.

Manager

Scott Parker

Last Season

2nd place in the EFL Championship

Titles

2 (Football League First Division: 1920/21 and 1959/60)

Key Signings

• Lesley Ugochukwu (Defensive Midfielder)
• Armando Broja (Striker)
• Loum Tchaouna (Right Winger)
• Bashir Humphreys (Left-Back)
• Marcus Edwards (Right Winger)

Key Departures

• James Trafford (Goalkeeper)
• Han-Noah Massengo (Midfielder)
• Andréas Hountondji (Striker)
• Dara Costelloe (Left Winger)

Key Players

The Clarets were very active in the market for the new season, bringing in almost 20 reinforcements through free transfers, purchases, and loan returns — after all, this is a new division. The most expensive was French defensive midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu. On loan at Southampton from Chelsea, he joins Burnley for €28.7 million. French forward Loum Tchaouna arrives from Lazio for €15 million. Among the holdovers, Welsh right-back Connor Roberts stands out as a regular starter last season.

Expectations

After two straight seasons in which newly promoted clubs were relegated, Burnley starts the tournament aiming to break that trend. That will be a huge challenge for a side tipped to finish bottom. Title odds? 999.0. Champions League qualification odds? 200.0. Survival will be the priority.

Chelsea

After difficult years following the change in ownership, Chelsea is showing signs of returning to former glory. With heavy investment in promising players and some early project challenges, Enzo Maresca’s side begins the season with renewed optimism.

Under Maresca’s guidance, the team even flirted with a title challenge last season. With the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup titles and high-quality reinforcements, the goal is to prove that the London club is ready to keep winning.

Manager

Enzo Maresca

Last Season

4th place

Titles

6 (Football League First Division: 1954/55; Premier League: 2004/05, 2005/06, 2009/10, 2014/15, and 2016/17)

Key Signings

• João Pedro (Striker)
• Jamie Gittens (Left Winger)
• Jorrel Hato (Left-Back)
• Liam Delap (Striker)
• Estêvão (Right Winger)

Key Departures

• Noni Madueke (Right Winger)
• João Félix (Forward)
• Djordje Petrovic (Goalkeeper)
• Lesley Ugochukwu (Defensive Midfielder)
• Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Defensive Midfielder)

Key Players

Chelsea retained major names such as goalkeeper Robert Sánchez and forward Cole Palmer. However, the club was very active mid-year, selling and buying players, receiving over €200 million while spending under €150 million. The most expensive arrivals were forwards Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (Borussia Dortmund) and Estêvão (Palmeiras), along with centre-back Jorrel Hato (Ajax).

Expectations

Chelsea hasn’t won the Premier League in nine years, despite important international triumphs. They start as the fourth-favorite for the title with odds of 9.0, but the Blues have a history of springing surprises when not considered favorites — as happened in their last league title.

Crystal Palace

Looking only at last season’s modest 12th-place finish, one might think nothing has changed at Crystal Palace — but that would be wrong. The Eagles enter the new campaign confident after winning their first-ever major trophy: the FA Cup, defeating Manchester City — followed by the FA Community Shield victory over Liverpool last weekend.

Oliver Glasner’s side has kept its championship core and aims to soar higher — along with a solid run in the UEFA Conference League. With a cup-winning mentality and the hostile atmosphere of Selhurst Park, the goal is finally to finish in the top half of the table.

Manager

Oliver Glasner

Last Season

12th place

Best Finish

3rd place (1990/91)

Key Signings

• Borna Sosa (Left-Back)
• Walter Benítez (Goalkeeper)

Key Departures

• Rob Holding (Centre-Back)
• Jeffrey Schlupp (Left Midfielder)
• Luke Plange (Striker)

Key Players

The club has retained important players for the new league season. Veterans Eberechi Eze (midfielder) and Marc Guéhi (centre-back) remain, as does striker Ismaïla Sarr, who enters his second year with the team.

Expectations

Despite a recent national trophy, Crystal Palace’s odds of winning the Premier League are slim at 750.0. On the other hand, they can realistically fight for a return to European competition, with odds of 26.0 for a Champions League spot.

Everton

Recent years have been marked by financial struggles, modest squads, and relegation battles. Still, Everton starts the season optimistic and aiming for a league position befitting its tradition.

Since the return of manager David Moyes early this year, the Toffees are enjoying good form and a new home: leaving Goodison Park to play at the newly inaugurated Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Liverpool side invested over €87.25 million in quality reinforcements and, while they may have gone 40 years without a top-flight title, all signs point to a calmer year.

Manager

David Moyes

Last Season

13th place

Titles

9 (Football League: 1890/91; Football League First Division: 1914/15, 1927/28, 1931/32, 1938/39, 1962/63, 1969/70, 1984/85, and 1986/87)

Key Signings

• Thierno Barry (Striker)
• Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Defensive Midfielder)
• Adam Aznou (Left-Back)
• Mark Travers (Goalkeeper)
• Jack Grealish (Midfielder)

Key Departures

• Neal Maupay (Striker)
• Mason Holgate (Centre-Back)
• Ashley Young (Right-Back)
• Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Striker)
• Abdoulaye Doucouré (Midfielder)

Key Players

Defender James Tarkowski enters his fourth season with Everton. Another standout is England international goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, at the club since mid-2017. Not just relying on holdovers, the team paid €30 million for striker Thierno Barry, who spent last season at Villarreal.

Expectations

While ambition is high, it is unlikely Everton will win the Premier League: their title odds are 450.0, with 11 clubs starting as bigger favorites. Odds of 26.0 for a Champions League spot suggest that qualifying for UEFA competitions will be challenging but remains an achievable goal.

Fulham

With 146 years of history and no top-flight title, Fulham has been managed by Portuguese coach Marco Silva for four years and has managed to re-establish itself in the Premier League, although it has yet to take the next step — despite last season’s record of 54 points, it still wasn’t enough for a continental spot.

Quiet in the transfer market, the Cottagers still need reinforcements if they want to aim higher. The only signing was goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte from Montpellier, although keeping players such as Brazilians Andreas Pereira and Rodrigo Muniz is important for the capital club’s competitiveness.

Manager

Marco Silva

Last Season

11th place

Best Finish

7th place (2008/09)

Key Signings

• Benjamin Lecomte (Goalkeeper)

Key Departures

• Carlos Vinícius (Striker)
• Steven Benda (Goalkeeper)
• Luke Harris (Midfielder)
• Willian (Left Winger)

Key Players

The Whites kept the core of last season’s squad, with no major departures or signings. As such, players like Mexican striker Raúl Jiménez, American left-back Antonee Robinson, and Nigerian midfielder Alex Iwobi remain in Fulham’s lineup.

Expectations

Warning signs at Craven Cottage: Fulham must stay alert to avoid a relegation fight. Their title odds of 700.0 and Champions League qualification odds of 40.0 make them the sixth most likely team to go down.

Leeds

After falling short in the 2024 Playoff Final, Leeds United returns to the top flight as second-tier champions. After two years away from the Premier League, the goal is to remain among England’s elite — where the Whites belong.

For that, German coach Daniel Farke will have to break a personal curse: he has never managed to stay in the top flight after earning promotion. The Yorkshire club invested around €85.4 million in reinforcements to strengthen the squad that excelled in the Championship.

Manager

Daniel Farke

Last Season

1st place in the EFL Championship

Titles

3 (Football League First Division: 1968/69, 1973/74, and 1991/92)

Key Signings

• Anton Stach (Defensive Midfielder)
• Jaka Bijol (Centre-Back)
• Lucas Perri (Goalkeeper)
• Sean Longstaff (Midfielder)
• Gabriel Gudmundsson (Left-Back)

Key Departures

• Rasmus Kristensen (Right-Back)
• Junior Firpo (Left-Back)
• Maximilian Wöber (Centre-Back)
• Mateo Joseph (Striker)
• Joe Gelhardt (Striker)

Key Players

To fight for survival, Leeds reinforced well upon their return to the top division. The club signed Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri from Lyon for €16 million, German midfielder Anton Stach from Hoffenheim for €20 million, and Slovenian centre-back Jaka Bijol from Udinese for €18 million.

Expectations

Leeds earned promotion in better shape than their second-tier rivals, but one thing doesn’t change: it will be a season-long battle to stay up. Their title odds of 750.0 put them ahead of only five other teams, meaning survival is a realistic goal.

Liverpool

After Jurgen Klopp’s departure, Liverpool didn’t face a rough transition: they won the Premier League under Arne Slot — their second title since the league’s rebranding in 1992.

Mourning the death of striker Diogo Jota, the Reds aim to honor the Portuguese’s legacy and stay at the top. While there were few changes to the squad a year ago, this season is different: England’s most successful club has already invested €293.68 million in reinforcements and will start as one of the favorites to win back-to-back titles.

Manager

Arne Slot

Last Season

1st place

Titles

20 (Football League First Division: 1900/01, 1905/06, 1921/22, 1922/23, 1946/47, 1963/64, 1965/66, 1972/73, 1975/76, 1976/77, 1978/79, 1979/80, 1981/82, 1982/83, 1983/84, 1985/86, 1987/88, 1989/90; Premier League: 2019/20 and 2024/25)

Key Signings

• Florian Wirtz (Midfielder)
• Hugo Ekitiké (Striker)
• Milos Kerkez (Left-Back)
• Jeremie Frimpong (Right-Back)

Key Departures

• Luis Díaz (Left Winger)
• Darwin Núñez (Striker)
• Jarell Quansah (Centre-Back)
• Caoimhín Kelleher (Goalkeeper)
• Trent Alexander-Arnold (Right-Back)

Key Players

If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it: Liverpool retains the core players who delivered the club’s last two Premier League titles. Egyptian striker Mo Salah remains the main goal threat, while Dutch captain Virgil Van Dijk anchors the defense. Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson enters the season nominated for France Football’s Best Goalkeeper award, with Salah and Van Dijk also in contention for the Ballon d’Or.

Expectations

Champions are favorites by default. Liverpool enters as the top candidate for the 2025/26 Premier League crown with odds of 2.8. Champions League qualification looks almost certain with odds of 1.11.

Manchester City

It was a strange season for a club used to piling up wins and trophies. For the first time, Pep Guardiola lost five matches in a row, and the threat of missing out on the Champions League loomed over the Citizens midseason — particularly after losing key midfielder Rodri.

Following a strong January transfer window, the team recovered and finished third. With a reshaped squad and the departure of key figures like midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, City starts the new season with renewed energy.

Manager

Pep Guardiola

Last Season

3rd place

Titles

10 (Football League First Division: 1936/37 and 1967/68; Premier League: 2011/12, 2013/14, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23, and 2023/24)

Key Signings

• Tijjani Reijnders (Defensive Midfielder)
• Rayan Aït-Nouri (Left-Back)
• Rayan Cherki (Right Winger)
• James Trafford (Goalkeeper)

Key Departures

• Kevin De Bruyne (Midfielder)
• Vitor Reis (Centre-Back)
• Kyle Walker (Right-Back)
• Jack Grealish (Midfielder)

Key Players

Manchester City boasts one of the world’s top strikers in Norwegian Erling Haaland, the team’s main goal-scoring hope. Swiss defender Manuel Akanji anchors the back line. Despite already having strong options in goal, the club spent €31 million on James Trafford from Burnley.

Expectativas

While still a winning machine, City doesn’t start the season as the outright favorite: they are third in the title race, with odds of 4.0, behind Liverpool and Arsenal. With 1.22 odds to finish in the top four, it would take a catastrophe to keep them out of the Champions League — something last season’s injury crisis wasn’t enough to do.

Manchester United

When last season ended, Manchester United fans breathed a sigh of relief: it was the club’s worst Premier League campaign, with a 15th-place finish — something unimaginable during the glory days under Sir Alex Ferguson.

After dealing with injuries, controversies, an austerity policy, and the arrival of manager Rúben Amorim mid-season, the Red Devils are once again trying to rebuild — a phrase you’ve likely read before at the start of other Premier League seasons. The question is whether names like Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha will click on the pitch and help the team move on from last year’s disappointment.

Manager

Rúben Amorim

Last Season

15th place

Titles

20 (Football League First Division: 1907/08, 1910/11, 1951/52, 1955/56, 1956/57, 1964/65, 1966/67; Premier League: 1992/93, 1993/94, 1995/96, 1996/97, 1998/99, 1999/2000, 2000/01, 2002/03, 2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2010/11, and 2012/13)

Key Signings

• Benjamin Sesko (Striker)
• Bryan Mbeumo (Right Winger)
• Matheus Cunha (Forward)
• Diego León (Left-Back)

Key Departures

• Marcus Rashford (Left Winger)
• Victor Lindelöf (Centre-Back)
• Christian Eriksen (Midfielder)
• Jonny Evans (Centre-Back)

Key Players

Old Trafford saw heavy spending this summer: €74 million for Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton and €77 million for French forward Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. One of the key holdovers is Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

Expectativas

Thirteen years after their last league title, the Red Devils remain far from reclaiming the throne of English football. With title odds of 10.0, Manchester United ranks fifth among contenders. Their 3.8 odds for a Champions League spot suggest that a return to continental competition is a more realistic goal.

Newcastle

After difficult years under Mike Ashley, Newcastle has changed ownership and is now one of the top clubs outside the Big Six. After beating Liverpool in the EFL Cup final, the Magpies qualified for the Champions League — for the second time in three years.

Under manager Eddie Howe, the northern side has shown cohesion and strength to remain among the country’s top teams. However, difficulties in strengthening the squad raise questions about what the Geordies can expect from the 2025/26 campaign.

Manager

Eddie Howe

Last Season

5th place

Titles

4 (Football League First Division: 1904/05, 1906/07, 1908/09, and 1926/27)

Key Signings

• Anthony Elanga (Right Winger)
• Aaron Ramsdale (Goalkeeper)
• Antoñito Cordero (Left Winger)

Key Departures

• Lloyd Kelly (Centre-Back)
• Sean Longstaff (Midfielder)
• Callum Wilson (Striker)
• Martin Dúbravka (Goalkeeper)

Key Players

To secure goals this season, Newcastle signed Swedish forward Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for €63.7 million. He will partner with fellow Swede Alexander Isak up front. Another standout is left-back Lewis Hall.

Expectativas

Newcastle has kept its winning core from recent seasons and could surprise, but the title still seems out of reach: with odds of 40.0, the Magpies are sixth among title contenders. However, with odds of 3.0, a Champions League spot is a realistic aim.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest’s season embodied the old “glass half full or half empty” saying: under Nuno Espírito Santo, they started well and spent much of the season in Champions League contention but ran out of steam and had to settle for a Conference League spot — or rather, the Europa League, after UEFA barred Crystal Palace from playing in the same competition as their “sibling” club Lyon.

While the Reds’ golden era under the legendary Brian Clough was nearly 50 years ago, the Midlands club is attempting to rekindle its glory days. The question is whether the new signings will gel and how they’ll handle balancing domestic and European fixtures.

Manager

Nuno Espírito Santo

Last Season

7th place

Titles

1 (Football League First Division: 1977/78)

Key Signings

• Dan Ndoye (Right Winger)
• Igor Jesus (Striker)
• Jair Cunha (Centre-Back)
• Angus Gunn (Goalkeeper)

Key Departures

• Anthony Elanga (Right Winger)
• Danilo (Defensive Midfielder)
• Ramón Sosa (Left Winger)
• Andrew Omobamidele (Centre-Back)
• Matt Turner (Goalkeeper)

Key Players

To chase success, Forest spent €30 million to bring in centre-back Jair and striker Igor Jesus from Botafogo. They also paid €40 million for Swiss forward Dan Ndoye from Bologna.

Expectativas

The good news is Forest shouldn’t face the struggles of their first two seasons back in the Premier League. With title odds of 200.0 — placing them 10th in the ranking — a battle for a continental spot is more realistic: 23.0 odds show it will be difficult but achievable.

Sunderland

After eight years away from the Premier League and many struggles, Sunderland is finally back in the top flight. Following a comeback win over Sheffield United in the Playoff Final, Régis Le Bris’ side aims to ensure their promotion dream doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

The Black Cats invested €141.4 million in reinforcements, including experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka, and start the season as underdogs. Sporting a redesigned crest similar to the one used in the 1960s, the club hopes to write an epic story — about survival, of course.

Manager

Régis Le Bris

Last Season

4th place in the EFL Championship (promoted via playoffs)

Titles

6 (Football League: 1891/92; Football League First Division: 1892/93, 1894/95, 1901/02, 1912/13, and 1935/36)

Key Signings

• Habib Diarra (Central Midfielder)
• Simon Adingra (Left Winger)
• Enzo Le Fée (Central Midfielder)
• Chemsdine Talbi (Right Winger)
• Granit Xhaka (Defensive Midfielder)
• Marc Guiu (Striker)

Key Departures

• Jobe Bellingham (Central Midfielder)
• Tom Watson (Left Winger)
• Adil Aouchiche (Attacking Midfielder)
• Nathan Bishop (Goalkeeper)

Key Players

To boost their survival chances, Sunderland signed Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen for €15 million. They also brought in Ivorian forward Simon Adingra from Brighton for €24 million. For €35.5 million, they secured Senegalese midfielder Habib Diarra from Strasbourg.

Expectativas

Despite the excitement of returning to where they feel they belong, Sunderland starts the campaign as relegation favorites: with title odds of 999.0 and Champions League qualification odds of 200.0, the Black Cats rank last in the projections.

Tottenham

It might sound strange, but Tottenham start the season in good spirits even after finishing just above the relegation zone. After all, the Spurs broke a 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League against Manchester United.

But not everything is optimistic in North London. Thomas Frank arrives to take charge in place of Ange Postecoglou, but the departure of club icon Heung-min Son and a serious preseason injury to midfielder James Maddison show that the Dane will not have an easy task.

Manager

Thomas Frank

Previous Season

17th place

Titles

2 (Football League First Division: 1950/51 and 1960/61)

Key Arrivals

• Mohammed Kudus (Right Winger)
• João Palhinha (Defensive Midfielder)
• Kevin Danso (Centre-Back)

Key Departures

• Heung-min Son (Left Winger)
• Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (Defensive Midfielder)
• Mikey Moore (Left Winger)

Key Players

Unfortunately for the team, midfielder James Maddison is expected to miss the entire season. He suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his right knee and had to undergo surgery. Expected to be on the pitch are Spanish right-back Pedro Porro and Welsh forward Brennan Johnson, both regular starters. The Spurs signed Ghanaian forward Mohammed Kudus for €63.8 million from West Ham.

Expectation

Tottenham dream of breaking another drought this season: 65 years without winning the English top-flight title. However, their 50.0 odds place six other teams ahead, while their 5.8 odds for a Champions League spot show that the road will be tough.

West Ham

After a few years as one of the main clubs outside the Big Six, West Ham had a season to forget. Following David Moyes’ departure, the Hammers placed their bet on Spaniard Julen Lopetegui, but it didn’t work out — and his replacement, Graham Potter, has yet to inspire confidence.

Undergoing a rebuilding process, the London club bids farewell to several key names from recent successful campaigns — including Michail Antonio, Aaron Cresswell and Lukasz Fabianski. It remains to be seen if the English manager can restructure the squad and prove why he was once considered England’s most promising coach.

Manager

Graham Potter

Previous Season

14th place

Best Finish

3rd place (1985/86)

Key Arrivals

• Jean-Clair Todibo (Centre-Back)
• El Hadji Malick Diouf (Left Midfielder)
• Mads Hermansen (Goalkeeper)
• Kyle Walker-Peters (Right-Back)
• Callum Wilson (Striker)

Key Departures

• Mohammed Kudus (Right Winger)
• Aaron Cresswell (Left-Back)
• Kurt Zouma (Centre-Back)
• Danny Ings (Striker)
• Michail Antonio (Striker)
• Lukasz Fabianski (Goalkeeper)

Key Players

The highlights for West Ham are Czech midfielder Tomáš Souček and English right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. In the market, the team permanently signed French centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, who was already at the club on loan, for €40 million from Nice.

Expectations

Despite the dream of returning to European competition, West Ham are expected to struggle to reach this goal. Their 34.0 odds to finish in the top four worry fans, especially with only seven clubs having lower chances — and if they’re not careful, the Hammers could again be fighting for survival.

Wolverhampton

It’s been more than 60 years since Wolverhampton last won the top division, and despite a promising return to the Premier League with coach Nuno Espírito Santo, the Wolves remain far from competing in the top half of the table.

After a poor start under Gary O’Neil, the arrival of Portuguese coach Vítor Pereira brought the improvement needed to escape the relegation zone — though the poor performance of newly promoted teams also helped. Losing key players like Matheus Cunha and Rayan Aït-Nouri, the team will hope new signings, such as talented midfielder Jhon Arias, can click.

Manager

Vítor Pereira

Previous Season

16th place

Titles

3 (Football League First Division: 1953/54, 1957/58, 1958/59)

Key Arrivals

• Jørgen Strand Larsen (Striker)
• Fer López (Right Winger)
• Jhon Arias (Right Winger)
• David Møller Wolfe (Left-Back)

Key Departures

• Matheus Cunha (Forward)
• Rayan Aït-Nouri (Left-Back)
• Gonçalo Guedes (Left Winger)
• Nélson Semedo (Right-Back)
• Pablo Sarabia (Right Winger)

Key Players

With forward Matheus Cunha gone, Wolves went in search of a new number 10 and paid €22 million for Colombian Jhon Arias from Fluminense. The club also spent €12 million on Norwegian left-back David Wolfe from AZ Alkmaar. A key returning player is Irish right-back Matt Doherty, heading into his third season with the club.

Expectations

A title is not expected in Wolverhampton, with odds of 900.0 — better only than Burnley and Sunderland. A Champions League spot is also highly unlikely, with 65.0 odds placing Wolves as the fourth-least likely team, signalling another year battling to stay up.

Best Odds for the 2025/26 Premier League

With an idea of the teams and what each can do in the competition, here are the best 2025/26 Premier League odds on Blaze. Remember, these numbers can change as the rounds progress!

Who Will Be Champion?

For the new season, defending champions Liverpool come in as favourites, with odds of 2.8 to win the league. The team most likely to threaten another trophy at Anfield is last season’s runner-up Arsenal, at 3.3, followed by 2024/25’s third-placed Manchester City at 3.5. Chelsea are outsiders at 9.0.

Who Will Be Relegated?

Life is never easy for newly promoted teams in any league. The Premier League is no different. Burnley and Sunderland are among the favourites for relegation and have the longest odds for the title, at 999.0 each. Other teams likely to fight for survival include Brentford and Wolverhampton, the latter having narrowly escaped in 2024/25.

Who Will Be the Premier League’s Top Scorer?

Another interesting market to follow is the top scorer race. Manchester City’s Norwegian striker Erling Haaland is always among the favourites. He was the 2023/24 Premier League’s top scorer with 27 goals and has 2.1 odds to repeat the feat.

Right behind him is Liverpool’s Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah, a four-time Premier League Golden Boot winner, at 5.5. Newcastle’s Swedish striker Alexander Isak is at 7.0, as is fellow Swede Viktor Gyökeres of Arsenal.

Where to Watch the 2025/26 Premier League

Brazilian fans of the English Premier League can watch the 2025/26 season via cable channel ESPN and streaming platform Disney+.

Bet on the 2025/26 Premier League at Blaze!

Excited for another season of top-level football? Get on the pitch with your favourites, and don’t forget to study stats, data, and our Sports Betting Encyclopedia for more betting tips.

Responsible Gambling is what ensures fun without headaches — betting is not an investment or a source of income. So, don’t make a reckless tackle on your finances. Play responsibly and only wager amounts you can set aside for entertainment.

You can now bet on the 2025/26 Premier League here at Blaze and celebrate goals as many times as you want!

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025/26 Premier League

When does the 2025/26 Premier League start?

The 2025/26 Premier League kicks off on August 15, 2025, with defending champions Liverpool facing Bournemouth. The final round of the English Championship is scheduled for May 24, 2026.

Who are the current Premier League champions?

Liverpool are the current Premier League champions. The Reds won the 2024/25 season with 84 points, 10 more than runners-up Arsenal. This was the club’s second Premier League title and 20th overall, counting the Football League and Football League First Division.

Who was promoted from the EFL and who was relegated from the Premier League last season?

Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland were promoted from the English Football League Championship, the EFL, to the Premier League. Relegated to the EFL were Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton.