The biggest football league in the world returns this weekend as the English Premier League season begins. To set you up for all the action, Jack Tobin takes you through his season preview below, with his title winners and Golden Boot predictions!
EPL 2025-26: Season Preview & Betting Tips
The Contenders
Liverpool
The Reds put together a remarkably dominant campaign in Arne Slot’s first season in charge, winning the title with four games to spare. Liverpool haven’t sat on their heels, making some of the biggest signings of the off season including Florian Wirtz and Jermey Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen as well as Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt. The Reds have lost Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Diaz, however Liverpool has shown a great capacity over the last decade to cope after losing star players. Arguably the biggest question coming into the season will be how the Reds will handle the tragic loss of Diogo Jota during the off season, will it impact their onfield performances in ‘25/’26? On paper Liverpool have a side and a system that are going to feature right at the pointy end of the table.
Arsenal
Season ‘24/’25 was more of the same for Arsenal, finishing runners up for a third consecutive season, another missed opportunity of breaking their 21 year title drought. In a year where Manchester City finally slipped up, the Gunners couldn’t capitalise and it leaves the North London side under a massive amount of pressure to win the title. Arsenal have made big waves during the transfer window signing Martín Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga. Viktor Gyökeres’s arrival in particular gives a lot of excitement, with the Swede scoring 39 goals in Liga Portugal last season and 54 goals in all competitions. Mikel Arteta’s side has always had the talent, but can they bury their demons and handle the pressure come the latter stages of the season?
Manchester City
Manchester City’s quest for four consecutive titles failed, finishing 13 points behind the Reds in third place. The gap in final points tally flattered City, after Liverpool failed to win any of their final four games after securing the title. City have spent €176 this transfer window, headlined by the acquisition of Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders who will have a lot of pressure to fill the shoes of Kevin De Bruyne who has gone to Napoli. The big question around Manchester City heading into this season will be if they can adapt their style to suit the evolution of where the game is going. Pep Guardiola’s skillful side was found wanting by stronger and fitter teams last season, and bridging that gap will be a big challenge for the legendary manager.
Chelsea
The West London side were somewhat of a surprise last season, finishing 4th after placing 6th and 12th in the two seasons prior. Enzo Maresca has had a great start to his time at Chelsea, winning the Club World Cup and UEFA Conference League alongside securing a Champions League position for this season. Chelsea were the third best defensive side in the league last season, conceding only 43 goals, along with ranking 7th for goals for (64). Chelsea know they still have a gap to make up on Liverpool and Arsenal, and they’ve looked to address that through the transfer window. Chelsea have made some big signings, spending €279 headlined by the arrivals of Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato.
Title Winners
It’s impossible to go past Liverpool after what they’ve done last season, in what should have been a difficult campaign with Arne Slot taking over from Jurgen Klopp, but they won the title with ease. Manchester City should bounce back from a poor season, but it’s a big ask for them to improve drastically after losing Kevin De Bruyne. Arsenal have the talent but lack winning experience, which has shown to be a massive factor in the last three seasons. Liverpool were the best attacking team in the league (86 goals) and the second best defensive side in the league (41 goals conceded). Mo Salah led the league in goals (29) and assists (18), becoming only the fifth player to lead both stats in a season, as well as equalling the record for most goal involvements in a season (47). Liverpool had a 25-7-2 record to the point when they secured the title last season, and they’re in the box seat to go back to back.
Golden Boot Winner
Despite putting together a historic season in 2024/25, Mo Salah isn’t the favourite to win the Golden Boot. The four time Golden Boot winner provides some solid value at $5, after scoring 29 goals last season, 6 clear of second placed Alexander Isak. Since moving to Liverpool Salah has been the most consistent goal scorer in the Premier League, finishing inside the top five goal scorers in seven of his eight seasons, and being the top goal scorer on four occasions.
Mo Salah Top Goalscorer
$5.00
