Premier League 2025-26 season preview: DAZN News panel makes its predictions

The start of a new Premier League season means a clean slate for all 20 clubs and their players, with everyone starting on equal footing ahead of a new chase for glory.

Of course, some teams and players are better equipped to achieve greatness than others, and predicting who will excel is a big part of the fun for fans and pundits alike before the new campaign kicks off.

Here are the DAZN News panel's picks for league winners, Golden Boot winner, dark horse team and player to watch.

Premier League 2025-26 season preview: DAZN News panel's picks

League winners

@liverpoolfc

Andrew Steel: Liverpool

The Reds basically ran roughshod over all rivals to reach the title last term, but Arne Slot has his work cut out to repeat the feat this term.

A big-spending summer could still see them add further reinforcements, and if they can ensure their defence clicks, that high-powered offence will take care of the rest.

Matt Astbury: Liverpool

I would not be surprised if Liverpool retain the trophy, the Reds are riding the crest of a wave and the atmosphere is positive around Anfield. That makes for a dangerous Liverpool with a bolstered attack which includes the likes of Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah.

Ash Rose: Liverpool

It will be a much closer run title race than last season, with both a refreshed Manchester City and Arsenal armed with an actual striker putting up a fight, but it’s hard to see past Liverpool.

They’ve had a summer of statement signings, notably Florian Wirtz, and it should see them retain their Premier League crown. Especially with their transfer business still not complete, considering the possible arrival of Marc Guehi as well.

Ross Heppenstall: Liverpool

Arsenal and Manchester City should challenge strongly, but Arne Slot’s defending champions go into the new campaign armed with some impressive new signings.

The tragic loss of Diogo Jota during the summer could also prove a driving force in honouring the Portuguese’s memory with another league title.

Rudi Schuller: Manchester City

We've learned that you cannot count Pep Guardiola out for too long, and last season was arguably the worst City side of his tenure at the Etihad Stadium.

Despite this, they still finished third and have spent all summer loading up on talent as Guardiola works to transition the squad from one era to the next.

The last time Liverpool won the Premier League, City answered with four straight titles. Don't be surprised if that pattern happens again.

Golden Boot

Getty Images

Andrew Steel: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

It may have been an off-season for Manchester City, but you can expect their free-scoring Norwegian superstar to bounce back this term with a desire to prove himself again.

Having claimed the Golden Boot in the last two terms, Haaland - who will get to play against his actual hometown club Leeds United this year - looks primed to mop up again.

Matt Astbury: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Erling Haaland, after a mixed season by the City striker's standards, he will come back with a vengeance and terrorise Premier League defences across England.

Ash Rose: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

I thought this would be Alexander Isak’s year - and it still might be if he gets his move to Anfield - but I’m wary of Erling Haaland’s revenge. People seem to be sleeping on him after an ‘off’ season, and I expect him to come roaring back and nab his third shiny shoe.

Ross Heppenstall: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Conjecture surrounds the future of Alexander Isak as Liverpool bid to prise the wantaway striker from Newcastle United.

The Sweden international should be heavily among the goals should he join the Reds, but Erling Haaland remains a goal-machine and can top the charts this season.

Rudi Schuller: Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

It's hard to choose anyone else for this, for all the reasons my colleagues have given.

Haaland is simply too good to not be considered the favourite to top the scoring charts again.

Dark horse team

@everton

Andrew Steel: Manchester United

Whisper it quietly, but with a full pre-season under his belt, Ruben Amorim could finally deliver on the promise of reawakening a sleeping giant of the English game.

Recruitment may not have been as high-flying as fans have hoped, but if the Portuguese can imprint an identity upon them, there is enough talent to get them back on top.

Matt Astbury: Everton

Yes they are a big club, but the past few seasons have seen them fight for survival. With a new stadium and the arrival of superstar Jack Grealish on loan, the vibes are good in the blue half of Merseyside, and these vibes will carry them into a season to remember.

Ash Rose: Everton

Everton have quietly gone about their summer business, and I think the signing of Jack Grealish could be a real gem. They’ll miss Goodison, but David Moyes feels like the right man to help guide that transition and could be the Toffees’ best season in years.

Ross Heppenstall: Chelsea

The Blues have spent big again this summer and go into the new campaign as officially the best club side on the planet after winning the FIFA Club World Cup.

There is a youthful exuberance to Enzo Maresca’s side but bucketloads of quality too and they could challenge the leading sides this term.

Rudi Schuller: Tottenham

While I don't think Tottenham will seriously challenge for the Premier League title, they should easily make their way back into the top 10 after a disastrous domestic campaign and make waves in the race for Europe.

With Ange Postecoglou gone, it's unlikely that Spurs will stick to their suicidal (albeit exciting) style of play, and a more pragmatic style under Thomas Frank should bear fruit for the North Londoners.

Player to watch 

@viktorgyokeres

Andrew Steel: Wilfried Gnonto (Leeds United)

The Italy international has had something of a roller-coaster ride in recent years, signed to make a splash at Elland Road and then left for two seasons in the Championship.

Reported attempts to force a move to keep his place in the national team did not pan out, but Gnonto applied himself with renewed vigour in the wake. Now, he will hope to complete his turnaround.

Matt Astbury: Liam Delap (Chelsea)

While his old team Ipswich Town struggled, he was one of the few positives.

The 22-year-old has gone from boy to man over the past few years and after proving with Ipswich that he is able to be a serious presence up front, he now has a club in Chelsea who will surround him with exceptional talent to provide him with the service needed to excel. The battle with Joao Pedro for a starting place will no doubt bring the best out of Delap as the season goes on.

Ash Rose: Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal)

The signing of Martin Zubimendi has gone under the radar somewhat, but he’ll bring a sense of calm to that Arsenal midfield and an ideal balance alongside Martin Odegaard.

I’m also intrigued to see how Estevao does at Chelsea and Igor Jesus at Nottingham Forest after impressing at the Club World Cup.

Ross Heppenstall: Benjamin Šeško (Manchester United)

After the chaos of last season, it is time for some serious progress at Old Trafford.

Slovenia striker Šeško, 22 and a giant of a man at 6ft 5in, could prove the fulcrum for the new chapter being written by Ruben Amorim this season.

Rudi Schuller: Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal)

The Gunners have finished as runners-up in three straight seasons, and a big part of their failure to break through has been the lack of a dependable striker that can help turn draws into wins.

Arsenal had 14 draws last season, five more than champions Liverpool. They also scored 17 fewer goals than the Reds, and were also outscored by third-place City. 

After scoring at will in Portugal, Gyökeres has been brought in to help Arsenal find the back of the net more often. That makes him one of the most crucial players on any side in the entire league.

How to watch the Premier League in Canada

Soccer fans in Canada can watch every Premier League match during the 2025-26 season on DAZN.

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