We asked Grok to predict the outcome of the 2025/26 Premier League season based on analysis of last season, pre-season results, transfer activity this summer and any managerial changes.
It came up with the following predictions:
20. Burnley
Last season: 2nd (Championship)
Why: Burnley’s Championship success (100 points) doesn’t translate easily to the Premier League, with a lack of transformative signings and the loss of key defender CJ Egan-Riley and goalkeeper James Trafford. Their limited firepower and historical struggles as a promoted side suggest relegation.
19. Sunderland
Last season: 4th (Championship)
Why: Despite ambitious signings like Granit Xhaka, Sunderland’s lack of Premier League experience and the steep jump from the Championship could see them struggle. Their predicted points range (24.5–26.5) indicates a tough fight to avoid the drop.
18. Leeds United
Last season: 1st (Championship)
Why: Leeds’ Championship title shows promise, but their attack lacks Premier League quality. Daniel Farke’s poor top-flight record with Norwich suggests they’ll just miss out on survival.
17. Brentford
Last season: 10th
Why: The loss of manager Thomas Frank, star striker Bryan Mbeumo, and captain Christian Norgaard, combined with an untested manager in Keith Andrews, could lead to a relegation battle. Yoanne Wissa also looks set to exit and whilst their recruitment remains shrewd, replacing all those key players is a tall order.
16. Wolves
Last season: 16th
Why: Wolves barely survived last season until a late end of season turnaround in form, and the loss of Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri now weakens them further. Jhon Arias could be a bright spark, but their defensive frailties may keep them just above the drop zone.
15. West Ham
Last season: 14th
Why: West Ham’s stagnant transfer activity and over reliance on Jarrod Bowen to keep delivering, especially after losing Mohammed Kudus, could see them regress. Graham Potter’s management offers hope, but a mid-table finish looks likely at best.
14. Everton
Last season: 13th
Why: Everton’s new stadium and signings like Jack Grealish, Thierno Barry and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall boost their attack, but a lack of consistent goal-scoring keeps them in the bottom half. David Moyes’ organization ensures survival but not much more.
13. Fulham
Last season: 11th
Why: Fulham’s solid mid-table form under Marco Silva continues, but minimal summer signings limit their ambition. Their inability to capitalize against lower-half teams could prevent a higher finish.
12. Crystal Palace
Last season: 12th
Why: Palace’s FA Cup win and hopeful retention of star Eberechi Eze are positive, but European commitments may stretch their squad. Oliver Glasner’s tactical nous should secure a safe mid-table position.
11. Bournemouth
Last season: 9th
Why: Despite losing key defenders like Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen, Andoni Iraola’s tactical brilliance keeps Bournemouth competitive. Their mid-table finish reflects a slight dip due to defensive losses.
10. Nottingham Forest
Last season: 7th
Why: Forest’s 7th-place finish last season was impressive, but European commitments and a lack of squad depth could see them drop. Retaining Morgan Gibbs-White ensures they remain competitive but not top-tier.
9. Brighton
Last season: 8th
Why: Brighton’s lack of European football and smart recruitment under Fabian Hurzeler make them a top-half contender. Losing Joao Pedro hurts, but their system ensures consistent results.
8. Tottenham Hotspur
Last season: 17th
Why: Thomas Frank’s pragmatic approach and signings like Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha revive Spurs after a poor 2024/25 domestically. European commitments may limit their ceiling, but a top-eight finish is achievable.
7. Newcastle United
Last season: 5th
Why: Newcastle’s strong midfield and Eddie Howe’s management keep them in the European hunt, but a quiet transfer window and potential loss of Alexander Isak hinder progress. Champions League demands could cause a slight regression.
6. Aston Villa
Last season: 6th
Why: Unai Emery’s consistency and retention of Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez ensure Villa remain competitive. A lack of major signings and poor away form prevent a top-four push.
5. Manchester United
Last season: 15th
Why: Ruben Amorim’s signings (Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo) and no European distractions boost United’s recovery from a dismal 15th-place finish. They’re still a step behind the elite, settling for fifth.
4. Chelsea
Last season: 4th
Why: Chelsea’s young squad, bolstered by Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, and Jorrel Hato, builds on their Club World Cup success. Enzo Maresca’s management ensures a top-four finish, but they lack the depth for a real title challenge.
3. Manchester City
Last season: 3rd
Why: Despite a third-place finish last season, signings like Rayan Cherki and Rodri’s return strengthen City, but unresolved Financial Fair Play issues and integration of new players into Pep's system will take time and may prevent a title win.
2. Arsenal
Last season: 2nd
Why: Arsenal’s signings of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi address key areas and boot their much-needed firepower, but another runner-up finish looms. Mikel Arteta’s squad is strong but struggles to overtake Liverpool’s depth in order to beat them to the title.
1. Liverpool
Last season: 1st
Why: Liverpool’s title defense is bolstered by Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekiteke, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong, adding flair, creativity and depth. Arne Slot’s system and the fire power in their front-line make them favorites to repeat.
Summary:
These predictions reflect a synthesis of current squad dynamics, transfer activity, and managerial impact as of August 11, 2025, with Liverpool’s strengthened squad giving them the edge once again, while promoted teams face an uphill battle similarly to previous seasons.
