Yes, we’ve heard it all before. “Liverpool, City, the same winners every year.” But here’s the thing: this season could be different. The Premier League is a soap opera in football boots, packed with twists, transfers, and the occasional VAR-induced meltdown. Predicting a winner in August is like picking the last song at a Nigerian wedding; You think you know, but someone’s always ready to surprise you.
So, rather than argue who’s better, let’s lay out why each of these clubs could actually go all the way. Starting, of course, with the current kings of the hill.
Liverpool – The Defending Champions
● Reason 1: Hangover Avoided
Champions often stay stagnant after glory, but Arne Slot’s Liverpool look to keep sharp. The core stayed, but £260m of talent arrived, and the hunger’s intact. Continuity + cash = no slump (Simple math really…).
● Reason 2: Attack Reimagined
Luis Diaz’s off to Bayern, but panic? Not here. Salah’s still the talisman, Van Dijk’s still bossing it, and Hugo Ekitike (and possibly Isak) now leads a reshaped frontline. Wirtz and Frimpong dazzled in the Community Shield. This isn’t tinkering, it’s a full reboot.
● Reason 3: Salah’s Consistency
Mo Salah will keep doing Mo Salah things. Forget the Community Shield. Goals, big-game moments, reliability. If he’s fit, Liverpool have a title cheat code.
Arsenal – On the Brink of Something…
● Reason 1: No. 2 Becoming No. 1
Two seasons as runners-up is more than a fluke; it’s a warning. Arsenal haven’t been this close in 21 years, and they’re no longer polite contenders.
● Reason 2: Finally, A Striker!
Viktor Gyökeres is the missing piece – a ruthless finisher Arsenal haven’t had since Van Persie
● Reason 3: Elite Midfield Muscle
Martín Zubimendi anchors with grit, freeing Ødegaard to create. Add Nørgaard’s versatility, and Arsenal now have depth and bite.
Manchester City – The Machine seeks Vengeance
● Reason 1: Pep Guardiola
Unnecessary Turtlenecks aside, Guardiola’s brilliance and timeless system survive any slump or squad change. City doesn’t rebuild, they reload.
● Reason 2: Squad Depth as Always
Winter buys Marmoush, Khusanov, plus summer’s Reijnders, Cherki, and Aït-Nouri mean City’s “bench” could start for half the league.
● Reason 3: Haaland is Rested
Already a scoring cyborg, now he’s skipper. Expect even scarier numbers from a rested Haaland. The Golden Boot race might as well be everyone else fighting for second.
Chelsea – The Dark Horse
● Reason 1: Cole Palmer on Ice
“Cold” Palmer’s always makes Chelsea look like a contender. 25+ goal contributions feel inevitable.
● Reason 2: Club World Champs & Recent Success
Club World Cup and Conference leagues under Maresca might not be the biggest prizes, but they signal something. Suddenly, there’s belief again at the Bridge.
● Reason 3: Surge of Smart Signings
This summer’s recruits (João Pedro, Liam Delap, Estêvão, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens) scream future-proofing. Young, hungry, and ready to run through walls.
Manchester United – Hopeful Project
● Reason 1: Attacking Intent is Back
Cunha, Mbeumo, and Šeško clearly signal that you’re done with 1–0 scrappy wins (or defeats). Amorim’s gone all-in on firepower, the kind that gets Old Trafford buzzing again.
● Reason 2: New Manager, New Philosophy
Amorim’s 3-4-3 is all about stretching play and scoring from everywhere. Could be thrilling… or chaotic. We’ll see
But…
Let’s be honest, this is still a rebuild and the same manager seems suspect. They’re not elite yet, but at least they seem watchable again.
Full Season Predictions
● Favourite – Liverpool: Reigning champs, £260m upgrades, and Salah still king.
● Challenger – Man City: Machine runs forever; Haaland leading from the front.
● Wildcard – Chelsea: Palmer-inspired run could spoil the big boys’ party.
● Biggest Loser – Arsenal: Gyökeres up top, Zubimendi in midfield, they probably still bottle it in the end as always.
● Potential Flop of the Season – Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool) – Scored with his first shot on target, but we’ve seen the script before
Watch Every Moment on DStv & GOtv
The new season’s fireworks start this weekend — and you can catch every kick on SuperSport.
Weekend Line-Up (All Live):
● Fri, 8:00 pm — Liverpool vs Bournemouth
● Sat, 12:30 pm — Aston Villa vs Newcastle
● Sat, 5:30 pm — Wolves vs Manchester City
● Sun, 2:00 pm — Chelsea vs Crystal Palace
● Sun, 4:30 pm — Manchester United vs Arsenal
All live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Stream anywhere on the GOtv or DStv Stream app, and upgrade anytime via MyGOtv or MyDStv.
