The countdown is almost over. On Friday, August 15, 2025, the Premier League roars back into action, ready to light up stadiums and screens once again.
The season’s first whistle will blow at Anfield, where defending champions Liverpool welcome AFC Bournemouth in a curtain-raiser packed with intrigue.
Under the watchful eye of Arne Slot, the Reds will look to set the tone for what they hope will be another title-winning campaign.
Opening Weekend Fixtures
Last season’s runners-up, Arsenal, dive straight into familiar battle lines as they square off with arch-rivals Manchester United.
The Gunners may be without Thomas Partey’s calming presence in midfield, but history shows this rivalry needs no extra spark.
Chelsea, still riding high after their FIFA Club World Cup triumph, open against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace, a side brimming with confidence after stunning Liverpool in the Community Shield.
In the Midlands, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City visit Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, aiming to start strong in their quest to reclaim the title.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Kudus and Tottenham Hotspur host newly promoted Burnley, eager to shake off the sting of their UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
Opta’s Crystal Ball for 2025/26
Before a ball is even kicked, Opta’s supercomputer has already simulated the season thousands of times to predict the final table. The verdict? Liverpool will lift the trophy again, projected to finish with 73.26 points.
Arsenal, strengthened by the arrival of Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres, are expected to push harder but still fall just short on 71.87 points.
Manchester City round out the top three, with Chelsea, Newcastle, and Aston Villa making up an identical top six to last season.
The forecast is far less kind to Manchester United and Tottenham. United are predicted to slump to 12th, while the Lilywhites, even with Kudus in their ranks, are pegged for 14th, a result only slightly better than their struggles last year.
Crystal Palace’s recent silverware seems to have impressed the algorithm, with the Eagles tipped for seventh, ahead of Brighton, Bournemouth, and Nottingham Forest, who are all expected to crack the top ten.
Trouble for the New Boys
Down at the bottom, the computer sees little hope for the Premier League’s newcomers.
Burnley, Leeds, and Sunderland are all predicted to make an immediate return to the Championship, marking what would be the third consecutive season where every promoted side goes straight back down.
Burnley are forecast to finish 18th, Leeds 19th, and Sunderland 20th.
With the stage set, the stories, rivalries, and surprises of the 2025/26 season are about to unfold. All that’s left now is for the football to do the talking.