EPL 2025-26: The Great (Un)Predictions
Disruptions Expected in the EPL 2025-26 as Up-and-Comers Strive to Break Into the Exclusive 'Big Six' Club
Ah, the sweet scent of football's off-season! As the 2024-25 season comes to a close, we find ourselves eagerly anticipating the EPL 2025-26. But the question on everyone's lips - who's gonna take the crown this time? Let's dive in and speculate wildly, shall we?
Out with the old... kind of
Now, we all knew it was coming: Manchester City's reign at the top was long overdue for an interruption. And that's exactly what happened in the 2024-25 season. Guess who stole the show? That's right, you guessed it - it was Liverpool, baby! Under the tutelage of the new manager, Arne Slot, they clinched the title with an astonishing five games to spare. Way to rub salt in the wounds, Liverpool!
Not so strong, Arteta
Alas for Arsenal and their hopeful coach, Mikel Arteta. They managed to hold off City's challenge, but let the next big show get away, as Liverpool soared into the distance. With the Gunners finishing second for the third year in a row, it was a missed opportunity, indeed.
The UEFA (Mis)fortunes of Spurs and United
Meanwhile, out of the so-called 'big six,' Tottenham and Manchester United were having some of the worst seasons in their histories. Both clubs ended the season with a bitter taste in their mouths, with Spurs managing to salvage a trophy by, you guessed it, beating United in the final of the UEFA Europa League. But a 15th place finish for United and a 17th place finish for Spurs? Embarrassing, to say the least.
Lagging behind the big boys
Whether this shifting of theguard marks a permanent change in the English soccer landscape or just an anomaly remains to be seen. But what's clear as day is that both United and Spurs seem far from challenging Liverpool, Arsenal, City, and possibly Chelsea for the title in the upcoming season.
The Bookies' Bet
And what do the bookies say about all this? Well, Liverpool is, unsurprisingly, the favorites to win it all at +220, while Arsenal and City are predicted to be the bridesmaids again, tied at +250. Newcastle sneaks in ahead of Chelsea as the fourth favorite at +1800, with Aston Villa, at +4500, ahead of United (+5000) and Tottenham (+7000). Yikes!
City on Trial
Now, let's discuss the elephant in the room: Man City still awaits the verdict on the whopping 115 charges brought against them by the EPL. The verdict, previously scheduled for spring 2025, has been delayed due to the complexity of the case and City's stout defense. Reportedly, sanctions could range from a modest fine to a significant points deduction, which could have a massive impact on City's hopes of winning the title.
Out with the old, in with the new
And speaking of City, the club is facing a major overhaul, with the departure of longtime doyen Kevin de Bruyne. With an aging squad in need of a rejuvenation, the potential for a transfer embargo imposed by the EPL could make things even trickier.
Villa's Fight for Glory
City may not be the only show in town, though. Aston Villa is determined to gatecrash the so-called 'big six,' and their fine run to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League shows that they've made progress in that quest. However, their failure to qualify for the Champions League for the 2025-26 season has, for now, hindered their progress.
United, Spurs, and the Lost Giants
But they're far from alone in their ambition! Newcastle United has qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the second time in three seasons, and their recent win in the EFL Cup has shown that they are truly among England's elite. Meanwhile, another sleeping giant is stirring: Everton. Despite a few lean years, they look to be on the mend, with the appointment of former manager David Moyes leading to an improvement in their fortunes.
New Digs for the Toffees
Everton fans can look forward to exciting times ahead, as the club prepares to move into their new home - the Hill Dickinson Stadium, a magnificent 52,888-seater state-of-the-art ground. With wealthy US-based owners on board, Evertonians can dream of closing the gap with the big guns.
PSR and the Transfer Window
Success in the upcoming season will depend largely on the teams' ability to attract and afford top talent. The EPL's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) aim to prevent the league from being dominated by the club with the deepest pockets. Therefore, this summer may see a more targeted approach to the transfer market, with teams eager to bring in players who will make a significant impact on their squads.
The Summer of Deals
EPL clubs have a unique opportunity this summer, with the transfer window split into two parts - the first opening on June 1 and closing on June 10, and the second reopening on June 16 before closing again on September 1. This allows for the World Club Championship to take place without disrupting the transfer market.
The Changing Landscape of Television
Finally, a significant change is on the horizon for UK football fans: Sky Sports (UK) has acquired four out of five live rights packages, meaning they will show a minimum of 218 of the 267 live televised games in the upcoming season. TNT is the only other provider in the UK to win a package. In the US, NBC has secured the rights to show all 380 games across their platforms for the 2025-26 season. So get ready to catch all the action in glorious high definition!
Football fans, brace yourselves for the unpredictability that is the EPL 2025-26! It's going to be a wild ride, and we can't wait to see who comes out on top!
The European leagues will continue to captivate fans as the Premier League 2025-26 season unfolds, with football powerhouses like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City battling it out for supremacy. Amidst this competition, fresh opportunities and challenges await teams like Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Everton as they strive to break into the hallowed 'big six'.
