Premier League Expert Predictions 2026/27: Winner, Surprises & Relegation Picks

“At face value this looks like a clear example of a 'homer' pick, but it isn't just the 'This Is Anfield' coaster on my desk that is directing me to make this pick. At around 13% probability on Polymarket, backing Iraola to turn things around on Merseyside represents outstanding value. Last season's disaster was caused in part by a departed manager, but also by an injury list that bordered on the comical. The £400m ($545m) investments started together just once last season as the Reds' xPTS fell by a staggering 20.3 points. This season most of those signings are fit, and Liverpool have a manager much more inclined to play the 'heavy metal' football that suits the personnel. Call me delusional, but I think the title returns to Anfield in 2027.”

“Open wide for some corner kicks. This is less an endorsement of Arsenal and more an indictment of Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola's replacement. I don't want to talk about it.”

“Why? A complete team that just got better over the summer, while most of the other top teams are in some form of rebuild. The Arteta snoozefest will continue this year. Sad.”

“Call me mad, but I’m going for Chelsea to secure a stunning title win. Xabi Alonso plus a talented squad, no European football, and a huge point to prove. I think they finally click.”

“It might be the boring pick, but I think Arsenal will go back-to-back. They finally got over the hump last season, and adding Bruno Guimarães to an already really good team makes them even harder to bet against.”

“The most complete and settled team in the league. They have elite quality throughout the squad, added Bruno Guimarães, and look best equipped to handle a full title race.”

“I need to qualify this by saying that everyone expects Spurs to improve on their dismal 2025/26 campaign. They simply cannot finish 17th again. However, the extent to which they will improve will shock people. Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes immediately become one of the best midfield partnerships in the league, bringing Premier League experience and solid injury records to a team hammered by injuries to key players in recent seasons. Then you have a defence anchored by Van de Ven and Van Hecke, a goalkeeper who might actually make a few saves and significant investment in De Zerbi's vision for the squad, and suddenly things are looking rosy in North London. I expect Spurs to challenge for Champions League football this season.”

“Everton. Bournemouth, Brighton, Palace, and Sunderland are all playing in Europe and that should cause them some headaches that lead to drops in the table. Chelsea and Spurs getting better wouldn't be a total surprise, so we'll take the Toffees here.”

“People have expectations for Man United this year. I don't. Tielemans is a great signing on paper, they have good attacking options and, unlike many of the other contenders, they have an established system with the current squad. But the defensive depth is thin, and several of their defenders are injury-prone.”

“They’re becoming the Premier League’s annoying little overachievers. Smart recruitment, good coaching and no fear — I can see them pushing for Europe.”

“Expectations aren’t too high after finishing 16th last season, but I think they’ll be much better this year and could make a push for the top half.”

“I think Leeds can significantly outperform expectations. They have momentum, a strong setup and enough quality to push for a top-half finish rather than getting dragged into a relegation fight.”

“Hull's underlying metrics were poor in the Championship, and they will be badly exposed in the Premier League, I expect them to challenge Derby County 2008/9 for the lowest ever Premier League points tally. Gary O'Neil is a good fit for Ipswich, but their squad lacks Premier League quality. Sunderland are my shock pick here. A lack of investment over the summer and the added burden of European football will prove too much as the Black Cats' luck (18th in xPTS last season) runs out.”

“It took a lot of courage not to blindly pick the three newly promoted teams to be sent straight back to the Championship, but Forest did some selling in the summer window from a squad that was in the thick of the relegation battle last season, and I'll take them to finish beneath Coventry.”

“I'm picking two newly promoted teams that look weaker than Coventry, while Forest had their fair share of problems last season, finishing 16th. Now they've lost Anderson too, and I think this is where the fat lady sings.”

“Hull: I think the step up will just be too much over 38 games. Ipswich: Better equipped than last time, but I still think they’ll struggle for goals and consistency. Fulham: My slightly controversial one. New manager, major squad changes and losing Marco Silva. I think they could get dragged into trouble.”

“I’m playing it pretty safe here and going with all three newly promoted teams. Hull look like the weakest of the three, but I think Coventry and Ipswich could struggle too and end up going straight back down.”

“Hull City: The jump from the Championship looks too big, and they lack Premier League-level depth. Coventry City: A good side, but squad quality and depth could catch up with them over 38 games. Fulham: My slightly bolder pick. Managerial change and squad turnover make them vulnerable, and I think Ipswich could survive at their expense.”