Premier League Predictions 2026-27: BBC Sport Pundits Weigh In
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Premier League Predictions 2026-27
By Chris Bevan, BBC Sport Journalist
Arsenal ended a 22-year wait to be Premier League champions last season, but can they successfully defend their crown? That is the next target for Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, whose side finished seven points clear of nearest rivals Manchester City last time out. So, who will challenge them in 2026-27?
We asked 26 BBC TV and radio pundits to pick their top four, with explanations for their selections. We’ve also consulted AI’s opinion, and included what Opta’s ‘supercomputer’ came up with too.
AI and Opta Predictions
- AI Prediction: Generated using Microsoft Copilot Chat – simply asked the tool to "predict the Premier League table for the 2026-27 season."
- Opta Supercomputer: Uses a complex algorithm based on betting market odds and its own ‘power rankings’, simulating the outcome of all 380 Premier League games 10,000 times.
Human Expert Predictions
These predictions were made on the basis of how each squad shaped up on Thursday, 20 August, with 13 days to go until the transfer window shuts at 23:00 BST on Tuesday, 1 September.
Overall expected ranking (using all 28 predictions is):
- Arsenal (109 points)
- Manchester City (73)
- Liverpool (38)
- Chelsea (35)
- Manchester United (21)
- Aston Villa and Tottenham (both two)
Predictions:
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Theo Walcott: "They have got the biggest advantage of all – continuity. Mikel Arteta is still there, they are coming off an 85-point title-winning season and they have strengthened rather than rebuilt. The Bruno Guimaraes signing is massive, to add to a midfield that already boasts Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi. Their defence was also ridiculously good last season, although William Saliba’s progress after his World Cup injury is something to watch closely."
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Thomas Hitzlsperger: "Arsenal are the team to beat. Unlike a lot of their rivals, they kept their manager and, every season, the team plays together and gets additions. I still don’t expect Arsenal to play nice football in the sense that I am excited to watch them play. I just think they really know…"
