The 2026-27 Premier League season is almost here, and supporters are a mix of excitement, anxiety, and hope. To get a true sense of what lies ahead, The Guardian’s fan network has provided its annual club-by-club guide. From title credentials to relegation scrapping, these are the voices from the terraces.
Arsenal
After finally ending their title drought, there is plenty of optimism around the Emirates, but also a recognition that defending the crown will be tough. The absence of Saliba on the long-term injured list raises defensive questions, while the arrival of Guimarães is expected to provide midfield creativity against packed defences. The return of World Cup stars Rice, Zubimendi and Saka will be crucial, and there is hope for a breakthrough season from a stronger Max Dowman, with Tzolis being watched closely as a potential upgrade on Trossard. Further signings may depend on offloading the likes of Vieira and Nelson, with Atlético’s Julián Álvarez and defensive cover such as Quanseh or Konsa linked. Benny Blanco remains a terrace favourite, but Declan Rice’s demeanour will set the tone. If the club could reach into the past, Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp would be the dream additions. Prediction: 1st, with the top four being Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool. Bottom three: Coventry, Ipswich, Hull. First manager sacked: Sergej Jakirovic. (Fan: Bernard Azulay)
Aston Villa
Villa fans are feeling optimistic under Emery, with memories of strong seasons and the promise of integrating exciting new talent. A top-six finish and a cup run would be considered successful. The club’s financial constraints may limit early momentum, but the three-sided ground could become a fortress. Konsa remains a colossus, McGinn’s contributions are fully appreciated, and Kamara playing 40 games instead of the usual 25 could improve the final position by two spots. Youngster Brian Madjo has impressed up front in pre-season. The priority signing would be Marcus Rashford. McGinn is the cult hero, and could soon have a stand named after him. From the past, Dwight Yorke from 1995-96 and Gareth Barry as a complete midfielder would be welcome. Prediction: 6th, top four: Arsenal, Man City, Man United, Chelsea. Bottom three: Fulham, Ipswich, Hull. First sacked: Roberto De Zerbi.
Bournemouth
This is a historic season for Bournemouth as they make their European debut, and fans are excited about competing in the Europa League with arguably their strongest ever squad. Marco Rose’s attacking brand of football is expected to continue, and while a mid-table league finish would be respectable, winning a trophy feels achievable. António Silva has big shoes to fill in defence, while new signings Álvaro Rodríguez and Juanlu are anticipated to make an impact. A fully fit Ben Gannon-Doak could have a breakthrough season. Business is mostly done, though some loan exits are possible. Long-serving Adam Smith remains a cult hero, epitomising the club’s journey. Peak Nathan Aké or Callum Wilson might not make the current starting 11, but a natural finisher like Jermain Defoe or prime Ted MacDougall would score plenty. Prediction: 12th, top four: Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United. Bottom three: Hull, Ipswich, Leeds. First sacked: Xabi Alonso. (Fan: Jeff Hayward)
Brentford
Optimism is high after last season’s struggles. The club has had a proper pre-season, a clear tactical approach, and signings who can execute it. A European spot would be another sign of progress. New signing Mamadou Sangaré has already earned his own song, and Callum Wilson is a shrewd addition. The front three of Ouattara, Thiago and Schade have gelled. Eleven players aged 21 or under are vying for squad places, with 19-year-old striker Kaye Furo and 20-year-old centre-back Jannik Schuster highly rated. A left-back could still be targeted, with El Hadji Malick Diouf rumoured. Cult hero Michael Kayode has cemented his status with his own terrace chant. From the past, Terry Evans and Terry Hurlock would add some old-school fire. Prediction: 6th, top four: Man City, Arsenal, Man United, Bournemouth. Bottom three: Fulham, Ipswich, Hull. First sacked: The fan, who correctly predicted two consecutive Forest sackings last season, nominates Glasner as the first to go this time. (Fan: Billy Grant)
Brighton
The main ambition is winning the Conference League and a first cup final since the 1910 Charity Shield, though the competition looks tougher this year with Freiburg, Atalanta and Monaco. Even the playoff round against Tromsø is a danger. The key player will be whoever Fabian Hürzeler uses to fill the void left by selling Danny Welbeck: Georginio Rutter, Charalampos Kostoulas or Stefanos Tzimas. Welbeck scored 13 goals last season, many of them vital, so allowing him to join Chelsea is a huge risk. Rutter is the cult hero, with an Instagram account dedicated to racehorses that is more interesting than his football one. From the past, Glenn Murray and Bobby Zamora would be ideal, with the fan hoping Kostoulas hits 46 goals and makes everyone forget Welbeck. Prediction: 13th, top four: Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea. Bottom three: Sunderland, Ipswich, Hull. First sacked: Oliver Glasner.
Chelsea
There is a feelgood factor at Stamford Bridge with a new top manager and experienced signings to complement the young core. Without Champions League football, the target is top four and domestic cup runs. New signings must make an immediate impact, while Palmer and Colwill need to be fully recovered. Morgan Rogers is eagerly anticipated, and Marco Palestra looks promising. There are still concerns over Sánchez in goal, with Penders possibly too raw. Sixteen-year-old Reggie Watson has impressed in pre-season, showing John Terry vibes. If Enzo Fernández leaves, Alex Scott or Adam Wharton could replace him. The squad needs trimming. Pep Chavarria could become a fan favourite with some dark arts, while Cole Palmer continues to entertain. John Terry and Frank Lampard would be the dream additions from the past. Prediction: 4th, top four: Arsenal, Man United, Man City, Chelsea. Bottom three: Newcastle, Ipswich, Hull. First sacked: Sergej Jakirovic. (Fan: Paul Baker)
Coventry
Having spent heavily after promotion, the target is survival, and fans are optimistic about the club’s running and ability to compete. Matt Grimes is key to connecting the team, while keeper Carl Rushworth provides assurance. There are questions over the strikers, Wright and Simms, at the highest level, and the defence has not been strengthened aside from Aurèle Amenda. New signing Caleb Yirenkyi looks very special. A dynamic striker like Taiwo Awoniyi would calm nerves, and Fikayo Tomori is an exciting rumour. Returning Gus Hamer is the cult hero, though Milan van Ewijk is the joker and a serious player. From the past, an early version of James Maddison and Viktor Gyökeres, who would prosper as the star man, would be chosen. Prediction: 17th, top four: Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Man United. Bottom three: Ipswich, Fulham, Hull. First sacked: Daniel Farke. (Fan: Neil Allison)
Crystal Palace
The club has sold Maxence Lacroix for a massive profit and needs to strengthen to cope with Europa League demands. Ismaïla Sarr and J-P Mateta will be essential given the lack of goals elsewhere. Adam Wharton will prove his worth after being left out of the World Cup, and Tyrick Mitchell will excel on the left. Jaydee Canvot, 20, is destined to be a superb centre-back. Some good business has been done with Zavier Gozo and Anan Khalaili, while Evann Guessand returns from Villa. But a replacement for Lacroix and midfield strength are still needed, with a £35m bid for Lamine Camara rejected. The swap of Dwight McNeil for Brennan Johnson has divided opinion. Cult hero candidates include Mateta, Dean Henderson, and Brazilian Matheus França, who has had a strong pre-season with dancing celebrations. Michael Olise and Matt Jansen would be the picks from the past. Prediction: 14th, top four: Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea, Tottenham. Bottom three: Newcastle, Ipswich, Hull. First sacked: Matthias Jaissle.
Everton
Despite the £327m investment from the Friedkins, doubts remain about ambition. Realistically, an eighth-place finish with European qualification is the likely limit, and the 31-year trophy wait weighs heavily. Midfield looks stronger, but can Beto and Barry score 20 goals between them? Tyrique George from Chelsea is a key signing, and youngsters Harrison Armstrong and Braiden Graham are ones to watch. A right-back is needed, with Jake O’Brien better suited to centre-back alongside Branthwaite. A proven goalscorer and right-winger would also help. Jordan Pickford is the cult hero, with his contributions under-reported. From the past, Alan Ball, the best outfield player in the club’s history, and a 17-year-old Wayne Rooney would be ideal. Prediction: 10th (the optimist says 8th), top four: Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United, Aston Villa. Bottom three: Tottenham, Coventry, Hull. First sacked: Oliver Glasner, not because he deserves it, but because of the owner.
Fulham
There is trepidation among Fulham fans after the departure of Marco Silva and arrival of Álvaro Arbeloa, who brings a new approach and backroom staff. Striker Gonzalo García and versatile midfielder César Palacios, both Spanish, are expected to hit the ground running, along with Shea Charles. Eighteen-year-old winger Macaulay Zepa is one to watch. Further additions, possibly to the back four and a younger goalkeeper to succeed Leno, are likely. The Naija Boys, Iwobi and Bassey, provide humour, though Chukwueze has returned to Milan. Captain Tom Cairney remains the main man. Louis Saha as a goal-getter and Mousa Dembélé in midfield would suit Arbeloa’s style. Prediction: 14th, top four: Arsenal, Man City, Man United, Chelsea. Bottom three: Coventry, Ipswich, Hull. First sacked: Matthias Jaissle.
Hull
Hull fans are optimistic despite the likelihood of relegation, believing the team will not be pushovers. The pragmatic manager plays brilliant transitional football. Key players include Oli McBurnie, Mohamed Belloumi and Charlie Hughes, with new signings adding experience. Hidemasa Morita is a coup on a free. Full-back is a problem position, and young Australian Lucas Herrington, an 18-year-old international who attracted Barcelona, is a rising talent. Depth is needed in full-back areas, forwards to compete with McBurnie, and a backup keeper due to Jack Butland’s injury. McBurnie is the cult hero, a wind-up merchant. Jarrod Bowen and Andy Robertson from the past would be the ideal additions. Prediction: 17th, top four: Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, Man United. Bottom three: Crystal Palace, Ipswich, Coventry. First sacked: Frank Lampard. (Fan: Ant Northgraves)
Ipswich
Having learned from their previous Premier League experience, fans know what to expect. This summer’s transfer business looks more robust, with Sasa Lukic adding experience and Issa Diop through the spine. Twenty-year-old Sindre Walle Egeli, signed for a Championship record £17.5m, has had a good pre-season. A senior striker is needed to support young Brazilian forward Emersonn, who joined from Toulouse for £25m. Zian Flemming from Burnley could be a late signing. Marcelino Núñez is the closest to a cult hero, while Florentino Luís’s social media presence has potential. Paul Mariner and Matt Holland would be chosen from the past. Prediction: 16th, top four: Arsenal, Man City, Man United, Chelsea. Bottom three: Fulham, Coventry, Hull. First sacked: Álvaro Arbeloa. (Fan: Craig Finbow)
Leeds
After Daniel Farke challenged the ownership to move on, Leeds have broken their transfer record for goalkeeper James Trafford, paid £34m for defender Tarik Muharemovic, and brought back Harry Wilson. The challenge is to turn ambition into results, with a new West Stand under construction. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the key scorer but lacks back-up, and left-back is also a concern with Jayden Lienou as a promising understudy. A striker is the priority, with rumours of more flair. Anton Stach’s YouTube channel provides wholesome happiness, and his partner’s gameday graphics bring Sharknados to Elland Road. Luciano Becchio and Gary McAllister would be the past picks. Prediction: 12th, top four: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, Man City. Bottom three: Sunderland, Hull, Coventry. First sacked: Frank Lampard. (Fan: Daniel Chapman)
Liverpool
This feels like a new beginning under a new manager with some departures, but Van Dijk and Alisson remain. Pre-season results are not to be taken seriously. The target is to challenge for a top spot. Van Dijk and Alisson will be crucial, with Isak needing to stake his claim after a nightmare season, and Wirtz wanting to adapt to the Premier League. Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni are exciting youngsters, and Giovanni Leoni could nail down a place. Defenders are still needed despite the arrival of Ifeanyi Ndukwe, with a centre-back and right-back a priority, and possibly a central midfielder and right-sided attacker (Ibrahim Mbaye, though PSG might be reluctant after Barcola is a done deal). There is no clear cult hero yet. Alan Hansen to partner Van Dijk and Steven Gerrard in midfield would be the past choices. Prediction: 1st, top four: Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City. Bottom three: Nottingham Forest, Ipswich, Hull. First sacked: Pierre Sage.
Manchester City
There is excitement about the new era under Maresca, while acknowledging Pep Guardiola’s dominance. The goal is to win the league back and make it difficult for Arsenal. Losing Rodri would be a massive blow, but Anderson and Bouaddi have been excellent additions. Key players include Haaland, Semenyo, Gvardiol, Donnarumma, O’Reilly, Cherki, Foden and Doku, with Ryan McAidoo a youngster to watch. Depth out wide is lacking, with Savinho frustrating fans despite his talent. Right-back is also a concern with too much depending on Nunes. Haaland is the cult hero, dripping in aura. Raheem Sterling and Aymeric Laporte would be the past picks. Prediction: 2nd, top four: Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea, Tottenham. Bottom three: Fulham, Ipswich, Hull. First sacked: Sergej Jakirovic. (Fan: Lloyd Scragg)
Manchester United
Fans are optimistic about Michael Carrick, who has transformed a group that was mismanaged. Casemiro has gone, replaced by midfielders who can run, but there is still reliance on injury-prone Mount. The club must avoid the Glazernomics trap of spending before Champions League qualification then bargain-hunting. With Arsenal stumbling, City losing their greatest manager, Liverpool’s defence looking weak, and Chelsea having 35 players, United can challenge. The link-up between Tielemans and Bruno is anticipated, and Sesko could build on his first season. A new striker and left-back are needed, with Lewis Hall a choice and possibly a last-day swap for Watkins involving Rashford. Carrick is the cult hero. Bryan Robson and Wayne Rooney would be the past picks. Prediction: 3rd, top four: Arsenal, Man City, Man United, Liverpool. Bottom three: Sunderland, Leeds, Ipswich. First sacked: Oliver Glasner, gone before Halloween.
Newcastle
The club is hurting after losing a successful manager and talismanic captain, with A-listers departing. Matthias Jaissle brings intensity and a hunger, and there is exciting talent to work with. CEO David Hopkinson calls it “Newcastle United 2.0”. Lewis Miley can fulfil his potential with Tonali gone, and Lukas Hornicek and Ewen Jaouen will compete in goal. Yoane Wissa and Anthony Elanga could form a strike force if they replicate World Cup form. Weak links include Joe Willock, who contributed little last season, and Sven Botman, who has not recovered from his 2024 ACL injury. A replacement for Bruno Guimarães, leaders, full-back cover, and a centre-half are needed, with Amar Dedić and Fikayo Tomori mentioned. Dan Burn is the cult hero. Alan Shearer and Kevin Keegan from the past. Prediction: 10th, top four: Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea. Bottom three: Ipswich, Coventry, Hull. First sacked: Álvaro Arbeloa.
Nottingham Forest
It can’t be as chaotic as last season, when they survived and then sacked Vítor in favour of Glasner. The target is a decent league finish and a trophy. Morgan Gibbs-White remains the talisman and will want to prove his worth after being overlooked for England. Ousmane Diomande is an important arrival to shore up the defence alongside Murillo and Milenkovic. A reliable striker is desperately needed, not relying on a 35-year-old with a chronic knee problem. Fans defend owner Marinakis, who is ruthless, ambitious, and unafraid of big calls, despite controversies. Stan Collymore and Des Walker would be the past picks. Prediction: 12th, top four: Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United. Bottom three: Crystal Palace, Coventry, Hull. First sacked: De Zerbi. (Fan: Rich Ferraro)
Sunderland
Last season’s seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification exceeded expectations, but Europe changes things. Managing extra games without losing the spark is the challenge. Xhaka is pivotal, Le Fée is enjoyable to watch, and Talbi could have a breakout season. The concern is depth to compete on multiple fronts. Another attacking option is desired, such as Geny Catamo, but the club will only move if figures line up. Wilson Isidor is the cult hero, with his “football is life, Sunderland is life” clip. Kevin Phillips and Amad would be the past picks. Prediction: 12th, top four: Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, Man United. Bottom three: Fulham, Coventry, Hull. First sacked: Sergej Jakirovic. (Fan: Eleanor McCabe)
Tottenham
After finishing 17th twice and narrowly avoiding relegation, fans are daring to dream of a top-five finish with Roberto De Zerbi and spending on end products. Top eight would be acceptable. The backline has been rebooted, Van de Ven signed a new contract, and midfield has depth and quality with Tonali and Fernandes, plus Kudus and Deki to return. The key is De Zerbi, whose appointment has changed everything. Luca Williams-Barnett is a young talent. A winger (Savinho is a long-time target), a No 10 and a forward are still needed, with Maddison’s injury concerns and Richy likely to leave. Djed Spence would be the cult hero but is being sold to Inter, so the social media team gets the nod. Harry Kane and Gareth Bale would be the past picks. Prediction: 17th or 1st, top four: Tottenham, Man City, Liverpool, Man United. Bottom three: Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, Aston Villa. First sacked: Mikel Arteta. (Fan: Spooky)
As the new campaign kicks off, these fan previews show a league in flux. Arsenal are backed by many to retain the title, while the sack race promises to be unpredictable. One thing is certain: the 2026-27 season will not be short of drama.
