Premier League predictions 2026-27: BBC Sport pundits pick their top four

Last season, only four teams featured in the forecasted top-four positions, but this time there are seven named, in 15 different combinations.

Overall expected ranking, using all 28 predictions is:

Arsenal (109 points)
Manchester City (73)
Liverpool (38)
Chelsea (35)
Manchester United (21)
Aston Villa and Tottenham (both two)

Calculated using a system of four points for a first place, three points for second, two points for third and one point for fourth.

Arsenal – ‘Arteta’s army marches on’

Last year, only 17% of BBC predictors (6/35) thought they would be champions. This year, 89% (25/28) think they will successfully defend their crown and no-one thinks they will finish lower than second.

Theo Walcott: They have got the biggest advantage of all – continuity. Mikel Arteta is still there, they are coming off an 85-point title-winning season and they have strengthened rather than rebuilt.

The Bruno Guimaraes signing is massive, to add to a midfield that already boasts Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi. Their defence was also ridiculously good last season, although William Saliba’s progress after his World Cup injury is something to watch closely.

Thomas Hitzlsperger: Arsenal are the team to beat. Unlike a lot of their rivals, they kept their manager and, every season, the team plays together and gets additions.

I still don’t expect Arsenal to play nice football in the sense that I am excited to watch them play. I just think they really know what it takes to win, and they are going to do the same again this season.

Danny Murphy: It is always hard to call it now, especially when it feels like all the top teams have a lot of business to do before the transfer window shuts, but I can’t look past Arsenal as champions.

The main reasons being the momentum and confidence they will have from winning the Premier League already, but also the consistency of having the same manager and same players and just sprinkling even more quality on top.

They have not lost any of their best players and they have got a group who know what the manager expects from them and are completely on board with it. Arteta didn’t need to spend half the pre-season drilling them with his methods like a new manager has to.

Joe Hart: It’s really important how Arsenal handle the scrutiny of being champions, but they will totally understand that and what is coming their way.

Leon Osman: They look like a team that are ready to have a run at winning three titles in the next four or five years.

Teams like United in the early Premier League days, Arsenal under Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea give me the vibes this team does. And the way they’ve strengthened brilliantly states the league isn’t their only objective this season.

Matt Upson: They are my favourites again but I don’t see them running away with it. Staying at the top is always harder – ask any manager – and you also have to remember there were spells when they looked like they had run out of steam last season and were grinding out results a lot of the time.

The biggest challenge for Arteta this year will be picking the right team, or rather resting the right players, for the right games and keeping players engaged and ready to step in when needed.

Chris Sutton: He will have to try to keep everyone happy but if you are fighting on all fronts, that’s possible. They do look like they are at a different level, squad-wise.

They won the title in a bit of a different way so it will be interesting to see how they go about it this time, but it does look on the face of it like they can beat you up, or just play through you.

Nedum Onuoha: Watching them against City [in the Community Shield], you knew how they were going to play and so did their players. Arsenal have not just spent pre-season getting ready for this, they have spent the past five or six years building.

Glenn Murray: They have had continuity for several seasons now, plus winning the league has given the group a wave of belief that will see them win another title.

Michael Brown: It’s theirs to lose. Arsenal should win the league because of the transition at other clubs, but also because of the quality and rhythm they have already got.

Rachel Brown-Finnis: Great squad depth and additions this summer. Arteta’s army marches on!

Troy Deeney: They are the best team and they going to win the league by a comfortable margin. My only question is can they win the Champions League too? I still think they need an extra player in on that left-hand side to get that done.

Sue Smith: The way Bruno played in the Community Shield, it felt like he’s fitted in already. There are probably still players that they will look to bring in, but they have got a couple of great options in every position now.

Ellen White: Bruno gives them something different again because he is so tenacious, an absolute warrior. Their midfield is formidable now, with Rice, Bruno, and Martin Odegaard to go in there, and then you have got Miles Lewis-Skelly too, almost saying “I’m still here” after the talk of him leaving. It’s a great problem for Arteta to have.

I don’t know if they will get another number nine this summer or not, but I still think they have more potential to be champions than any other team.

Tony Pulis: They are already strong enough defensively and they can score goals from everywhere. If they get the centre-forward they are looking for, they are going to be better than they were last year.

Shay Given: They might miss out on the title unless they sign a top striker in the next couple of weeks to help with the goal situation.

Paul Robinson: If Victor Osimhen comes in from Galatasaray, and they get Villa defender Ezri Konsa too, then it’s a different conversation. But they are not the only team still trying to get deals done.

Man City – ‘They are rebuilding but will still be up there’

City were the BBC predictors’ pre-season favourites in eight out of their 10 seasons under Pep Guardiola from 2016 onwards, and were champions six times during that period. But before their first campaign with Enzo Maresca in charge, only 12% (3/26) think they will reclaim the title.

Thomas Hitzlsperger: City are the only English club to have been ever-present in the Champions League since 2011, which is an achievement in itself when you think about how competitive the top of the Premier League is.

With Pep Guardiola, I would always say they would finish in the top four, but now he has gone, and it is always so tough to follow someone like that. Maybe this is the year that City finally drop out.

Shay Given: I don’t think Pep leaving means we will see what happened when Sir Alex Ferguson left United. Instead, I am expecting the opposite, because of a fresh voice in the dressing room. These players have not won the Premier League in two years so they will be hungry for success. City will be number one.

Troy Deeney: My prediction for City is not based off what happened in the Community Shield, it is based off what I saw with Enzo Maresca at Leicester and Chelsea.

I am not sure he has got that ability to really demand what he wants. Pep has taught all these coaches, but only Arteta has tweaked it and kind of mentioned “I am going to use all the principles, but this is my way of doing it”.

I don’t want to be disrespectful, but Maresca is a BTEC version of Pep Guardiola. He plays a certain way and has no other way of dealing with it. You saw on Sunday how bad City were defensively but all of his teams are wide open, and he is still doing that now, even with better players – top-class players.

Joe Hart: City were clunky against Arsenal in Cardiff but I don’t think they will over-react to one poor game. I think they still believe they’ve got the team and the quality to challenge.

Theo Walcott: Maresca replacing Pep is obviously a gigantic question mark, but City’s squad is still absurd. The problem is the transition from Pep to Maresca, plus losing Rodri and others.

Nedum Onuoha: City have still got a bunch of players who have won the title before, but they have got a new manager and have also lost some of their more senior players.

Anita Asante: Maresca’s playing style is not that dissimilar to Pep’s so there is not this massive change in terms of the team’s identity. They have still got some fantastic forward players too, but Rodri leaving is massive because we know how pivotal he has been at the club.

It’s the same with losing John Stones and Bernardo Silva too. They were leaders in the dressing room and they will be missed there, as well as on the pitch.

Leon Osman: That signals problems for me, even with Erling Haaland there.

Pat Nevin: Midfield, management, you name it – City are rebuilding. I will be surprised if they win it, but they will still be up there.

Rachel Brown-Finnis: They still have some big guns, but will be too inconsistent to win the league.

Matt Upson: Even if Maresca struggles a bit at first, you look at the quality and experience in their squad and the goals in their team, and they still have enough to stay up there. I can’t leave them out. City had that huge drop-off under Pep in the season before last, when they were terrible for a few months, and they still made the top four.

Danny Murphy: I look at the firepower City have got and, whoever the manager is and whoever they are playing against, they are still going to be able to score a lot of goals and win a lot of games. I would still have them as being Arsenal’s nearest rivals.

Chris Waddle: The City midfield of Kevin de Bruyne, Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan that won so much has all gone now, and they are replacing them with people where the expectation is they will grow into that City shirt.

They are trying to build a new team, and it might take them a year or two. They will still be in the top four, but the question is how well – and how quickly – they gel together.

Steph Houghton: Arsenal will be tough to beat but I still think City will push them, as soon as their players get back into a bit of form and find some rhythm.

This is the next era for City, with a new manager and new players, and I think the likes of Elliot Anderson will come good. Then there is Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki, plus Haaland of course. It’s still a world-class squad.

Sue Smith: They are going to add to their midfield so it’s hard to predict what they will do until the end of the transfer window and we know who they’ve got, but Anderson will be a success there.

There is a lot of pressure and expectation on his shoulders but he is a brilliant player and it just seems like he’ll be able to cope with that.

Ellen White: City want Enzo Fernandez from Chelsea, but I am not sure he is the right player for them. And, whoever comes in, it is going to take time to find the right balance in midfield.

Chris Sutton: There’s no doubt the pressure will be on Maresca from the off, and replacing Rodri is nigh on impossible. They are in for Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi, who is a talented player but he is 18, and would be a massive gamble.

Michael Brown: City are in transition, and a lot depends on who they bring in. But if they have a really impressive end to the window, it changes everything.

Liverpool – ‘A work in progress but Iraola is exciting’

Last season, 22 of 35 BBC predictors had them down as champions and only three thought they would finish lower than second. This time, only four of 28 have them finishing higher than third.

Danny Murphy: Liverpool might need a bit more time before they are challenging for the title again. I am also not sure whether they think they have already got enough to replace Mohamed Salah by bringing in Victor Munoz and maybe giving Rio Ngumoha a bigger role, or whether they are really going to go for Paris St-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, or someone like him, in the next few days.

Michael Brown: They look light to me as I write this. Who are they going to get to improve them?

Lindsay Johnson: Liverpool and Chelsea are in the same boat because both new managers will take time to settle in, and Liverpool probably don’t have a big enough squad to last a full season playing the football Andoni Iraola plays.

Theo Walcott: Liverpool are probably the hardest team to call. Iraola is an excellent manager and if Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have big seasons, they could absolutely push Arsenal for the title.

Thomas Hitzlsperger: I’ve gone for them to finish second because I really like the way Iraola’s teams play. Also, I am kind of biased here because I am really hoping Wirtz has the season now that people expected him to have last year.

Paul Robinson: Wirtz looked a different player towards the end of last season and they also have a manager who has proved himself, and is Premier League ready.

Sue Smith: I know it’s a completely different level and expectation managing Liverpool and it’s going be interesting to see how he does in that sort of step up, but all you can judge Iraola on is what he’s done at Bournemouth and I think he’s been brilliant. Defensively is my concern, though. Especially the right-hand side.

Anita Asante: It will take time for Liverpool to adapt to Iraola’s style, which is closer to Jurgen Klopp’s. I am excited, because that means high-tempo, high pressing and playing on the front foot, but that’s why it’s even more important they sign reinforcements to strengthen their defence.

Glenn Murray: They have got all the forward players you could dream of, but Iraola has a big headache when it comes to finding the right balance between attack and defence.

Troy Deeney: They are decently balanced although I still think they need an additional left-back and an extra midfielder. Ultimately they have got one X-factor – Isak. He is a top goalscorer who has got a point to prove because everyone has written him off.

Rachel Brown-Finnis: Iraola is Liverpool’s most exciting signing in recent years. Liverpool’s football DNA will be back.

Leon Osman: Liverpool are a work in progress. Older players leaving, new managers in. Some good signings at the back but will Iraola get them firing straight away? I’m not sure.

Chelsea – ‘They are potentially going to be unplayable’

Last season, Chelsea figured in all 35 top-four predictions, and finished 10th. This time, they are in 21/28 predictions, with five people backing them to be runners-up.

Pat Nevin: As usual my top four is only a guess but it’s the triumvirate of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers up front that makes me back Chelsea to be in there more than anything else. They are a group who are exciting, and brilliant as well. It will be fascinating to see how they get on.

Sue Smith: They have been using Palmer and Rogers as two number 10s in pre-season, which is frightening. They are potentially going to be unplayable.

Michael Brown: They have got all this talent but as usual it is still about them finding the right balance. They might surprise people and be solid.

Joe Hart: Their squad is well built, and they don’t have European football.

Nedum Onuoha: It’s a ridiculous anomaly for teams like Chelsea or Spurs to not be in Europe, and being able to focus on domestic football while they have both been spending such big money.

Matt Upson: There seems to have been a big change in their transfer policy and the balance of their squad looks a lot better for them to be able to win trophies.

Troy Deeney: No Europe means more time on the training pitch, so Xabi Alonso will be in a great position to figure out what works best. I wouldn’t be surprised if they finished second, because I can’t split them, City or Liverpool.

Glenn Murray: Alonso is coming in with a point to prove after what happened at Real Madrid, and he has made some shrewd signings, including some experienced players who can help their young team-mates harness their enormous potential.

Chris Waddle: Having Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson in the team will be like having a coach on the pitch. Yes they are 35 and 36 now, but I played in the Premier League until I was 36 and I didn’t really find it hard. You still have your brain and, even if your legs have gone a bit, you can have legs around you.

Step Houghton: That experience is what people were saying they were missing last season.

Tony Pulis: I really rate Alonso and bringing in Welbeck and Henderson was almost an act of genius because if, you look from the outside, the problems at that club are because there has been no-one in the dressing room to pull up the young players when that has been needed.

Thomas Hitzlsperger: Chelsea are probably the team I am most optimistic about when I look at the manager.

Anita Asante: Alonso will give them structure and bring an identity to the team but he won’t restrict the players. I feel like he will give them the freedom to express themselves.

Theo Walcott: Alonso gives them the stability they have been missing. If Palmer stays fit, I can see them being one of the most consistent teams outside the title race.

Man Utd – ‘The mood at the club feels different’

Last season, none of the BBC predictors backed United to make the top four, and they finished third. This time they figure in 14/28 predictions, although only one of them has them improving on last year’s position.

Thomas Hitzlsperger: United can stabilise themselves this season.

Michael Brown: The legs of the squad is still a concern, and the Champions League could make them unstable.

Anita Asante: The mood at the club just feels different, compared to how dysfunctional they were under Ruben Amorim or Erik ten Hag.

Ellen White: Unlike last season, Carrick has got Champions League football to contend with. I like Youri Tielemans as a signing, but they need more in… and is Marcus Rashford staying?

Paul Robinson: The best thing Carrick can do with Rashford is put his arm around him and try to get the best out of him. It’s difficult enough anyway to find another player at his level, but especially when you have already got him and don’t have to pay anything for him.

Steph Houghton: Rashford staying would be a massive bonus because we know his quality and he has a different skillset to a lot of the forwards they have already.

Chris Waddle: They have Rashford back at the moment but is his heart in it? Or his head? I think he’s had a taste of being abroad and I’d be surprised if he doesn’t want to try it again.

Matthew Upson: In the time Carrick was there, from January onwards, United showed they are definitely top-four material, and they are the ones I found it hardest to leave out.

Tony Pulis: I still don’t think United, over a season, will do it with what they have got at the moment. They might still get three or four in, and that changes the picture but, right now, they are short. Arsenal and City are miles ahead of them.

Troy Deeney: I’ve got United down as fifth. A solid year, but nothing special. I don’t think they have got a great squad so they will be out of the Champions League by February and then they can concentrate on the league.

Lindsay Johnson: United’s defence needs work but they may sneak in fourth.

Anyone else? – ‘Villa are so good under Emery’ and ‘can you ever trust Spurs?’

Lindsay Johnson: I’ve put Villa in there again because of Unai Emery and his experience.

Leon Osman: Villa have been brilliant the past few seasons but they keep letting their best players go. How long can Emery keep over-performing with what he’s given?

Thomas Hitzlsperger: Villa being in the Champions League means they are probably going to be in the top six rather than the top four, but they are just so good under Emery.

Glenn Murray: Tottenham are going to be much better than last season. They have made some great signings and James Maddison is back fit. My only worry for them is that they still need a goalscorer.

Leon Osman: Their signings, plus injury returns should see Tottenham competing where they expect to – but can you ever trust Spurs?

Paul Robinson: Spurs had a shocker last season but this time they are on the fringes of the Champions League places, without a doubt. When Roberto de Zerbi took over last season, he wanted guarantees in the transfer market this summer – and judging by the players he has brought in, he got them.

Newcastle are miles off it, though. I cover the Saudi Pro League and Matthias Jaissle is a good coach who plays attractive football – but he needs the players and at the moment they don’t have them.

Troy Deeney: After finishing 17th two seasons in a row, expecting Spurs to be in the top five is a big ask. It is Nottingham Forest who are my surprise package this year – I know people will say they have lost Anderson but, the way they play, I don’t think he is a massive loss. The owner is ambitious and so is Oliver Glasner, so it is a marriage made in heaven.

Nedum Onuoha: I am going with Leeds and Sunderland to surprise people. A few people are expecting Sunderland to struggle because they are in Europe but the owners are a bit more ambitious than people realise. They won’t necessarily be fifth in November, but I don’t think they will be down the bottom either.

The same for Leeds. Staying up last year was huge, and now they are thinking about part two of who they want to be, and part two features things like signing a goalkeeper for £40m.

Steph Houghton: Sunderland are playing more games this season and have not been able to boost their squad yet, but hopefully that will happen next week. But they were seventh last time and will be there or thereabouts again, especially if they can sustain their home form.

Tony Pulis: I don’t see Villa making it although they are a good side. I don’t think any of the teams like Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford – who were all in the top 10 last season – will be anywhere near the relegation places, but it is very difficult for them to get into the top four.

Danny Murphy: I am not talking about the top four, but Ipswich might surprise a few people and, out of the the ones who have come up, be the team who don’t struggle.

They have spent quite a lot, and brought in about a dozen players, like Sunderland did last year, and again they have brought in a similar type of player too, with a lot of athleticism.

Their manager Gary O’Neil did all right at Wolves and Bournemouth and he will be as well-equipped as ever to know which games to go after, and when to dig in.

Premier League predictions 2026-27: BBC Sport pundits pick their top four

Arsenal – ‘Arteta’s army marches on’

Man City – ‘They are rebuilding but will still be up there’

Liverpool – ‘A work in progress but Iraola is exciting’

Chelsea – ‘They are potentially going to be unplayable’

Man Utd – ‘The mood at the club feels different’

Anyone else? – ‘Villa are so good under Emery’ and ‘can you ever trust Spurs?’

Disagree? Make your own prediction here

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Arsenal – ‘Arteta’s army marches on’

Man City – ‘They are rebuilding but will still be up there’

Liverpool – ‘A work in progress but Iraola is exciting’

Chelsea – ‘They are potentially going to be unplayable’

Man Utd – ‘The mood at the club feels different’

Anyone else? – ‘Villa are so good under Emery’ and ‘can you ever trust Spurs?’

Disagree? Make your own prediction here

Related topics

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