Context: Following on from the 24/25 Season

Last season, Liverpool overturned many expert predictions to lift their 2nd Premier League title under Arne Slot. Who exceeded expectations and lifted league silverware in his first season.

Liverpool edged out Arsenal, who are making 2nd place their home, in a tense title race. While Manchester City slipped far below their expected standards. 

Chelsea’s inflated squad proved to be no issue as they secured Champion’s league football for the upcoming season. Newcastle and Aston Villa challenged to the traditional top 6, and Nottingham Forest were the standout underdogs last year.  

Manchester United and Tottenham had seasons to forget, finishing 15th and 17th respectively. Tragic seasons for both these teams despite both meeting in the Europa League Final, with Spurs edging out Ruben Amorim’s side.  

Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland replace Ipswich, Leicester City, and Southampton in the top flight. The newly promoted clubs will want to avoid the trend of all three being relegated straight back down to the Championship.  

Now, as the new campaign kicks off on 15th August 2025, the question on everyone’s mind is simple: Can Liverpool defend their crown in the face of renewed challenges from rivals? 

Top Half of the Table: Title Contenders and European Chasers

Liverpool: Defending the Title

Liverpool are not resting on their laurels. They have spent the summer transfer window investing heavily in their squad, with the word ‘spent’ being particularly pertinent.  

They have spent over £300million to date, with strong rumours linking Newcastle United star, Alexander Isak, with a move to Anfield.  

Most pundits are predicting Liverpool to retain their title. Keeping Mo Salah was a huge statement and his goalscoring power can only be boosted, you expect, by their additions to the squad.

The one question mark you can put next to their title defence is the focus they might put on winning the Champions League. Their investment can only be justified by a strong challenge for both the league and the major European competition.  

Arsenal: Preparing to Go One Step Further

Arsenal add prolific striker, Viktor Gyökeres, to an already strong front line, aiming to solve the fine margins that cost them the title last season.  

Arsenal’s strength in previous seasons has been their squad stability, often maintaining a strong first eleven with minimal injuries. They’ve now added more goals and further depth to their squad. 

The inevitable hunger from consecutive second-place finishes makes them the most obvious threat to Liverpool’s crown. However, if their title challenge is underwhelming, Mikel Arteta will start to receive strong questions from the loyal fanbase.  

Manchester City: The Bounce Back

City endured an extremely underwhelming and trophy-less season for the first time in a long time. Knowing Pep’s overwhelming desire to improve and dominate, that’s a statistic he’ll be desperate to erase this season.  

A fully fit Erling Haaland could be the difference-maker this season. A clear focus of the transfer window was to add youth and legs, following the departure of ageing legend, Kevin De Bruyne.  

City are somewhat of an unknown quantity with a refreshed squad. But you would be a fool to rule them out of a title challenge.  

Chelsea: Dark Horse to Genuine Contender?

Chelsea quietly exceeded expectations last year. Their squad is huge, and their summer activity has only added to this.  

Once again they have invested in young talent which, they hope, will help them take the step toward a title challenge. Enzo Maresca’s tactical clarity and willingness to trust young players make them one of the most intriguing teams to watch. 

A fiercer European run, compared to the Conference League, could create more headaches for their league form, however.  

Manchester United: Aiming for Stability

Manchester United has been threatening to have a season like last year. But no one thought it would be quite that bad.  

Following this shock to the system, heavy summer investment was required. United will have limited excuses with a considerable invesment in their front line. Their lack of goalscoring ability was clear last year. Consistency, especially against lower-half teams, will define their season. 

No European football will help Ruben Amorim focus on the league and bring good vibes back to Old Trafford. Something the INEOS investment team are desperately hoping for. 

Bottom Half of the Table: The Survival Fight

Sunderland: The Big Return

They had to do it that hard way, but Sunderland are back in the top flight for the first time since 2017. 

As most promoted sides have to do these days, Sunderland have spent heavily. Notably bringing in new club captain, Granit Xhaka and a host of promising youngsters.  

One huge positive with their return is the Tyne-Wear derby, sure to grab headlines. But survival will be their true challenge. 

Leeds United: Back Where they Belong?

Leeds return with a squad built for high energy and direct football.  

They have a relatively tough opening stint to the season, but they will be looking to avoid promotion and push to make themselves a stonewall Premier League club once again.  

Burnley: Second Time’s the Charm?

Burnley have switched playing styles dramatically since the Sean Dyche days. Scott Parker’s side play attractive football, but the Premier League demands defensive resilience.  

The key question: can they turn good performances into points? They certainly won’t want to continue this ‘yo-yo’ pattern of being too good for the Championship, but not good enough for the Premier League.  

Brentford: Danger of Regression

Without Thomas Frank, now at Tottenham, Brentford’s identity is shifting under Keith Andrews.  

They have also lost star players Brian Mbeumo, Christian Nørgaard, and Mark Flekken. With Yoane Wissa rumoured to be favouring a move away from Brentford, they could end up finding themselves short in a few key departments.  

Everton: Cautious Optimism

Everton finished last season strongly, but has flirted with relegation in recent seasons. They have made a statement in the transfer window with the signing of Jack Grealish.  

But will this be enough to push them into the top half? Or will they spend another seasons causing stress for their fans, as they make a new stadium their home.  

Potential Underdogs & Under-Performers

Underdogs: 

Tottenham just missed out on the Super Cup after losing to PSG, but their performance has given Spurs fans hope for the season ahead.
Crystal Palace now have an FA Cup and a Community Shield to their name. If they keep a hold of their main assets, they could be a surprise package.
Everton could be the Nottingham Forest of this season. Despite labelling them as a relegation potential, they also have the ability to push into the upper parts of the table.  

Under-Performers: 

West Ham has slightly gone under the radar, but Jarrod Bowen could be enough to drag them away from the relegation scrap.
Manchester United could still fall short of expectations, despite their summer signings.
Brentford as mentioned above, could find themselves in the depths of a relegation battle. 

Transfer Window: Impact Signings to Watch

This summer’s Premier League transfers could reshape the title race and relegation battle. Here are some of Blend Group’s ‘ones to watch’.  

Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal) Arsenal finally have their goal scoring machine, but will Gyokeres take them to the next level?
Brian Mbeumo (Man United) One of United’s three offensive reinforcements. He is proven in the Premier League so should improve their chances in front of goal.
Rayan Cherki (Man City) Moving from Lyon to the Premier League main stage, Cherki is a ‘wonderkid’ who is tantalisingly technical.
João Pedro (Chelsea) The latest mover in the Brighton to Chelsea trend. Chelsea’s quality might provide him with even more opportunities for goals.
Granit Xhaka (Sunderland) Back in the Premier League and ready to help keep Sunderland there. A natural leader who will be a huge influence on and off the field.
Jack Grealish (Everton) He never really hit full potential at Man City but Everton could provide the platform for Grealish to express himself and lift them into the top half.
Florian Wirtz (Liverpool) One of Europe’s brightest young talents has become the focal point for the champions. How will his style impact Liverpool’s football?
Mohammed Kudus (Spurs) A standout at an otherwise underwhelming West Ham. He could be vital in Thomas Frank’s tactical setup.  

10 Fixtures to Watch in the 2025/26 Premier League Season

Every Premier League fixture offers the opportunity for thrills and spills. But naturally at Blend Group, our attentions turns to the ‘big hitters’ which our clients often love to see live.  

If you are interested in hospitality access to any of these fixtures, or others across the entire Premier League season, get in touch with our dedicated team today.  

Liverpool vs Arsenal: 30th August 2025 
Early title implications between last season’s top two.

Liverpool vs Manchester United: 18th October 2025 
A fixture Liverpool have has the better time of recently.

Manchester City vs Liverpool: 8th November 2025 
Pep vs Slot in a clash that could set the tone for the title race.

Chelsea vs Arsenal: 29th November 2025 
London derby with top-four (or more) at stake.

Sunderland vs Newcastle United: 13th December 2025 
First Premier League Tyne-Wear derby in eight years.

Manchester United vs Manchester City: 17th January 2026 
What a fixture to start 2026.  

Tottenham vs Arsenal: 21st February 2026 
North London derby near the business end of the season. 

Arsenal vs Chelsea: 28st February 2026 
Always a fierce fixture between these two clubs at the Emirates.  

Manchester City vs Arsenal 18th April 2026 
Given how late in the season this is, it could be massive. 

Everton vs Liverpool: 18th April 2026 
The first Merseyside derby in Everton’s new stadium. 

Season Outlook

The 2025/26 Premier League season promises a blend of familiar rivalries and fresh narratives.  

Liverpool start as favourites, but Arsenal’s hunger, City’s bounce-back ambitions, and Chelsea’s resurgence could make this one of the most competitive title races in recent memory.

At the bottom, newly promoted teams will fight tooth and nail for survival, trying to buck the trend of these clubs getting immediately relegated. 

One thing is certain, from August’s opening whistle to May’s final roar, Blend Group will be helping our clients experience the best Premier League games in the best possible way. LIVE!