With the 2025/26 Premier League season fast approaching, the top four race looks as exciting as ever. With the expectations that Tottenham and Manchester United set to improve, we're set for another exciting top four race. It is still unclear whether the Premier League will be offered more Champions League spots again like last season.
In the 2024/25 season, the top five race was the most exciting part of the season, with Chelsea and Newcastle securing Champions League spots on the last day of the season, with Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest missing out after they lost to Manchester United and Chelsea.
This season's final standings 🤝 pic.twitter.com/lRWyvmvkXQ
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 25, 2025
Below, we asked Elon Musk's AI tool 'Grok' to predict which Premier League teams will finish in the top four next season...
1. Liverpool
Why They’ll Finish Top Four: Liverpool are the defending champions, having clinched the 2024-25 title with a stellar season from Mohamed Salah. Potential signings like Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Florian Wirtz could further bolster their squad, adding attacking flair and defensive solidity. Under Arne Slot’s ruthless management, their consistency makes them favourites to lead the pack again.
Key Strengths:
- Mohamed Salah’s Form: Salah’s goal-scoring prowess remains unmatched, driving Liverpool’s attack.
- Squad Depth: New additions and a balanced roster provide flexibility for domestic and European challenges.
- Managerial Stability: Slot’s tactical acumen has made Liverpool a relentless winning machine.
Challenges: Balancing Champions League and Premier League games could strain their squad, especially if injuries hit key players like Salah or Virgil van Dijk. Maintaining momentum post-title is a risk, but their strong foundation minimizes this concern.
Prediction: Liverpool will retain the title, securing first place with their attacking firepower and defensive resilience. Their ability to manage European commitments will ensure a comfortable top-four finish.
25th May - A good day for a trophy lift 🏆 pic.twitter.com/tYncfQB5m3
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 25, 2025
2. Arsenal
Why They’ll Finish Top Four: Arsenal have been consistent runners-up under Mikel Arteta, with their defensive solidity and potent midfield led by Declan Rice making them formidable. Despite missing a top striker, their backline, bolstered by players like Riccardo Calafiori, and a dynamic midfield with Martin Ødegaard keep them competitive.
Key Strengths:
- Defensive Strength: Gabriel and William Saliba anchor one of the league’s best defenses.
- Midfield Dynamism: Rice and Ødegaard provide control and creativity, crucial for tough matches.
- Arteta’s Growth: Arteta’s tactical evolution ensures Arsenal learn from past near-misses.
Challenges: The lack of a prolific No. 9 could cost them the title, as their attack sometimes lacks a killer instinct. Key matches against Liverpool and Newcastle will test their mettle, especially if their European campaign falters.
Prediction: Arsenal will finish second, securing a top-four spot with their defensive resilience and midfield quality. They may regret not signing a top striker but will stay ahead of the chasing pack.
3. Manchester City
Why They’ll Finish Top Four: Despite a shaky 2024-25 season, Manchester City remain a force under Pep Guardiola. The signing of Omar Marmoush added a spark, and a summer rebuild could restore their edge, addressing aging stars like Kevin De Bruyne.
Key Strengths:
- Guardiola’s Genius: Pep’s tactical nous ensures City adapt, even after setbacks.
- Emerging Talent: Players like Oscar Bobb and Savinho add fresh attacking options.
- Experience: City’s core has won multiple titles, giving them an edge in big moments.
Challenges: An aging squad and questions over Guardiola’s future could disrupt their rhythm. Midfield issues and Rodri’s fitness are critical, and off-field issues might loom large.
Prediction: City will rebound to finish third, leveraging their experience and Guardiola’s adaptability. Their depth and quality will secure a top-four spot, though overtaking Liverpool or Arsenal may be tough without major signings.
4. Newcastle United
Why They’ll Finish Top Four: Newcastle’s 2024-25 season saw them secure Champions League qualification and a League Cup trophy. Their late-season surge, driven by Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães, showed their potential. Eddie Howe’s management will be key as they balance European and league demands.
Key Strengths:
- Momentum: Their 2024-25 success boosts confidence.
- Key Players: Tonali and Guimarães form a midfield powerhouse, with Alexander Isak providing goals.
- Eddie Howe’s Management: Howe’s tactical discipline and squad unity make Newcastle formidable.
Challenges: Squad depth is a concern with added Champions League games. Injuries to players like Isak or Anthony Gordon could derail their campaign, and they may struggle under pressure in key moments.
Prediction: Newcastle will claim fourth place, edging out competitors like Chelsea and Aston Villa. Their momentum and homegrown talent, combined with Howe’s leadership, will secure another Champions League spot.
Teams to Watch: Chelsea and Aston Villa
Chelsea: Chelsea’s inconsistency in 2024-25, despite a strong finish, raises doubts about their top-four chances. Enzo Maresca’s side has talent, with signings like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, but reliance on Cole Palmer’s creativity could see them fall short in fifth due to squad cohesion issues. Also, the FIFA Club World Cup have taken some out of the players.
Aston Villa: Villa’s gritty performances under Unai Emery make them contenders, but potential sales of players like Ollie Watkins and the strain of European football could limit them to sixth, narrowly missing the Champions League.
Tottenham: Under Thomas Frank, Tottenham are poised to challenge for a top-four spot in the 2025-26 Premier League season, buoyed by their Europa League success and key signings. Frank’s tactical nous, proven at Brentford, complements additions like Mohammed Kudus and the potential signing of Morgan Gibbs-White, boosting their attack with Son Heung-min.
Manchester United: Manchester United, led by Ruben Amorim, could surge into the top-four race with a revamped squad and his 3-4-2-1 system. Signings like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha add firepower to a previously lacklustre attack (44 goals in 2024-25).
Key Factors for the 2025-26 Season
- Transfer Window Impact: Liverpool’s potential signings and Arsenal’s defensive reinforcements could tilt the balance. City’s rebuild and Newcastle’s ability to retain stars like Isak will be crucial.
- European Commitments: Liverpool, Newcastle, and potentially Arsenal and Chelsea will juggle European games, testing squad depth.
- Promoted Teams’ Impact: Leeds, Burnley, and Sunderland face tough odds, but Leeds’ strong squad could disrupt mid-table teams, indirectly affecting the top-four race.
Final Thoughts
The 2025-26 Premier League season will be a battle of consistency, depth, and tactical nous. Liverpool’s title-winning pedigree and strengthened squad make them favourites to lead, while Arsenal’s defensive solidity and Newcastle’s momentum should secure their spots. Manchester City’s experience under Guardiola edges them into fourth.
Chelsea and Aston Villa will push hard, but their inconsistencies may cost them. Injuries, transfers, and European commitments will keep the race tight, but these four teams have the quality to rise above the rest.
