Who will make the top four? BBC Sport's predictions for the 2026/27 Premier League season

Last season, Arsenal ended a 22-year wait to be crowned champions of England, finishing seven points clear of Manchester City. BBC Sport journalist Chris Bevan consulted 26 television and radio experts, while also enlisting the help of Microsoft Copilot's AI and the Opta supercomputer to forecast the top four for the upcoming season.

These predictions were compiled as of Thursday, August 20, just 13 days before the transfer window closed. The experts identified a total of seven clubs across 15 different combinations for the top four.

Top four predictions from BBC experts, AI, and Opta supercomputer

Overall points ranking

Points were awarded using the following system: 4 points for 1st place, 3 for 2nd, 2 for 3rd, and 1 for 4th:

• Arsenal – 109 points;
• Manchester City – 73 points;
• Liverpool – 38 points;
• Chelsea – 35 points;
• Manchester United – 21 points;
• Aston Villa – 2 points;
• Tottenham – 2 points.

Arsenal: number one favourite

Last year, only 17% of experts believed in Mikel Arteta's team to win the title. Now, 89% (25 out of 28 predictions) expect the crown to stay in North London. Not one expert placed the club lower than second.

Theo Walcott highlighted the squad's stability and the signing of Bruno Guimaraes, who has strengthened the midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Subimendi. Danny Murphy noted the championship momentum and the absence of significant departures among key players. Troy Deeney called Arsenal the strongest side in the league, although he expressed some doubts about their left flank in terms of success in the Champions League. Shay Given and Paul Robinson both pointed out that the team still requires a top-tier striker, like Victor Osimhen.

Manchester City: rebuilding under Enzo Maresca

With Pep Guardiola gone, just 12% of experts believe in the chances of the Citizens reclaiming the title. The club has lost significant figures in the dressing room, including Rodri, John Stones, and Bernardo Silva.

Troy Deeney described Maresca as a simplified version of Guardiola, highlighting the team's vulnerabilities at the back. Theo Walcott and Nedum Onuoha recognised the impressive quality of the squad, despite the challenging generational shift. Matt Upshon, Danny Murphy, and Steph Houghton are convinced that the attacking prowess led by Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku, Ryan Cherki, and new signing Elliot Anderson will keep the club within the top four.

Liverpool: a new era under Andoni Iraola

Last season, 22 out of 35 experts placed Liverpool first. This time, only four see them finishing higher than third.

The pundits describe the team as a developing project. Danny Murphy noted the uncertainty surrounding the replacement of Mohamed Salah and the potential interest in Bradley Barcola. Thomas Hitzlsperger and Paul Robinson are anticipating progress from Florian Wirtz. Troy Deeney and Anita Asante remarked on the balance and goal-scoring factor of Alexander Isak while also pointing out the need to solidify the defensive flanks to cope with the intense pressing style of their new boss.

Chelsea: the Xabi Alonso factor and no European football

Last season, all 35 experts had Chelsea in their top four, but they finished a disappointing tenth. This time, 21 out of 28 respondents included them in their top four, with five placing them second.

Pat Nevin praised the attacking trio of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Rogers. Sue Smith complimented the setup with Palmer and Rogers in the roles of two number tens as unstoppable. Nedum Onuoha and Joe Hart pointed out a significant advantage: the absence of European football, which allows Xabi Alonso to methodically prepare the squad through a week-long training cycle. Glenn Murray, Chris Waddle, and Tony Pulis hailed the savvy signings of seasoned veterans Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson to instill discipline in the locker room.

Manchester United: hope rests on Michael Carrick

A year ago, few expected United to finish in the top four, yet they ended the season in third. Now, half of the forecasters have them in the top four.

Anita Asante emphasised the revitalised atmosphere after the departure of previous managers. Paul Robinson and Steph Houghton cited the importance of retaining Marcus Rashford and unlocking his potential under Michael Carrick. Ellen White gave a thumbs up to the signing of Youri Tielemans, but Michael Brown and Tony Pulis warned about the heavy demands due to the club's return to Champions League football.

Other contenders and surprises of the season

Aston Villa and Tottenham: Lindsey Johnson included the Birmingham outfit in the top four thanks to Unai Emery's experience. Paul Robinson noted the strengthened squad of Spurs under Roberto De Zerbi's requirements.

Nottingham Forest: Troy Deeney named Oliver Glasner's club as the prime surprise of the season.

Sunderland, Leeds, and Ipswich: Nedum Onuoha and Danny Murphy highlighted their financial ambitions and wise transfer strategies for their return to the top flight.