Phil McNulty’s 2025, 26 Premier League Predictions
With the new season about to kick off, BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty returns to his annual ritual of trying to predict how the Premier League will play out, a task he admits has humbled him before (he once tipped Leicester City for relegation the year they became champions).
While the title race looks set to feature the usual heavyweights, McNulty says this year’s predictions were among the hardest he’s ever made.
1) Liverpool – Defending Champions
Last season, Liverpool stormed to the title with a 10-point gap. Despite their Community Shield loss to Crystal Palace, McNulty is confident Arne Slot’s side can go all the way again.
A tragic summer, marked by the death of striker Diogo Jota in a car crash and the parade-day incident that injured fans, has cast a shadow. Key players Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Díaz, and Darwin Núñez have departed, but big-money signings such as Florian Wirtz (£116m), Hugo Ekitike (£69m), Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez suggest the squad is even stronger.
Slot may yet add Marc Guehi and Alexander Isak, which would make Liverpool’s grip on the trophy even tighter.
2) Arsenal – No More Excuses
For Mikel Arteta, it’s time to turn progress into silverware after five trophyless years. Arsenal have strengthened with Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi and striker Viktor Gyökeres, filling a gap left unaddressed for over a year.
McNulty believes the squad is now equipped to sustain a genuine title challenge.
3) Manchester City – Still Contenders
Pep Guardiola’s men won’t be easy to discount, but McNulty feels they might have too much ground to make up.
With Rodri’s fitness still uncertain, City will hope reinforcements like Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Tijjani Reijnders can boost their title hopes. Erling Haaland remains a lethal threat, and this could be Phil Foden’s season to shine.
4) Chelsea – Back on Track
Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea seem to have found stability. The arrivals of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, and teenage sensation Estevão Willian add both firepower and youth. Cole Palmer continues to be the standout star.
McNulty predicts a strong season domestically and in Europe, but not a league title.
5) Aston Villa – Emery’s Project Grows
Unai Emery’s side narrowly missed out on Champions League football last season. While key players like Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins are transfer targets elsewhere, new striker Evann Guessand (£30m) offers fresh attacking options.
6) Newcastle United – Turbulence and Talent
A difficult summer, losing targets and facing a stand-off with star striker Alexander Isak, hasn’t dimmed McNulty’s belief in Eddie Howe’s squad.
Signings like Malick Thiaw, Jacob Ramsey, Anthony Elanga, and Yoane Wissa could keep Newcastle competitive.
7) Manchester United – Climbing Back
After last season’s disastrous 15th-place finish, Ruben Amorim has rebuilt with a £200m spend on Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. McNulty expects a revival, but warns that failure could put Amorim under immediate pressure.
8) Tottenham Hotspur – Frank’s Fresh Start
Thomas Frank replaces Europa League-winning Ange Postecoglou, while Son Heung-min has left for LAFC. With Joao Palhinha and Mohammed Kudus onboard, and Eberechi Eze on the radar, Spurs should improve on last year’s near-relegation disaster.
9) Crystal Palace – Quality but Questions
Whether Palace can keep Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze will define their season. Under Oliver Glasner, and buoyed by their Community Shield win, they look capable of another strong campaign.
10) Nottingham Forest – European Ambitions
Forest have added Brazil striker Igor Jesus and winger Dan Ndoye, while Morgan Gibbs-White staying is a huge boost. Expect more signings before the window closes.
11) Brighton – Still Punching Up
Losing Joao Pedro hurts, but Fabian Hürzeler’s side have recruited smartly with young prospects like Charalampos Kostoulas and Diego Coppola.
12) Everton – New Era at Bramley-Moore Dock
David Moyes returns with new owners and marquee loanee Jack Grealish. The club also secured Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and tied down Jarrad Branthwaite.
13) West Ham – Steady Under Potter
Sensible additions like Kyle Walker-Peters, Callum Wilson, and Mads Hermansen suggest stability over fireworks.
14) Fulham – Stability Over Splash
Marco Silva’s side are keeping their core, including Kenny Tete and Andreas Pereira, but could add Shakhtar’s Kevin.
15) Bournemouth – Defensive Rebuild
Key defensive departures mean Andoni Iraola faces a tough task, but Djordje Petrovic, Adrien Truffert, and Bafodé Diakité should help.
16) Brentford – In Trouble?
Keith Andrews takes over from Thomas Frank, but with Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Nørgaard, and possibly Yoane Wissa gone, survival could be a struggle.
17) Leeds United – Breaking the Trend
McNulty tips Leeds to avoid the “three up, three down” curse. Signings like Lucas Perri, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Sean Longstaff add experience.
18) Wolves – A Step Back
Losing Rayan Aït-Nouri and Matheus Cunha may prove costly. Vítor Pereira will need late-window reinforcements.
19) Sunderland – Big Spenders, Big Risk
A huge influx of 11 new signings, including Granit Xhaka and Habib Diarra, could backfire if integration is slow.
20) Burnley – Doubts Remain
Scott Parker has been busy in the market, bringing in Kyle Walker, Armando Broja, and Lesley Ugochukwu. But McNulty still doubts they’ll avoid relegation.