With the 2026/27 Premier League season set to begin, top pundits across the UK have offered their predictions on who will lift the trophy in May. Defending champions Arsenal are tipped by many, but a refreshed Manchester City also has strong support.
Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart Lead the Disagreement
Manchester United legend and BBC pundit Wayne Rooney believes Arsenal will be even stronger after signing Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis and Ezri Konsa. Speaking on Stick to United, he said: "You're looking at Arsenal and Man City [for the title]. Chelsea will be a lot better this season, Tottenham will be better. You've got Liverpool in there as well. So it's going to be tough. Arsenal have the potential to run away with it but behind them we could see a lot of changes."
Rooney added: "I think Arsenal are the favourites to win it but can United nick second off Man City and start to build again and maybe challenge for the title next season?"
Joe Hart, former Manchester City goalkeeper and BBC colleague, disagrees. He said: "It's really important how Arsenal handle the scrutiny of being champions, but they will totally understand that and what is coming their way." Hart noted City were "clunky against Arsenal in Cardiff" but predicted his former side would finish first and Arsenal second.
Arsenal Backed by Agbonlahor, Murphy, and Stelling
Former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor told talkSPORT: "I'm going with Arsenal. They've got the strongest squad, they've been there and done it."
BBC's Danny Murphy said: "Without all the new signings being done yet, it's hard to call, but I think Arsenal will win it again. Mikel Arteta's side will have greater strength in depth than last season and more quality."
Jeff Stelling told talkSPORT: "I've done my finishing order for the Premier League, so here we go: Arsenal to win it. Chelsea second, Man City third, Man United fourth, Spurs fifth, Liverpool sixth... that's my prediction but I'll probably be miles off it."
Carragher, Given, and Allardyce Favour City
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher tipped Manchester City in August, though he warned his view would change if they sold Rodri — which has since happened. On Football Ramble, he said: "I think City. The reason I think City is, they were close last year. I know Pep's gone. I get that."
Shay Given, former City goalkeeper, said: "I don't think Pep leaving City means we will see what happened when Sir Alex Ferguson left United. Instead, I am expecting the opposite, because of a fresh voice in the dressing room."
Sam Allardyce told No Tippy Tappy Football: "I believe Manchester City will win the Premier League. I think Enzo Maresca will have a great first season, otherwise he'll be out of the door."
Osman, Upson, and Sutton Also Predict Arsenal
Leon Osman said: "Arsenal look like a team that are ready to have a run at winning three titles in the next four or five years."
Matthew Upson said: "Arsenal are my favourites again but I don't see them running away with it. Staying at the top is always harder."
Chris Sutton told the BBC: "Arsenal look like they are at a different level, squad-wise." He added that City face too many question marks, noting: "There's no doubt the pressure will be on Maresca from the off, and replacing Rodri is nigh on impossible."
