With the FIFA World Cup now a distant memory, attention turns back to domestic football as anticipation builds for the start of the Premier League 2026/27 Season. The new campaign gets underway on Friday 21 August, with every club dreaming of success over the next nine months. After ending their 22-year wait for a league title, Arsenal begin the season as reigning champions and will be determined to defend their crown.
As another fascinating Premier League season approaches, plenty of questions remain. Can Arsenal retain the title? Which of the newly promoted clubs will establish themselves in the top flight? Who will secure European football, and which teams could face a relegation battle? We take a look at the biggest storylines to watch ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Newly promoted clubs to the Premier League for the 2026/27 season
Coventry City return after winning the 2025/26 Championship under Frank Lampard. Furthermore, the Sky Blues impressed with exciting attacking football and solid defending. Striker Haji Wright scored 17 league goals during their title-winning campaign. Consequently, supporters hope he can replicate that form in the Premier League and help secure survival.
Meanwhile, Ipswich Town earned an immediate return after finishing second in the Championship. Under Kieran McKenna, they played attractive football throughout the season. Additionally, Marcelino Núñez contributed eight league assists during the promotion campaign. However, McKenna departed after promotion to take a break from football. Therefore, former Bournemouth and Wolves manager Gary O’Neil now takes charge. His Premier League experience could prove vital as Ipswich target survival.
Hull City also secured promotion after an impressive Championship season. Firstly, they defeated Millwall in the play-off semi-finals. Afterwards, they overcame Middlesbrough at Wembley to return to the top flight. Oli McBurnie scored the decisive goal, sending Hull supporters into celebration.
However, the play-off final followed an extraordinary “Spygate” controversy. Southampton were expelled after breaching league regulations. Consequently, Middlesbrough replaced them in the final just days before kick-off. Despite the disruption, Hull remained focused and seized their opportunity. Now, the Tigers face the challenge of establishing themselves in the Premier League during the 2026/27 season.
Premier League managers at the start of the 2026/27 season
• Arsenal – Mikel Arteta
• Aston Villa – Unai Emery
• Bournemouth – Marco Rose
• Brentford – Keith Andrews
• Brighton & Hove Albion – Fabian Hürzeler
• Chelsea – Xabi Alonso
• Coventry City – Frank Lampard
• Crystal Palace – Pierre Sage
• Everton – David Moyes
• Fulham – Álvaro Arbeloa
• Hull City – Sergej Jakirović
• Ipswich Town – Gary O’Neil
• Leeds United – Daniel Farke
• Liverpool – Andoni Iraola
• Manchester City – Enzo Maresca
• Manchester United – Michael Carrick
• Newcastle United – Vacant (following Eddie Howe’s departure)
• Nottingham Forest – Oliver Glasner
• Sunderland – Régis Le Bris
• Tottenham Hotspur – Roberto De Zerbi
Who are the favourites to secure Champions League football…
The race for Champions League qualification looks set to be one of the most competitive storylines of the 2026/27 Premier League season. Based on squad strength, recent performances, managerial appointments and current betting markets, these are the leading contenders:
The reigning Premier League champions begin the season as favourites to retain their title and are expected to secure a top-four finish comfortably. Mikel Arteta has assembled one of the league’s strongest squads, making Arsenal the team to beat.
Despite entering a new era following Pep Guardiola’s departure, Manchester City still possess one of the deepest squads in Europe. They remain strong favourites to finish in the Champions League places and should once again challenge for the title.
Liverpool are expected to be firmly in the hunt for both the Premier League title and Champions League qualification. A talented squad and high expectations under Andoni Iraola make them one of the favourites for a top-four finish.
After an impressive turnaround under Michael Carrick, Manchester United head into the new campaign with renewed optimism. They finished strongly last season and are widely tipped to secure another Champions League place.
Chelsea appear to be one of the biggest challengers to the traditional top four. The arrival of Xabi Alonso has raised expectations, and many believe the Blues have enough quality to return to the Champions League.
Unai Emery has transformed Aston Villa into consistent European contenders. Villa qualified for the Champions League last season and will be aiming to secure another top-five finish.
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