The 2025/26 Premier League season has just kicked off, and the excitement is already sky-high. Fans, pundits, and even data models are debating the same question: who will lift the trophy this season? As of September 5, the contenders are beginning to take shape — with Liverpool and Arsenal leading the charge, while Manchester City and Chelsea lurk in the background as potential challengers.
Liverpool: The Clear Favorites
Liverpool enter the season as the bookies’ and data analysts’ top pick. According to Opta’s supercomputer, the Reds have a massive 73.4% chance of retaining their crown. Betting odds back this too, with Liverpool sitting at 6/5 favorites ahead of Arsenal and City.
Why so much confidence? The Merseysiders had a spectacular summer transfer window, bringing in Florian Wirtz for over £100 million, along with Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong. This injection of talent has transformed their depth and added firepower to an already dominant squad.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Frimpong, Van Dijk, Konaté, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Salah, Isak, Díaz.
Arsenal: The Main Challenger
Mikel Arteta’s side are once again expected to push Liverpool all the way. Arsenal strengthened heavily this summer with Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyökeres, Noni Madueke, and Cristhian Mosquera joining an already stacked squad.
They now boast the most valuable squad in the Premier League at £1.15 billion, surpassing even Manchester City. With young stars like Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice leading the charge, Arsenal have both depth and ambition.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Ødegaard, Eze; Gyökeres.
Manchester City: Still in the Mix
City may not be outright favorites this time, but Pep Guardiola’s team can never be ruled out. Their title defense stumbled early last season, yet their squad remains elite with Haaland, Foden, Rodri, and De Bruyne still in place.
The challenge for City will be maintaining consistency in a season where rivals have invested heavily. If their stars stay fit, they remain capable of going toe-to-toe with Liverpool and Arsenal.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Ederson; Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Ake; Rodri, De Bruyne, Foden; Silva, Haaland, Doku.
Chelsea: The Dark Horses
Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea are showing signs of stability at last. Bookmakers rank them as outsiders at 8/1 odds, but their youthful squad could surprise. If new signings gel quickly and Christopher Nkunku stays fit, Chelsea may push for the top four — or even sneak into the title conversation.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Madueke, Nkunku, Palmer; Jackson.
Verdict: Who Will Lift the Trophy?
Liverpool are the clear frontrunners — depth, form, and elite signings put them in pole position. Arsenal are the most credible challengers, boasting both squad value and tactical cohesion. Manchester City remain dangerous, though not as dominant as in past years. Chelsea could shake things up, but consistency remains their biggest test.
The Premier League 2025/26 title race promises drama, intensity, and fine margins. If early signs are anything to go by, expect another thrilling battle between Liverpool and Arsenal — with the Reds just edging ahead as favorites to lift the trophy come May.
