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Having been so impressive for swathes of the 2024/25 Premier League season, all eyes turn to Liverpool this year – as they look to win consecutive EPL titles for the first time in their history.
Arne Slot’s side, like so many of the EPL behemoths, have spent plenty of money this summer – as they chase domestic glory and European accolades too.
A record-breaking six Premier League sides will participate in the Champions League this season, meaning there will be plenty of distractions for the top sides in England.
In addition, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest will be in Europa League action, with Community Shield winners Crystal Palace in continental action in the Europa Conference League – meaning almost half the division will have European football to contend with.
Promoted sides Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland will all be looking to buck the trend of being relegated back to the Championship at the first attempt and they too, have all invested heavily in their respective squads.
The beginning of a new season is always a time for optimism for every punter, fan and EPL betting site and there promises to be plenty of thrills and spills along the way this term.
Premier League – Outright Winners – The Favourites
Having wrestled the EPL title from Manchester City last season, it feels as if Liverpool have the impetus heading into the new campaign.
City broke ground in winning 4 leagues in a row between 2021 and 2024 but the arrival of Arne Slot as manager at Liverpool proved to be the difference maker, as they clinched their second title in 5 years.
It has been a summer of turmoil at Anfield, with Portuguese striker Diogo Jota tragically killed in a car accident, with the club and the wider football community united in grief during the off-season.
The reality of football however is that the show must go on and the reds have invested heavily in a playing squad that was brimming with confidence for large periods last year.
They have broken the British record transfer fee to sign Florian Wirtz, with Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong all joining the club too – as they look to freshen up their output all over the pitch and they are certainly the side to catch this season.
Perennial nearly men Arsenal will be laying down the gauntlet, as they look to win their first Premier League title in over two decades.
Mikel Arteta has spent big – as he does every year and he will be hoping to carve out a winning formula this time around.
Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke and Christian Norgaard have all been brought in for hefty fees and the Emirates Stadium expects once again this term.
Much was made of Manchester City’s struggles last season, and the blues will be eager to assert themselves on the EPL again this time around.
With the iconic Kevin de Bruyne having left the club, City have splurged too, signing Tijani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri, as Pep Guardiola engages in a new era of personnel at the Etihad.
Having won 6 of the last 9 Premier League titles since Guardiola arrived in 2016, writing off City is never wise, and the blues could relish sneaking under the radar a touch this season.
Premier League – Outright Winners – Outsiders
With such astronomic sums of money spent during the summer, there are plenty of sides who could force their way into the EPL title mix.
Chelsea are the most obvious challengers, fresh off the back of their FIFA Club World Cup triumph and the blues have gone big in the transfer market – as they always do.
Enzo Maresca looks to be creating a strong squad dynamic at Stamford Bridge, and they will be worth a look, if they get off to a fast start.
Thomas Frank has been installed as the new manager at Tottenham, and he will be looking to replicate his success at Brentford, with his new employers across London.
Spurs won the Europa League last season but were way off the pace in the EPL and need to develop consistency on a weekly basis if they are to challenge.
Manchester United and Newcastle United are two more sides that will be harbouring ambitions of challenging at the sharp end of the table this term and both have endured summers of change ahead of the new campaign.
Premier League – Golden Boot Winner
For the first time in his tenure at Manchester City, Erling Haaland didn’t win the EPL Golden Boot last season, and he will be desperate to clinch back the crown this time around.
Mohamed Salah’s goal contributions were key for Liverpool as they landed the title last year and he will be hoping to make use of his bumper new contract this season.
Plenty of big name strikers have arrived in the EPL over the summer and all eyes will be on Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, who have been acquired to solve striking problems at Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.
One man yet to move is Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, with plenty of interest developing in the Swede and whether he stays or goes remains the key question in the build up to the new EPL season.
Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – 6/4
Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal) – 5/1
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) – 13/2
Alexander Isak (Newcastle United) – 13/2
Benjamin Sesko (Manchester United) – 25/1
Premier League – Relegation
All three of the promoted sides in the last two seasons have been unceremoniously dumped back into the Championship and Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland are faced with going against the grain this time around.
Stepping up to the EPL is always a challenge but all three sides have Premier League experience in their ranks, and they will be fighting for their lives from the off.
Brentford have lost their talismanic manager Thomas Frank and could take time to adjust to life without him, while Wolves have lost plenty of their prized assets during the summer and are engaging in a rebuild.
West Ham didn’t get going at all last season and will need to turn the tide here, while David Moyes will be looking to steer his Everton team away from any potential trouble from the outset.
