Ranking five Premier League title contenders for 2025-26: Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and more

SPORTIVO
Article arrow_drop_down
arsenal-10.jpg
Getty Images

The celebrations are only just beginning after Liverpool officially became the Premier League champions on Sunday, but as one title race comes to a close, the countdown begins for the start of the next title race.

Admittedly, it is too early to know for sure how next season might play out, especially if this campaign is anything to go by. Liverpool had just a 5.1% chance of winning the Premier League title at the start of the season, per Opta, but quickly took a commanding lead and cruised their way to the title. It was not the only surprising development of the campaign – Manchester City, who had an 82.2% chance to win the title, were out of the race by the new year and are currently stuck in the middle of a battle to finish in a UEFA Champions League berth.

Much of next season’s title race might also depend on the business done in the transfer window, since a busy summer awaits several teams. That could be true for City and Liverpool as much as it might be for other ambitious sides like Newcastle United and Aston Villa, hoping to rise up the ranks, and the same is true for Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur after surprisingly poor seasons. Not all of them will be title contenders, but the unexpected outcomes of this season mean that some will shoot their shot next time around and could be worth keeping an eye on.

Here’s an early look at next season’s contenders for the Premier League title.

Honorable mention: Aston Villa

Unai Emery has successfully taken Aston Villa from strength to strength in his two-plus years on the job, most recently going toe-to-toe with a very impressive Paris Saint-Germain side before their quarterfinal exit in the UEFA Champions League. At this point in time, though, they feel a step or two removed from being a dark horse contender for the title. Breaking into the upper echelons of the Premier League is an uphill battle for any team that is not already there, especially one that will have to deal with the grueling Thursday-Sunday cadence reserved for teams in the UEFA Europa League or UEFA Conference League. Pencil them is a very viable contender for a top-four spot, barring some major summer signings and another unusual Premier League season.

5. Chelsea

Once upon a time, Chelsea were surprising many by keeping pace with Liverpool despite shifting to a youth-focused squad with an inexperienced manager in Enzo Maresca. The last four years have not necessarily been kind to them, though – they have won just seven of their last 17 Premier League games, and Cole Palmer has not scored in his last 12 league games. The money and prestige that come with a Champions League spot could help them upgrade their squad, too. That is perhaps the only thing that gives them an edge over Villa since, truthfully, the Blues do not look like they are ready to be a genuine contender for the title just yet.

4. Newcastle United

Being labeled a dark horse means it is still incredibly likely that the trophy will go elsewhere, but if any team has earned the label, it is Newcastle United. Eddie Howe is to the Magpies what Emery is to Villa, though Newcastle seem a step ahead of Villa at this stage. There is an argument to be made that they have been the most in-form team in England since the new year, picking up some notable wins against Arsenal and Liverpool along the way. Howe and company also snapped the team’s 65-year trophy drought along the way when they won the EFL Cup in March, making them one of the more intriguing teams to follow both in England and in Europe next season. Their hopes of another impressive campaign, though, may rest on their summer business – there is definitely a question of whether or not they can hang onto Alexander Isak, who has 22 league goals this season, and they may need to upgrade in several positions to really go up a level.

3. Liverpool

There are probably three genuine contenders for the title as things stand – Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City – and the ranking could change dramatically depending on their summers. The Reds might still be in confetti-filled settings, but there was a reason they only had a 5.1% chance of winning the title this season – they opted not to refresh the squad. Liverpool’s bet that their veterans had one more strong season in them ultimately paid off, but at some point, Arne Slot and company will need to build for a life without the likes of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. There’s also the added complication of filling Trent Alexander-Arnold’s role when he makes his likely move to Real Madrid over the summer, which could be the immediate priority when they do their summertime business. If they successfully upgrade their squad in time for next season, they may just be the favorites to repeat; if not, they may have to settle for a lower spot on the table.

2. Arsenal

There’s a theme developing of always being the bridesmaid for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who are set to clinch their third successive second-place finish. They will be appeased with this season’s inability to enter the title race with their first Champions League semifinal in nearly two decades, but this season’s league form offered plenty of reminders that the Gunners need a true goal scorer to do serious damage in the domestic competition. There’s also an argument to be made that if no other team perfectly conducts their business in the transfer window, the Gunners might still have what it takes to rise to the top in another Premier League season of imperfections. The surest way to finish first, though, will likely be by landing the forward they clearly miss; if not, the pressure will likely only mount on Arteta.

1. Manchester City

This Premier League season may have been unique in a lot of ways, but if there’s any team worth paying attention to next season, it’s Manchester City. They may have exited the title race quickly this time around, but the weight of expectations will return in no time at the Etihad Stadium, especially after their splurges in the winter transfer window. Rebuilding may be the focus in the summer, especially as Hugo Viana starts his new role as the director of football. He will be tasked with finding a replacement for Kevin de Bruyne and City will still have to figure out what to do while Rodri finishes up his recovery from an ACL tear, but with Pep Guardiola still around and Erling Haaland ready to reclaim his status as his generation’s greatest goal scorer, it is hard not to pick them as the team to beat.

This news was originally published on this post .

About the author

About the author call_made

SPORTIVO

More posts

trending_flat
Bill Belichick, girlfriend ended UNC’s ‘Hard Knocks’ dalliance as fast as it began. Why?

Reported by Matt Baker, Andrew Marchand and Brendan MarksOn Feb. 28, multiple media outlets — including The Athletic — reported that North Carolina’s football program and coach Bill Belichick were expected to be featured this season on “Hard Knocks,” the episodic docuseries that airs on HBO. But the deal fell apart days later, shortly before a public announcement was to be made.AdvertisementJordon Hudson, Belichick’s girlfriend, played an instrumental role in stopping the production, related to her request to be heavily involved in the project, according to multiple industry sources briefed on the negotiations. The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. In a December 2024 email to North Carolina officials, Hudson, 24, identified herself as the chief operating officer of Belichick Productions. (The Athletic has been unable to identify any company registered […]

trending_flat
Pilhado aponta medalhões sem mercado no futebol brasileiro: “Ninguém quer”

Pilhado falou sobre Dudu e Gabigol (Reprodução/Youtube) No programa “Bate-Pronto”, da Jovem Pan, o jornalista Thiago Asmar, conhecido como Pilhado, comentou a situação do atacante Dudu no Cruzeiro. O craque reclamou publicamente sobre ter virado reserva na Raposa e acabou afastado pela comissão técnica. Agora, o jogador pode deixar o clube, desde que a multa seja paga de forma integral. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Mas, na opinião do comentarista, Dudu não tem mercado no futebol brasileiro atualmente, principalmente pelo alto salário. “O Dudu está afastado do Cruzeiro, a situação dele está cada vez pior. Ele foi liberado dos treinos para definir o futuro. Acho que fica inviável a permanência do Dudu neste time do Cruzeiro”, iniciou. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Pilhado inclui Gabigol Então, Pilhado citou o atacante Gabigol, contratado a peso de ouro pelo Cruzeiro para esta temporada, mas que não correspondeu e […]

trending_flat
Shedeur Sanders’ real problem lies with the Cleveland Browns: Is he risking a year without playing?

After slipping to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders finally found a home with the Cleveland Browns. While that pick ended a stressful draft weekend, it may only be the beginning of a far more complicated journey. For a quarterback seeking the right environment to develop, the Browns' current state may be more obstacle than opportunity.Cleveland made waves before the draft by trading out of the No.2 overall slot - forgoing the chance to select elite prospect Travis Hunter - in exchange for a 2026 first-rounder from Jacksonville. That strategic move seemed to signal the front office's intent to keep their long-term quarterback ambitions alive. Even after taking Dillon Gabriel from Oregon in the third round, they chose to add Sanders to an already packed quarterback room.At first glance, pairing Sanders with head coach Kevin Stefanski, […]

trending_flat
Travis Kelce’s ex-girlfriend, Kayla Nicole, reacts with glee to the news that another tight end will get paid more than the Chiefs’

Kayla Nicole's latest moment came courtesy of an Instagram comment - just five words long - that immediately grabbed attention. The target this time was not former boyfriend Travis Kelce directly, but his fellow All-Pro tight end, George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers. Kittle has secured a massive four-year, $76.4 million contract extension with the 49ers, solidifying his place as the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. The deal eclipsed Kelce's current contract and stirred conversation across the league.Kayla Nicole shared a powerful backstage videoIn response to the news, Claire Kittle, George's wife, celebrated on Instagram. That's where Kayla Nicole entered the chat - literally - with a bold and unmistakably enthusiastic message:"[Expletive] YEAAAAA! Bang bang baby," Nicole wrote.Kittle surpasses Kelce financiallyWhile Nicole didn't mention Kelce directly, the timing and content of her comment raised eyebrows among fans and […]

trending_flat
Fantasy Football 2025: RB Kaleb Johnson player profile

Kaleb Johnson took advantage of his opportunity: Johnson wasn’t the Iowa Hawkeyes‘ starter until his final season, but he dominated in the run game once he had the chance. Johnson will compete with Jaylen Warren: The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ incumbent back will take all of the passing down work, but Johnson will be able to see at least some playing time as a rusher. Final chance to claim 25% off PFF+: Use code DRAFT25 and unlock access to player grades, fantasy tools and the 2025 Draft Guide Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes PFF’s Fantasy Football Player Profile series delivers the most in-depth fantasy football analysis available for the 2025 season. Using PFF’s exclusive data, we evaluate player performance, competition for touches and how teammates and coaching staffs will impact each player's fantasy football outlook. Last updated: 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, April 29 […]

trending_flat
Ryan Garcia belittles Rolando Romero and threatens Devin Haney: “I’m also going to beat up his father”

Ryan Garcia's return to the ring after a year-long suspension is just three days away, when he takes on Rolly Romero (16-2, 13 KOs) in the main event of the 'Fatal Fury' card on Friday, May 2 at Times Square.In the co-main event, Devin Haney will take on Jose Ramirez, while the co-main event will feature Teofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr.Canelo Alvarez rocks like a superstar and strikes first against William Scull in Saudi ArabiaAlthough KingRy should be focused on Romero, a year of cross-insults against Devin Haney and his father Bill have him with the rivalry ignited and he again launched a threat to beat them both during the 'Grand Arrivals' event held in New York."Yes, I'm willing to prove it. I can't wait! I'm also going to beat up his father," Ryan Garcia threatened about Bill Haney […]

Related

trending_flat
Bill Belichick, girlfriend ended UNC’s ‘Hard Knocks’ dalliance as fast as it began. Why?

Reported by Matt Baker, Andrew Marchand and Brendan MarksOn Feb. 28, multiple media outlets — including The Athletic — reported that North Carolina’s football program and coach Bill Belichick were expected to be featured this season on “Hard Knocks,” the episodic docuseries that airs on HBO. But the deal fell apart days later, shortly before a public announcement was to be made.AdvertisementJordon Hudson, Belichick’s girlfriend, played an instrumental role in stopping the production, related to her request to be heavily involved in the project, according to multiple industry sources briefed on the negotiations. The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. In a December 2024 email to North Carolina officials, Hudson, 24, identified herself as the chief operating officer of Belichick Productions. (The Athletic has been unable to identify any company registered […]

trending_flat
Pilhado aponta medalhões sem mercado no futebol brasileiro: “Ninguém quer”

Pilhado falou sobre Dudu e Gabigol (Reprodução/Youtube) No programa “Bate-Pronto”, da Jovem Pan, o jornalista Thiago Asmar, conhecido como Pilhado, comentou a situação do atacante Dudu no Cruzeiro. O craque reclamou publicamente sobre ter virado reserva na Raposa e acabou afastado pela comissão técnica. Agora, o jogador pode deixar o clube, desde que a multa seja paga de forma integral. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Mas, na opinião do comentarista, Dudu não tem mercado no futebol brasileiro atualmente, principalmente pelo alto salário. “O Dudu está afastado do Cruzeiro, a situação dele está cada vez pior. Ele foi liberado dos treinos para definir o futuro. Acho que fica inviável a permanência do Dudu neste time do Cruzeiro”, iniciou. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE Pilhado inclui Gabigol Então, Pilhado citou o atacante Gabigol, contratado a peso de ouro pelo Cruzeiro para esta temporada, mas que não correspondeu e […]

trending_flat
Shedeur Sanders’ real problem lies with the Cleveland Browns: Is he risking a year without playing?

After slipping to the fifth round in the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders finally found a home with the Cleveland Browns. While that pick ended a stressful draft weekend, it may only be the beginning of a far more complicated journey. For a quarterback seeking the right environment to develop, the Browns' current state may be more obstacle than opportunity.Cleveland made waves before the draft by trading out of the No.2 overall slot - forgoing the chance to select elite prospect Travis Hunter - in exchange for a 2026 first-rounder from Jacksonville. That strategic move seemed to signal the front office's intent to keep their long-term quarterback ambitions alive. Even after taking Dillon Gabriel from Oregon in the third round, they chose to add Sanders to an already packed quarterback room.At first glance, pairing Sanders with head coach Kevin Stefanski, […]

trending_flat
Travis Kelce’s ex-girlfriend, Kayla Nicole, reacts with glee to the news that another tight end will get paid more than the Chiefs’

Kayla Nicole's latest moment came courtesy of an Instagram comment - just five words long - that immediately grabbed attention. The target this time was not former boyfriend Travis Kelce directly, but his fellow All-Pro tight end, George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers. Kittle has secured a massive four-year, $76.4 million contract extension with the 49ers, solidifying his place as the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. The deal eclipsed Kelce's current contract and stirred conversation across the league.Kayla Nicole shared a powerful backstage videoIn response to the news, Claire Kittle, George's wife, celebrated on Instagram. That's where Kayla Nicole entered the chat - literally - with a bold and unmistakably enthusiastic message:"[Expletive] YEAAAAA! Bang bang baby," Nicole wrote.Kittle surpasses Kelce financiallyWhile Nicole didn't mention Kelce directly, the timing and content of her comment raised eyebrows among fans and […]

trending_flat
Fantasy Football 2025: RB Kaleb Johnson player profile

Kaleb Johnson took advantage of his opportunity: Johnson wasn’t the Iowa Hawkeyes‘ starter until his final season, but he dominated in the run game once he had the chance. Johnson will compete with Jaylen Warren: The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ incumbent back will take all of the passing down work, but Johnson will be able to see at least some playing time as a rusher. Final chance to claim 25% off PFF+: Use code DRAFT25 and unlock access to player grades, fantasy tools and the 2025 Draft Guide Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes PFF’s Fantasy Football Player Profile series delivers the most in-depth fantasy football analysis available for the 2025 season. Using PFF’s exclusive data, we evaluate player performance, competition for touches and how teammates and coaching staffs will impact each player's fantasy football outlook. Last updated: 7:15 a.m. Tuesday, April 29 […]

trending_flat
Ryan Garcia belittles Rolando Romero and threatens Devin Haney: “I’m also going to beat up his father”

Ryan Garcia's return to the ring after a year-long suspension is just three days away, when he takes on Rolly Romero (16-2, 13 KOs) in the main event of the 'Fatal Fury' card on Friday, May 2 at Times Square.In the co-main event, Devin Haney will take on Jose Ramirez, while the co-main event will feature Teofimo Lopez vs Arnold Barboza Jr.Canelo Alvarez rocks like a superstar and strikes first against William Scull in Saudi ArabiaAlthough KingRy should be focused on Romero, a year of cross-insults against Devin Haney and his father Bill have him with the rivalry ignited and he again launched a threat to beat them both during the 'Grand Arrivals' event held in New York."Yes, I'm willing to prove it. I can't wait! I'm also going to beat up his father," Ryan Garcia threatened about Bill Haney […]

Be the first to leave a comment

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sportivo bridges the gap between talent and opportunity.

About SPORTIVO

Sportivo Network is a dedicated social platform for sports enthusiasts, athletes, and scouts. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete looking for opportunities, a coach searching for talent, or simply a sports lover wanting to connect with like-minded people, Sportivo is your go-to network. With features like direct messaging, profile showcasing, and talent scouting, Sportivo bridges the gap between talent and opportunity. Here, you can share your achievements, interact with professionals, and open doors to the next level in your sports journey. Join Sportivo Network – because every great athlete deserves to be discovered!
Copyright © 2025 SPORTIVO News. and SPORTIVO Network. All rights reserved.

Login to enjoy full advantages

Please login or subscribe to continue.

Go Premium!

Enjoy the full advantage of the premium access.

Stop following

Unfollow Cancel

Cancel subscription

Are you sure you want to cancel your subscription? You will lose your Premium access and stored playlists.

Go back Confirm cancellation