The new Premier League season is almost here. Fixtures for 2026/27 were released this week. Arsenal go in as defending champions, and the race to stop them is already heating up.
Here at GameDay, we break down every title contender, every key storyline, and give you our final predictions for the season ahead.
Arsenal: Can They Do It Again?
Last season, Arsenal were outstanding. They finished on 85 points. Their goalkeeper David Raya kept 19 clean sheets — the best in the division. Furthermore, their goal difference of +44 was miles ahead of any other side.
Defending a title is never easy, though. Only a handful of clubs have managed it in the Premier League era. As a result, Mikel Arteta’s biggest challenge this year is not just winning — it is winning again.
Their opening fixture is at home to newly promoted Coventry City on August 21. Before that, they face Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 16. According to the Arsenal official website, the club are already active in the transfer market this summer.
GameDay prediction: Title favourites. However, expect a slow start before they find their rhythm.
Manchester City: Rebuilding, But Still Dangerous
City finished second last season with 78 points. That is a solid return. Nevertheless, the club is clearly in transition following the end of the Guardiola era.
Midfield remains the area that needs the most work. Moreover, their Champions League exit was earlier than expected. City will be busy in this transfer window as they look to close the gap on Arsenal.
The Community Shield clash with the Gunners gives us an early look at where City currently stand.
GameDay prediction: Top four is certain. A genuine title push depends heavily on summer signings.
Manchester United: A Fresh Start Under Carrick
Michael Carrick is now the permanent manager at Old Trafford. Last season United finished third with 71 points — a real improvement on recent campaigns. Consequently, expectations at the club are rising quickly.
The squad already has quality in attack. Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and Matheus Cunha all arrived last summer. In addition, Carrick’s clear tactical identity has given the team a new sense of direction.
GameDay prediction: Top four again. A title challenge may come — but probably not quite yet.
Liverpool: Bounce Back Season?
Liverpool had a frustrating 2025/26. They spent heavily on players like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. Despite that, they finished fifth on just 60 points.
A new manager arrives this summer, which adds both excitement and uncertainty. On the positive side, they have already signed centre-back Jeremy Jacquet from Stade Rennais for £55 million. However, they still need more additions to close the gap on the top three.
You can follow all of Liverpool’s transfer activity at the Sky Sports Transfer Centre.
GameDay prediction: A much improved campaign. Top four is the realistic minimum target.
Aston Villa: The Dark Horse
Villa were one of last season’s best stories. They finished fourth with 65 points. At one stage, they put together an eight-match winning run — the longest in the division all season.
Unai Emery has built something special at Villa Park. Moreover, they now have Champions League experience to draw on. Keeping hold of their best players will be the key challenge this summer.
GameDay prediction: Top six is the floor. If they keep the squad together, they can push even higher.
The Three Promoted Clubs
Three new sides join the Premier League this season. Coventry City are back in the top flight for the first time since 2001. Ipswich Town return after their relegation last campaign. Hull City sealed their promotion through the play-offs.
Survival will be the target for all three. Nevertheless, at least one of them is likely to surprise people — as newly promoted sides so often do in the Premier League.
The Transfer Window: What to Watch
The summer window opened on June 15 and runs until September 1. Several big storylines are already developing.
Tottenham have moved quickly on free transfers. Chelsea have added multiple new faces. Meanwhile, Bournemouth are working hard to hold onto their most valuable young players amid strong interest from abroad.
The clubs that get their business done early will have a real advantage. Short pre-seasons, World Cup hangovers, and fixture congestion mean squad depth will be tested from day one.
Our Final Title Race Predictions
After analysing every squad, every signing, and every fixture list, here is the GameDay verdict for 2026/27:
- Arsenal — Best squad, best manager, best platform to defend
- Manchester City — Too much quality to write off, even mid-rebuild
- Aston Villa — The most dangerous dark horse in years
- Manchester United — Rising fast under Carrick
- Liverpool — New manager bounce could take them anywhere
As always in the Premier League, someone will surprise us. Someone will disappoint. That is exactly what makes it the best league in the world.
Follow every twist in the title race right here at pitchmag.online. GameDay has you covered all season long.
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