You don’t even have to be a football fan to have heard about the English Premier League. One of the most watched sport events of the season, Premier League is not just a professional association football league, but also the highest tier of the English football league system.
The modern format of the Premier League was established on 20 February 1992, when the top English clubs who previously played in the First Division, decided to form their own league outside of the English Football League.
Nowadays, a new Premier League season starts in August and lasts until late May. The 2026/27 season will start on Friday, 21 August 2026 and continue until Sunday, 30 May 2027.
The season is coming in strong with some exciting storylines and interesting developments. First of all, three teams have been promoted from the EFL Championship to take part in the competition. These are: Coventry City, Ipswich Town, and Hull City. Coventry City’s return is particularly significant, as the club will play in the Premier League for the first time in 25 years.
Several managerial changes have taken place ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season. Among the new appointments are Xabi Alonso at Chelsea, Andoni Iraola at Liverpool, Enzo Maresca at Manchester City, Marco Rose at Bournemouth, Pierre Sage at Crystal Palace, Alvaro Arbeloa at Fulham, Gary O’Neil at Ipswich Town, and Oliver Glasner at Nottingham Forest. These changes add fresh tactical ideas and new storylines to the upcoming campaign.
When it comes to the title contenders, it is never too early to make predictions. Currently, three teams are being named as the most likely winners. Of course, defending champions Arsenal are in the top three, while Manchester City and Liverpool are also among the leading contenders in most Premier League betting markets.
Two other clubs with the most favourable odds are Manchester City, ranking second, and Liverpool, ranking third. And if we are talking about the top five, two additional clubs widely seen as contenders for the title are Manchester United and Chelsea.
Of course, it remains to be seen if the predictions turn out to be correct.
Premier League Format
The Premier League includes 20 clubs. At the end of the season three clubs at the bottom of the league table are relegated to the English Football League, while three teams from EFL are promoted to the Premier League either through direct promotion or as a play-off winner.
There are no promotions from the Premier League, however top performing clubs can reserve a spot in various UEFA competitions for the next season, including Conference League, Europa League, and Champions League.
Premier League competition is held in a double round-robin system, meaning that each club has to meet all other clubs twice: once on their home turf and once at their opponent’s stadium. With 20 teams in the league, each club plays a total of 38 matches during the season. Most games are played at the weekend, with occasional midweek fixtures.
Every win brings a club 3 points, while every draw adds 1 point to their total. Losses do not add or subtract any points. Teams are ranked by total points. If two clubs finish level on points, they are separated by goal difference, then goals scored, followed by head-to-head record if required.
Ties between championship winners, candidates for relegation or qualification to take part in other competitions are not acceptable. If a tie does take place, the tied teams will be assessed based on their head-to-head record: first by points scored in the matches against each other, and if necessary by away goals in those matches. If this still doesn’t solve the issue, a play-off will be scheduled on a neutral ground.
The full list of the clubs participating in the 2026/2027 Premier League season in alphabetical order is the following:
- Arsenal
- Aston Villa
- Bournemouth
- Brentford
- Brighton & Hove Albion
- Chelsea
- Coventry City
- Crystal Palace
- Everton
- Fulham
- Hull City
- Ipswich Town
- Leeds United
- Liverpool
- Manchester City
- Manchester United
- Newcastle United
- Nottingham Forest
- Sunderland
- Tottenham Hotspur
European Qualification Explained
The way clubs that finish the season in the top lines of the league table qualify for various European competitions may seem straightforward and slightly confusing at the same time. Sure, the champions qualify for the UEFA Champions League league phase, but what about the others?
Actually, it is not just the champions but the top five clubs that qualify directly for the UEFA Champions League league phase. In addition, the winners of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League also qualify automatically if they have not already secured a place through their domestic league. This means that, in certain scenarios, more than five Premier League clubs can feature in the Champions League.
The two best-performing associations in UEFA’s seasonal club coefficient rankings receive one additional UEFA Champions League league phase place each through the European Performance Spot. England finished among the top two associations for the 2025/26 season and, as a result, will have five clubs in the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase. In exceptional circumstances, even more clubs from one association can qualify if they win the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League without qualifying through their domestic league.
Two teams qualify for the UEFA Europa League: the FA Cup winners and the club finishing sixth in the Premier League (as the top five clubs qualify for the UEFA Champions League). If the FA Cup winners also finish in the top five, or qualify for the Europa League through another route, the place is passed down to the next highest-placed Premier League club that has not already qualified for European competition.
Finally, the winners of the EFL Cup qualify for the UEFA Conference League play-off round. If they also qualify for the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League through their league position or by winning another competition, their Conference League place is passed down to the highest-placed Premier League club that has not already qualified for European competition.
Title Contenders
As mentioned before, Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are widely regarded as the main contenders for the Premier League title ahead of the 2026/2027 season, although a lot can change over the course of the campaign. For now, here is a short overview of each team at the start of the 2026/2027 season.
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool head into the 2026/2027 season looking to bounce back after an underwhelming Premier League campaign. Despite missing out on the title, the Reds remain one of the strongest squads in England and are widely regarded as genuine contenders to return to the top.
The summer has brought significant changes at Anfield, with Andoni Iraola taking charge as the club begins a new chapter. Liverpool have also strengthened their squad with several new signings, while a number of experienced players have departed, signalling the start of a fresh era.
Although there are still areas to improve before the transfer window closes, Liverpool possess the quality, depth and experience needed to challenge Arsenal and Manchester City for the Premier League title.
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal head into the 2026/2027 season as the defending Premier League champions after ending their long wait for the title. Mikel Arteta has built one of the most balanced squads in England, and the Gunners are once again among the favourites to lift the trophy.
The club has remained active during the summer transfer window, strengthening several areas of the squad while keeping the core of last season’s title-winning team together. With a settled squad, strong defensive foundation and growing depth, Arsenal look well equipped to compete both domestically and in Europe.
Having finally broken their title drought, Arsenal now face a different challenge – proving they can successfully defend the Premier League crown.
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City head into the 2026/2027 season determined to reclaim the Premier League title after finishing runners-up to Arsenal last season. Although the club has entered a new era following Pep Guardiola’s departure, the Citizens remain one of the strongest squads in England and are once again among the favourites to win the league.
The summer has brought further changes to the squad, with several new arrivals strengthening key areas of the team. The club continues to build around stars such as Erling Haaland and Rodri, while new head coach Enzo Maresca will be aiming to maintain City’s high standards and keep them firmly in the title race.
Even with a new manager in charge, Manchester City possess the quality, depth and winning mentality needed to challenge Arsenal and Liverpool throughout the 2026/2027 campaign.
Betting is only available to participants above 18 years. Please bet responsibly. BeGambleAware.org