Opta Supercomputer Drops 2025/26 Premier League Predictions: Arsenal 2nd, Kudus' Spurs in 14th
- Liverpool is poised to defend their title, while Manchester United have bolstered the team with determined players
- Arsenal have enriched the squad in their attempt to break their EPL title jinx, and Tottenham, with Kudus, has a strong frontline
- YEN.com.gh breaks down the predicted final standings for all 20 clubs as the 2025/26 season kicks off under the Anfield lights on Friday night
Ghana’s top stories, now easier to find. Discover our new search feature!
The wait is almost over. The Premier League's new 2025/26 season is set to begin on Friday, August 15, 2025.
All eyes will be on Anfield, where defending champions Liverpool will raise the curtain with a home clash against Antoine Semenyo’s Bournemouth.
Source: Getty Images
Premier League fixtures for the 2025/26 season opener
Arsenal, last season’s runner-up, face an early test of nerve when they meet long-time rivals Manchester United, according to The Standard.
The Gunners will be without the influence of Thomas Partey, but the rivalry’s intensity needs no extra fuel.
Chelsea, fresh from lifting the FIFA Club World Cup, begin their campaign against FA Cup holders Crystal Palace, a side still buzzing from their shock Community Shield victory over Liverpool.
Over in the Midlands, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City head to Molineux to battle Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Mohammed Kudus and Tottenham Hotspur start against newly promoted Burnley, hoping to put behind them the disappointment of their UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Opta’s supercomputer predicts 2025/26 Premier League table
Ahead of the first whistle, Opta’s supercomputer has run the numbers to predict how the table might look come May.
The model suggests Liverpool will defend their crown, finishing with 73.26 points under Arne Slot’s guidance.
Source: Getty Images
Arsenal, bolstered by the arrival of Viktor Gyökeres, are tipped to finish second again, this time by a slimmer gap, with 71.87 points.
Manchester City is expected to take third place, followed by Chelsea in fourth, Newcastle in fifth, and Aston Villa in sixth. Interestingly, this mirrors last season’s final top six.
The projections are less flattering for Manchester United and Tottenham.
United are tipped to land in 12th, while Spurs, despite boasting Kudus in attack, are predicted to sit 14th, only marginally better than last season’s struggles.
Crystal Palace’s recent silverware appears to have impressed the algorithm, with the Eagles forecasted to finish seventh.
Brighton, Bournemouth, and Nottingham Forest are expected to round out the top 10.
Which teams will be relegated?
At the other end, the numbers paint a grim picture for the newly promoted trio.
Burnley, Leeds, and Sunderland are all tipped to return to the Championship immediately, marking what would be the third straight season in which all newcomers fail to survive.
Burnley are pegged for 18th, Leeds 19th, and Sunderland 20th, all well short of Wolves in 17th.
Predicted table for the 2025/26 Premier League season
| Expected position | Club | Expected points |
| 1 | Liverpool | 73.26 |
| 2 | Arsenal | 71.87 |
| 3 | Manchester City | 69.79 |
| 4 | Chelsea | 63.61 |
| 5 | Aston Villa | 60.53 |
| 6 | Newcastle United | 60.52 |
| 7 | Crystal Palace | 57.30 |
| 8 | Brighton | 55.16 |
| 9 | Bournemouth | 51.45 |
| 10 | Nottingham Forest | 50.52 |
| 11 | Brentford | 50.33 |
| 12 | Manchester United | 49.12 |
| 13 | Everton | 48.25 |
| 14 | Tottenham Hotspur | 48.19 |
| 15 | Fulham | 46.92 |
| 16 | West Ham United | 44.09 |
| 17 | Wolves | 42.39 |
| 18 | Leeds United | 36.80 |
| 19 | Burnley | 36.51 |
| 20 | Sunderland | 31.36 |
Six players set to miss Man United vs Arsenal clash
Earlier, YEN.com.gh highlighted that up to six key players from Manchester United and Arsenal might miss their Premier League opener on Sunday, August 17.
The Red Devils are set to welcome the Gunners to Old Trafford in a clash expected to deliver high drama and intensity.
Source: YEN.com.gh
