The Premier League season for 2026-27 is set to commence on Friday, August 21, a later start than usual due to the preceding FIFA World Cup, which concludes just over a month prior on July 19. With fixtures now released, early predictions are emerging, painting a picture of a dramatic opening five gameweeks before the season pauses for a three-week international break.

Reigning champions Arsenal will launch their campaign at the Emirates Stadium against newly-promoted Coventry City. Meanwhile, Manchester United is slated to host another promoted side, Hull City, in the Saturday lunchtime fixture. Sunday will see Manchester City, under new manager Enzo Maresca, face Bournemouth, while Newcastle United takes on Liverpool, now managed by Andoni Iraola. Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea rounds out the opening weekend with a Monday Night Football clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Early season pace-setters: United, City, Liverpool, Chelsea

According to a prediction by GiveMeSport, Michael Carrick’s Manchester United side is poised for a flying start, tipped to lead the league after five gameweeks. Their predicted record suggests a dominant run:

• Manchester United: 1st place, 4 wins, 1 draw, 0 losses, +8 goal difference, 13 points.

• Manchester City: 2nd place, 4 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss, +8 goal difference, 12 points.

• Liverpool: 3rd place, 3 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses, +7 goal difference, 11 points.

• Chelsea: 4th place, 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, +5 goal difference, 10 points.

Manchester City’s sole predicted loss comes in Gameweek 4 during their visit to Old Trafford. Reigning champions Arsenal, despite a predicted 4-0 opening win against Coventry, are expected to sit in fifth place with nine points, having drawn against Aston Villa, Sunderland, and Brighton.

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Further down the top half, Aston Villa and David Moyes’ Everton are also predicted to accumulate nine points, placing them sixth and seventh respectively. Leeds United is tipped for a strong start, securing eight points for eighth place, while Tottenham, who narrowly avoided relegation last season (2025-26), is predicted to be ninth with eight points. Newcastle United rounds out the top ten with seven points.

Relegation fears for promoted sides

The early season predictions spell trouble for the newly promoted teams. Hull City is expected to endure a particularly difficult start, predicted to be rock bottom after losing all five of their opening fixtures with a -13 goal difference and zero points.

• Hull City: 20th place, 0 wins, 0 draws, 5 losses, -13 goal difference, 0 points.

• Ipswich Town: 19th place, 0 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses, -9 goal difference, 1 point.

• Fulham: 18th place, 0 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses, -5 goal difference, 1 point.

Ipswich Town’s solitary point is predicted to come from a 1-1 home draw against Sunderland on the opening weekend. Fulham, currently seeking a replacement for manager Marco Silva, is also tipped to secure just one point, also against Sunderland. Sunderland itself is predicted to be just outside the relegation zone in 17th place with three points.

Frank Lampard’s Coventry City, the third promoted side, is expected to fare slightly better, predicted to be 15th with five points, including a 1-0 win over Hull City and draws against Brighton and Nottingham Forest. Brentford is also predicted to start slowly, sitting 16th with four points.

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As the Premier League prepares for its post-World Cup return, these early predictions offer a glimpse into what promises to be a compelling start to the 2026-27 campaign.

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