The 2025-26 Premier League season is upon us, promising a fresh batch of drama, excitement, and intrigue. Here are ten things to keep an eye on as the opening weekend unfolds:
Liverpool's Title Defense and New Era: Reigning champions Liverpool, under Dutch manager Arne Slot, begin their title defense against Bournemouth at Anfield. While the core of their championship-winning squad remains, key players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota are gone. Liverpool has invested heavily in new talent, including Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong, aiming to retain their crown. How quickly can Slot integrate the new faces and maintain Liverpool's dominance?
The Klopp Hangover: Following Jurgen Klopp's departure, can Liverpool maintain their intensity and tactical prowess under Arne Slot? The team has a different feel without Klopp's charismatic presence on the touchline. The opening match will offer early clues about the team's adaptation to Slot's "measured style".
Arsenal's Title Push: After narrowly missing out on the title last season, Arsenal has been active in the transfer market, adding six new players. Can Mikel Arteta's side finally deliver the title, especially with the addition of Viktor Gyokeres to spearhead their attack? Their opening match against Manchester United at Old Trafford will be a significant test of their title credentials.
Manchester United's Rebuild: Manchester United, under Erik ten Hag, is undergoing another rebuild. New signings like Robert Andrich aim to inject fresh energy into the squad. Can ten Hag find the right formula to guide United back to the top four, starting with a strong performance against Arsenal?
Chelsea's New Chapter: Chelsea continues their rebuild under Mauricio Pochettino, having completed eight incoming transfers. Despite winning the Club World Cup, questions remain about their consistency. Their opening match against Crystal Palace will be an opportunity to showcase their new signings and demonstrate their progress.
The Promoted Sides' Survival Bids: The three newly-promoted sides – Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland – face an uphill battle to avoid relegation. Sunderland's opening match against West Ham will be a crucial test of their ability to compete in the top flight. History suggests that newly promoted teams are in danger of immediate relegation.
Key Transfers to Watch: Keep an eye on how new signings perform for their respective clubs. Evann Guessand at Aston Villa and Jhon Arias at Wolves are two non-"Big Six" transfers that could make an immediate impact. Will these players live up to the hype and justify their price tags?
The Impact of the Club World Cup: With the expanded FIFA Club World Cup taking place in the summer, the transfer window opened earlier than usual. This has allowed clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea to bolster their squads ahead of the tournament. Will their participation in the Club World Cup affect their Premier League form early in the season?
Referee Cams and New Broadcast Technology: The Premier League is set to test referee cams during the opening weekend, offering a new perspective on the game. Sky Sports is also launching "multiview" in a revamp of their Premier League coverage. How will these innovations enhance the viewing experience for fans?
Early Predictions and Super 6: Pundits and fans alike are making their predictions for the opening weekend. Sky Sports' Super 6 competition sees fans predicting the scores of the weekend's matches, with a chance to win a jackpot. Will the favorites live up to expectations, or will there be some surprise results?
