The Premier League is back, and the early betting markets are already painting a clear picture of who the contenders are for the 2026/27 title. From established giants to resurgent clubs, here is a look at the key factors shaping the early favourites.
Arsenal: consistency at the top
Mikel Arteta's side enter the new campaign as favourites, riding the momentum of their 2025/26 title — the Spaniard's first as Arsenal manager. The club have taken a measured approach in the transfer market, making Piero Hincapie's loan permanent and bringing in Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge.
A high-profile move for Vinicius Junior has been discussed, but Arsenal appear content to build on what they already have. It is that steady, principled approach that is keeping them at the top of bookmakers' lists heading into the new season.
Manchester City: rebuilding without Guardiola
Life after Pep Guardiola has begun at Manchester City, and the club sit second in the early title odds. Their position might have been stronger had Guardiola not departed, but decisive early transfer business has kept them firmly in contention.
The standout signing is Elliot Anderson, acquired for a record fee among English players. Anderson's performances for England at the World Cup — where he demonstrated he could compete alongside the likes of Declan Rice — have generated considerable excitement at the club. His arrival is particularly significant given ongoing questions around Rodri's fitness and potential departure. Enzo Maresca now has a genuinely world-class option in that engine room.
Liverpool: a new voice in the dugout
Liverpool's third-placed status in the early odds is not driven by transfer activity but by a significant change in the dugout. Arne Slot has departed, with Andoni Iraola arriving from Bournemouth to take the reins at Anfield.
Iraola's aggressive, high-energy style has already drawn comparisons to Jurgen Klopp's approach, and that is no coincidence — his preferred system mirrors the brand of football that brought Liverpool both a Champions League and a Premier League title under the German. Whether he can replicate that success remains to be seen, but the early signs are encouraging.
Manchester United: back among the contenders
It has been some time since Manchester United were considered genuine title contenders, and even now they sit fourth — a reflection of progress made but also of the distance still to close on those above them.
Michael Carrick's work in securing Champions League football for Old Trafford has generated real optimism, and if the club legend can maintain that trajectory, United will remain in the conversation. The squad still needs strengthening, but the direction of travel under Carrick is encouraging.
The best of the rest
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have each had an active summer, with Morgan Rogers and Sandro Tonali arriving at their respective clubs for fees approaching or exceeding £100 million. Both sides will be hoping those investments translate into a genuine push for honours once the season gets fully underway.
