The new Premier League campaign is well underway and has produced typical drama at both ends of the table. While champions Liverpool have started strongly and top the table, the Reds lost to Crystal Palace in a game which proves the English top-flight is one of the most unpredictable leagues on the planet. Manchester City appear back on form after a stuttering start while Arsenal are determined to end their wait to lift the trophy.
Newly-promoted Sunderland have impressed on their return while Leeds and Burnley have also shown they can compete at this level. With plenty happening at the top and the bottom, this article will run through the standings and assess how the season could unfold over the coming months.
The Title Race
Liverpool won their opening five fixtures including victories over local rivals Everton and title challengers Arsenal to fly to the top of the table. However, losing to Palace has given hope to the rest of the league that the Reds can be caught this time around. There are doubts as to whether Arne Slot's side will be as solid having added star quality to the team.
While the Gunners are one of the main rivals to Liverpool's bid to lift the Premier League trophy for successive seasons, Manchester City will also be in the race amid Pep Guardiola navigating a transition following the departure of club legend Kevin De Bruyne.
Premier League followers will be exploring different betting options with many fans predicting the outcome of matches to add an extra layer of excitement to the season. It's imperative supporters compare and assess a range of platforms to find a site that will best suit their preferences and wagering needs. By reading expert reviews via askgamblers.com, Premier League enthusiasts can swiftly identify the most popular and trusted platforms while also finding bonuses which could enhance gameplay without the usual financial risks associated with football gambling.
Down at the Bottom
Wolves have endured a horror start to the campaign losing the first five matches while also becoming the first club in the Premier League era to trail at half-time in the opening five fixtures. The Molineux club picked up their first point at Tottenham but face an uphill battle if they are to improve and avoid the drop this season.
West Ham have also struggled from the outset and the poor start actually cost manager Graham Potter his job. Winning at Nottingham Forest but losing the other four matches, the boss was dismissed and swiftly replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo who oversaw a 1-1 draw at Everton a few days later.
Burnley are the other side currently occupying the third spot in the relegation zone having also won one, drawn one and lost four. Scott Parker's side are among the favourites to go down. If the Clarets are to survive, they will likely have to turn Turf Moor into a fortress and collect points at home.
Shock Strugglers
Aston Villa may have been in the Champions League last season and the Europa League the time but Unai Emery's have also struggled and actually had to wait until the last week of September to score their first Premier League goals.
After a busy summer of comings and goings, the Villans took a while to click and took only two points from their first four matches. However, the last outing was a 3-1 over Fulham and so fans will be hoping the team is now on the right track. With quality players all over the team, from Ollie Watkins leading the line up front to John McGinn in the middle of the park, Villa should be capable of mounting another a push for Europe despite the setback.
Surprise Packages
Sunderland have earned plenty of plaudits and admirers following their return to the Premier League. The Black Cats have lost only one game this season and have beaten West Ham, Brentford and Nottingham Forest. Manager Regis Le Bris has bought well, with the arrival of experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka the pick of the summer signings who has had a positive impact on the side.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, are third in the Premier League table having not been beaten in their last 18 matches. Oliver Glasner's side are seriously organized while always looking dangerous in attack and have got the better of West Ham, Villa and leaders Liverpool while also drawing with Chelsea, Forest and Sunderland. The Eagles will face Everton, Bournemouth and Arsenal during October and, should they avoid defeat,
Will Manchester United Finish Top Half?
Manchester United finished 15th last season. It was the club's lowest standing since 1974 when the Red Devils were relegated from the First Division. The side has fallen over the last decade since legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired and seem to have slid further under Ruben Amorim in the last year. Fans are losing patience with the Portuguese manager who is seemingly sticking to his set-up and style of play. It remains to be seen whether United will even finish top half with or without Amorim at the helm.
Overall, the 2025/26 Premier League campaign could be one of the most exciting yet if the first few weeks are anything to go by. All teams will be desperate to finish above champions Liverpool while a number of teams could be involved in the relegation battle come May.