BBC Sport Pundit Predictions revealed for the Premier Legaue in 2025/26…Are you ready for some bold BBC Premier League predictions? I’ve been digging through the numbers, and they’re fascinating. Last year’s Opta supercomputer gave Manchester City an 82.2% chance to claim their fifth straight title, but reality played out quite differently.
Making Premier League table predictions is notoriously tricky, yet we can’t help ourselves! BBC pundits’ confidence in Liverpool stands out this season, as 22 out of 35 experts picked them as champions. The overall expected ranking from these predictions puts Liverpool at an incredible 121 points, while Arsenal (90) and Man City (83) follow behind. Chris Sutton will predict all 380 Premier League games throughout the season. The scoring system awards 10 points for correct results and 40 points for exact scores. The most popular scoreline that pundits choose shows up in scoreboards at the bottom of prediction pages.
My compilation of the top 20 BBC Sport pundits’ predictions covers everything from title winners to relegation candidates. Now we wait to see who nails it and who ends up with egg on their face!
Chris Sutton
Chris Sutton has become a regular face in the BBC’s prediction coverage. His early-season performance stands out as he beats both AI and reader predictions consistently. His week two numbers tell the story – six correct results and three correct scores, adding up to 150 impressive points.
Chris Sutton’s top 4 prediction
Liverpool stands as Sutton’s pick to win the title this season, even with new managers and team changes. He’s sticking to this call, “whether they sign Newcastle striker Alexander Isak or not”. Arsenal and Manchester City shape up as the main challengers in his view. Arsenal’s chances look even better if Viktor Gyokeres “hits the ground running”.
Chris Sutton’s relegation picks
Sutton hasn’t spelt out his relegation picks directly yet. His match predictions give us clues about teams he sees at risk. The tight scorelines he predicts for Brighton (1-0 vs Fulham) and Sunderland (0-1 vs West Ham) hint at which clubs might struggle.
Chris Sutton’s surprise team
Tottenham’s future looks bright, according to Sutton. He states he is “absolutely convinced Tottenham will finish in the top six next season”. Their Champions League spot, earned by beating Manchester United in the Europa League final, backs his confidence. The prize money and appeal of Champions League football will boost their chances of attracting top talent.
Chris Sutton’s title-winner rationale
Sutton sees multiple reasons behind Liverpool’s title chances. The tragic death of Diogo Jota could affect the squad’s performance. The tactical side interests him too, as he watches new manager Slot’s approach. He notes: “I’ve been looking at a few things Slot said about how teams had started to work them out in the second half of last season”.
Manchester City might face challenges from the Club World Cup’s physical and mental toll. Arsenal shows strength and organisation, but Sutton points out there’s “definitely pressure on Arteta this season to deliver”.
Alan Shearer
Premier League legend Alan Shearer brings his decades of top-flight experience to his role as a Betway ambassador and BBC pundit. His voice carries real weight among football fans. He holds the record as the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Alan Shearer’s top 4 prediction
Shearer’s top four prediction stays the same across many outlets: “Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea”. He expects Arsenal to finish second for the fourth consecutive year. This placement “will not please Mikel Arteta” after the club’s big spending, including Viktor Gyokeres as their new number 9 striker. Manchester City won’t reclaim their crown this season, so Shearer places them third.
Alan Shearer’s relegation picks
Shearer makes a bold call for the drop zone: “Burnley, Sunderland, Leeds”. He thinks all but one of these newly-promoted teams will head back to the Championship after just one season. This would be “the third consecutive year that all promoted teams fail to secure their place in the top-flight”. The gap between England’s top two divisions keeps growing wider.
Alan Shearer’s surprise team
Shearer picks “Everton” as his surprise package. This choice stands out from his other predictions because many experts see the Toffees finishing mid-table again. He also believes “Nottingham Forest will remain a top-half side”. Forest’s impressive development could continue next season.
Alan Shearer’s title-winning rationale
Shearer leaves no doubt about his championship pick: “Liverpool… won the league last season and could have done it by more than 10 points”. The team’s transfer activity gives them an edge. “Liverpool have been very, very strong in the transfer market” because “they’ve made another statement in terms of who they’ve signed”. Shearer remains confident: “I don’t think anyone will catch Liverpool this season”.
Danny Murphy
Danny Murphy brings real-life insights to his Premier League predictions. His analysis comes from his playing days rather than just looking at statistics.
Danny Murphy’s top 4 prediction
Murphy believes we’ll see a close title race. He thinks Liverpool will win it despite some early challenges under new management. “I’m going with Slot’s side because of their abundance of talent in midfield and the confidence they will have from last season”. Manchester City takes second place in his prediction, Arsenal third, while Chelsea claims the fourth spot. Murphy leaves Manchester United out of his top four calculations.
Danny Murphy’s relegation picks
Murphy takes a different approach from other pundits about relegation candidates. “It’s always hard doing predictions before the window has shut because there is still a lot of business to be done”. His careful stance shows how late transfers can completely change a team’s season outlook.
Danny Murphy’s surprise team
Manchester United stands out as Murphy’s surprise pick this season. While they missed his top four, he noted that “United’s busy transfer activity cannot rule Amorim’s men out of challenging for the top six”. The pre-season has seen unprecedented movement among top clubs.
Danny Murphy’s title-winner rationale
Murphy backs Liverpool’s title chances because of their “abundance of talent in midfield”. He sees Manchester City as strong contenders since “they still have the best striker in the world, and Rodri’s return is like a new signing”. Arsenal’s signings impress him too: “Gyokeres is a powerhouse and he is going to score a lot of goals.” He rates Zubimendi “just as important” and considers Christian Norgaard “a clever bit of business”. Murphy firmly believes Chelsea and Newcastle won’t compete for the title next season.
Micah Richards
Micah Richards brings unique insights to Premier League predictions. His background as a Manchester City defender and his role as a respected football analyst give him an exceptional perspective at the top level.
Micah Richards’ top 4 prediction
Liverpool leads Richards’ predictions with Arsenal taking third place. Manchester United could see better results thanks to their summer signings. The team’s lack of European football this season gives them “such a massive advantage”.
Micah Richards’ relegation picks
Sunderland stands out as Richards’ main relegation concern: “Relegated only because they’re bringing in so many players in such a short period of time to get them to gel”. Leeds faces similar risks, along with either Brentford or Wolves. Richards has also expressed that he “worries about” Burnley’s chances.
Micah Richards’ surprise team
Chelsea looks set to surprise everyone, according to Richards. The team’s attack shines with Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro leading the charge after their Club World Cup success. Their “lack of defensive quality” remains a concern, though.
Micah Richards’ title winner rationale
Florian Wirtz’s addition makes Liverpool Richards’ top pick: “People don’t understand how good this player is… I think they’re going to be unstoppable at times”. City’s chances look weaker without Rodri in the mix: “If Rodri was fit, I would say it would be a race to the end”.
Rachel Brown-Finnis
Rachel Brown-Finnis, the former England goalkeeper, shares her Premier League predictions with unique insights into transfer strategies and team development patterns.
Rachel Brown-Finnis’ top 4 prediction
She has picked four familiar teams for the top spots, but the order might surprise you:
- Liverpool
- Arsenal
- Manchester City
- Chelsea
Her picks show strong faith in Liverpool’s continued success. She also recognises Arsenal’s progress and believes Chelsea could make a significant breakthrough.
Rachel Brown-Finnis’ relegation picks
While she hasn’t publicly shared specific relegation picks, Rachel bases her assessments on two vital factors: squad depth and Premier League experience. These elements determine a team’s survival chances.
Rachel Brown-Finnis’ surprise team
Chelsea emerges as Rachel’s dark horse for 2025-26. “People scoffed and were very cynical about the Club World Cup, but winning it has given them some momentum, especially with the young players they have got”. She goes further to say: “I’d be shocked if they don’t win at least one trophy, and you cannot dismiss them as title contenders”.
Rachel Brown-Finnis’ title winner rationale
Rachel makes a strong case for Liverpool to keep their crown based on their transfer approach. “Each time City were champions under Guardiola, they would add a player or two. You would think they can’t get any better, but they did, and Liverpool have done the same”. She believes Liverpool has set themselves up perfectly by adding strength to their championship-winning squad. This mirrors Guardiola’s successful strategy at Manchester City across multiple seasons.
Chris Waddle
BBC pundit and former England and Tottenham star Chris Waddle has made the most controversial Premier League prediction. He stands alone in backing Chelsea to lift the trophy and places Liverpool in fourth position.
Chris Waddle’s top 4 prediction
His unexpected top four lineup puts Chelsea at the top, followed by Arsenal and Manchester City, with Liverpool rounding out the quartet. This bold prediction aligns with the mood at Stamford Bridge, as a newer study shows 97% of Chelsea fans started the season with high hopes.
Chris Waddle’s relegation picks
His analysis emphasises top-table movements rather than relegation concerns, with minimal discussion about teams that might drop down.
Chris Waddle’s surprise team
Chelsea stands out as Waddle’s unexpected choice. “They’ve got a great squad. They bought a lot of players last year and it has taken time for them to get the balance right, but you saw things come together when they won the Club World Cup, and I am really expecting them to kick on”.
Chris Waddle’s title-winning rationale
Waddle sees defensive weaknesses as Liverpool’s main problem: “Virgil van Dijk is a classy player but at 34 he is getting on to play a lot of games at the highest level”. Manchester City faces its own challenges: “This is a new team now, without Kevin de Bruyne or Jack Grealish around, and it might take a bit of time for them to start functioning”.
Troy Deeney
Troy Deeney, the former Watford striker known for his straightforward style, brings a fresh perspective to BBC Premier League predictions. His direct approach and bold claims often stir up controversy.
Troy Deeney’s top 4 prediction
Liverpool stands as Deeney’s pick for the title. He believes they’ve “already got better in every area”. Deeney sees Jeremie Frimpong as “just as good at right-back” despite Alexander-Arnold’s absence. His forecast puts Manchester City in second place, expecting their performance to improve when Haaland returns. Arsenal’s title hopes seem dim to Deeney, who notes they “have missed their opportunity”.
Troy Deeney’s relegation picks
Deeney takes a cautious approach to relegation predictions. He prefers to watch teams play before making any definitive calls about their fate.
Troy Deeney’s surprise team
Chelsea stands out as Deeney’s dark horse following their Club World Cup success. The team needs “a goalkeeper, an experienced centre-half and a full-back” as they’re “probably two or three pieces away” from completion. Deeney urges Chelsea’s manager to stop “downplaying” their capabilities, describing them as “an exceptional team”.
Troy Deeney’s title-winning rationale
Deeney sees Liverpool’s attacking prowess as their key strength. The team “won the league last year without having an out-and-out number nine” and now boasts “Hugo Ekitike, and potentially Isak too”. Manchester City’s prospects look promising to Deeney, who believes “they can’t be as bad as they were last year”.
Thomas Hitzlsperger
German football analyst Thomas Hitzlsperger adds a European view to his Premier League predictions. His thoughtful analysis covers both tactical setups and how players affect the game.
Thomas Hitzlsperger’s top 4 prediction
Arsenal stands out as Hitzlsperger’s favourite among title contenders. He notes they “finally have the striker they have been looking for”. The race between last season’s top four looks tight, as each team has “pros and cons”.
Thomas Hitzlsperger’s relegation picks
The available commentary shows Hitzlsperger hasn’t specifically named his relegation candidates.
Thomas Hitzlsperger’s surprise team
Brighton catches Hitzlsperger’s eye as a team worth watching. He believes “Joao Pedro could be the player who makes a difference”. This pick shows his appreciation for technical players who can raise mid-table teams.
Thomas Hitzlsperger’s title-winning rationale
Liverpool’s defending champions impress Hitzlsperger. He thinks they “will be great to watch with Florian Wirtz in the team”. Notwithstanding that, they face unique challenges as title defenders. He expands on Arsenal’s advantages – they won’t play in the FIFA Club World Cup and benefit from stability where “the manager has been there for so long and has set the tone”. He balances this view by noting no team “will dominate like the City of old”.
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney, Manchester United’s record goalscorer, joins BBC Sport’s pundit lineup. His iconic status and deep understanding of the game shape his fascinating Premier League table predictions.
Wayne Rooney’s top 4 prediction
Rooney sees the league table shaping up with:
- Liverpool (champions)
- Arsenal (runners-up for fourth consecutive year)
- Manchester City (third)
- Chelsea (fourth)
His predictions also show his former club, Manchester United, climbing ten places to secure fifth position.
Wayne Rooney’s relegation picks
Rooney believes Leeds United stands the best chance among promoted teams to stay up. This suggests both Burnley and Sunderland will struggle to keep their Premier League status.
Wayne Rooney’s surprise team
Manchester United stands out as Rooney’s dark horse. “I still think they need one or two more signings, but I can see what Amorim is doing. It’s looking better for Manchester United, and I think they will sneak into the top five”. United’s improved attacking options are a vital part of their expected comeback.
Wayne Rooney’s title-winning rationale
Rooney speaks with conviction about Liverpool’s title chances: “I already had Liverpool as favourites to win the title this year, but if Isak comes in, then I think they’re gonna be unstoppable”. He also expresses how Jeremie Frimpong’s arrival will help fill Trent Alexander-Arnold’s creative void.
Matt Upson
Matt Upson’s detailed tactical analysis of Arsenal’s title prospects sets him apart from other BBC pundits. His Premier League table predictions place Arsenal ahead of Manchester City.
Matt Upson’s top 4 prediction
Arsenal claims the top spot in Upson’s rankings, with Manchester City second. This makes him one of the few experts who predict the champions will not finish in the top two positions.
Matt Upson’s relegation picks
Upson’s public comments rarely mention relegation predictions. His analysis currently centres on tactical setups of top teams.
Matt Upson’s surprise team
Tottenham stands out as Upson’s surprise package this season. “I’d put Spurs at the top of the chasing pack. They have recruited well, their young players had the benefit of playing a lot last season”. He admires their manager’s well-laid-out approach and says it will be “fascinating to see him operate at a club where so many top managers have struggled in recent years”.
Matt Upson’s title-winner rationale
Arsenal’s exceptional young talent drives Upson’s confidence in their title chances. “Teenagers Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri have got a full Premier League season under their belts and 15-year-old Max Dowman looks a special talent”. He expects Martin Odegaard to regain his peak form after last season’s injuries. Upson also expresses how Viktor Gyokeres offers the “pacy, physical and direct centre-forward” Arsenal needed for years.
Anita Asante
Former England defender Anita Asante shares her Premier League predictions with a sharp eye on team structure and player versatility as winning factors.
Anita Asante’s top 4 prediction
Her top four predictions align with several BBC pundits: Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea. This lineup shows her confidence in Liverpool’s balanced squad and Arsenal’s progress under Arteta.
Anita Asante’s relegation picks
She hasn’t directly named her relegation candidates in recent commentary. Her analysis often points to squad depth and tactical flexibility as crucial factors for teams fighting to stay up.
Anita Asante’s surprise team
Brighton stands out as her team to watch. She notes: “Signings like Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens strengthen a squad, blending experience and youth, boosting depth and dynamism”. Their recent success has “revitalised their ambitions, finances, and status as serious contenders”.
Anita Asante’s title winner rationale
She sees City as “just an unstoppable and unflappable force”. Their remarkable feat of “winning four consecutive titles” sets them apart. She admires “City’s unbelievable pipeline of talent” and their ability to “maintain their cool, whether they are being chased or they are the chasers”.
Leon Osman
Leon Osman brings unique Premier League insights as a BBC Sport analyst. His background as an Everton legend shapes his bold predictions, including claims that “Pep Guardiola will walk away from Man City before Christmas”.
Leon Osman’s top 4 prediction
The champions lead Osman’s top four forecast. Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea round out his predictions for Manchester City. His final pick settled on Liverpool after doubts about their midfield stability surfaced.
Leon Osman’s relegation picks
Sunderland stands out as a team that might face struggles, according to Osman. His analysis presents an interesting twist that becomes clear in his surprise team selection.
Leon Osman’s surprise team
Sunderland emerges as Osman’s dark horse pick. He explains: “I think one of the promoted teams might make a go of it this year, and because of their recruitment, it could be Sunderland”. This dual role as both relegation candidate and potential overachiever shows the uncertainty around their season ahead.
Leon Osman’s title-winning rationale
Liverpool’s title chances look strong in Osman’s view. He puts it simply: “The best team last season have strengthened”. The champions’ significant reinforcements make them favourites. Questions remain about their defensive midfield balance, specifically how Florian Wirtz fits into their established trio.
Theo Walcott
Theo Walcott surprised many with his pessimistic predictions about Arsenal’s Premier League chances. The former Arsenal winger shared his honest thoughts about the title contenders.
Theo Walcott’s top 4 prediction
Liverpool will clinch the championship, according to Walcott, with Manchester City taking second place. Arsenal will finish third, while Chelsea rounds out the top four. His prediction raised eyebrows as he placed his former club outside the top two spots. The forecast suggests Arsenal will slide down the table compared to recent seasons – an unusual take from someone who once wore the Gunners’ jersey.
Theo Walcott’s relegation picks
Walcott hasn’t revealed which teams he thinks will face relegation. His analysis focuses on the title race and the battle for top-four spots.
Theo Walcott’s surprise team
Chelsea stands out as Walcott’s dark horse, with a predicted fourth-place finish. Their recent Club World Cup victory against Paris Saint-Germain shows they’re moving in the right direction. He believes Chelsea has enough talent to finish just behind their London rivals Arsenal.
Theo Walcott’s title-winning rationale
Liverpool’s title hopes rest on “their aggressive nature in the transfer market” which will “bolster them to win it again”. Walcott expects Liverpool to keep their championship form throughout the season. The team’s ability to handle pressure as defending champions makes them his top pick for the title.
Joe Hart
Joe Hart shares his expert view on BBC Premier League predictions. His experience as a Premier League champion and England international gives weight to his analysis.
Joe Hart’s top 4 prediction
The race for the top four spots looks incredibly tight, according to Hart. “As they sit on the start line, I think Liverpool, Arsenal, City and Chelsea will all feel really confident they can do something special. I don’t think any other team can have that confidence now”. His view differs from many pundits who see a clear frontrunner.
Joe Hart’s relegation picks
The newly-promoted teams need a different mindset to survive. “I think fans are going to have to get on board that their teams are going to be looking to grind out results and earn their status in the Premier League”. Teams will adopt a “totally different approach” this season. Hart believes they must be “squeaky clean” to play attacking football.
Joe Hart’s surprise team
Burnley could spring a few surprises based on Hart’s analysis. “Scott Parker has made it very clear he wants a rock-solid team, and there is no way he is going to come away from that next season”.
Joe Hart’s title-winner rationale
Manchester City’s transfer strategy impresses Hart: “City’s transfers look like good business to me – competitive business with the intention to do some damage this season”. The tactical changes catch his eye too: “I think Guardiola has somewhat changed how he wants to play again… This will be a different City, so less predictable and harder for people to set up against, if they get it right”.
Nedum Onuoha
Nedum Onuoha, who played for Manchester City and QPR, shares his Premier League predictions. His analysis reflects some club bias but aims to give a balanced view of what might unfold this season.
Nedum Onuoha’s top 4 prediction
Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool look similar in quality according to Onuoha. He sees them as “basically the same” with “no real difference between them”. Liverpool will “push all the way to defend their title”, he believes. Tottenham rounds out his top four picks.
Nedum Onuoha’s relegation picks
Onuoha stays cautious with his relegation predictions. His analysis suggests he “would lean more toward Leeds or Burnley staying up over Sunderland”. Sunderland’s future raises concerns despite their “exciting summer spending spree”.
Nedum Onuoha’s surprise team
Chelsea stands out as Onuoha’s dark horse this season. The team will “be part of the title race for longer this season than the last”. Enzo Maresca’s squad has “a clear way to play and players who are constantly improving”.
Nedum Onuoha’s title-winner rationale
Liverpool’s title defence looks strong as their “new signings will hit the ground running and show us what the team will look like for years to come”. Onuoha admits his Manchester City prediction comes with some “bias”, a common trait he sees among pundits making their top three picks.
Ellen White
Ellen White, England Women’s record goalscorer, stands out from other BBC pundits with her bold prediction. She calls Arsenal the next Premier League champions, which could dethrone Manchester City. Her prediction makes sense given her Arsenal background.
Ellen White’s top 4 prediction
White ended her playing career at Manchester City, yet she doesn’t see her former club winning the title or securing second place. She remains the only expert who picked Arsenal to win the championship. Her prediction still keeps City in second place, showing some faith in her former team.
Ellen White’s relegation picks
White’s commentary focuses on the title race and doesn’t mention specific teams facing relegation.
Ellen White’s surprise team
Liverpool emerges as White’s unexpected choice for 2025-26. “If they get Isak and Marc Guehi from Palace, then that is brilliant business, on top of what they have done already”. She admires Liverpool’s transfer market approach.
Ellen White’s title-winning rationale
White speaks highly of Liverpool’s position: “They are the team the others have to knock off that pedestal”. She also shares her views on Chelsea’s strategy: “Chelsea put players on these massively long contracts and there are always lots of ins and outs, but they have been developing the team they wanted, especially what Maresca has wanted, in the last couple of seasons”.
AI Prediction
Let me share how artificial intelligence sees the upcoming Premier League season. Microsoft Copilot Chat predicted outcomes after running 10,000 simulations of all 380 matches.
AI’s top 4 predictions
The AI simulations show Liverpool keeping their championship crown, thanks to their new stars Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong. Arsenal claims second place even with Viktor Gyokeres joining their ranks, while Manchester City drops to third during their rebuild phase. Chelsea manages to grab the final Champions League spot in fourth place.
AI’s relegation picks
The AI analysis suggests a tough road ahead for the newcomers. Bookmakers’ odds and the departure of their Championship squad’s core team put Burnley at the bottom. Sunderland and Leeds United won’t fare much better – the AI sees them heading back to the second tier after just one season.
AI’s surprise team
The AI picks Everton as the dark horse of 2025-26. Their comeback under David Moyes last season built strong foundations for future success. Moving to their new Hill Dickinson Stadium and making smart transfers could help them fight for a European spot.
AI’s title winner rationale
A detailed look at 35 different predictions shows Liverpool racking up 121 points in the combined rankings. The AI also expects Mohamed Salah to be named Premier League Player of the Season again.
Reader Prediction
Premier League fans have shared their predictions through interactive polls and prediction games on major sports websites. Let’s see what supporters expect from the 2025-26 season.
Reader’s top 4 prediction
Fans from sports websites of all sizes strongly favour Liverpool to keep their crown. Arsenal looks set for another second-place finish. Man City and Chelsea make up the most popular top four picks. Some forum discussions put Manchester United in Chelsea’s fourth spot, mainly because they won’t play European football next season.
Reader’s relegation picks
The relegation battle looks tough for the newcomers to the league. Bookmakers give Burnley 1/3 odds to go down after losing their best defenders from the Championship team. Sunderland (2/5) and Leeds (10/11) are next in line. Some fans think West Ham and Wolves could face unexpected struggles this season.
Reader’s surprise team
Everton stands out as the dark horse for 2025-26. The team’s impressive run since January under Moyes and Grealish’s signing has made fans optimistic. Many also fancy Crystal Palace and Brighton to exceed expectations.
Reader’s title winner rationale
Liverpool’s transfer window moves could make the difference, though fans worry about new player integration and the team coping with Jota’s tragic loss. Arsenal’s new signings show real ambition, but questions remain about their ability to overcome their history of second-place finishes.
Comparison Table
| Pundit | Title Winner | Top 4 Prediction | Relegation Picks | Surprise Team | Key Title Winner Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Sutton | Liverpool | Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Tottenham | Shows confidence despite managerial changes, not reliant on Isak signing |
| Alan Shearer | Liverpool | Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea | Burnley, Sunderland, Leeds | Everton | Florian Wirtz’s arrival makes them “unstoppable at times” |
| Danny Murphy | Liverpool | Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea | Not mentioned | Man United | Rich talent pool in midfield builds on last season’s momentum |
| Micah Richards | Liverpool | Liverpool, Arsenal, Man United, Not mentioned | Sunderland, Leeds, Brentford/Wolves | Chelsea | Florian Wirtz arrival makes them “unstoppable at times” |
| Rachel Brown-Finnis | Liverpool | Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea | Not mentioned | Chelsea | Liverpool claimed victory last season and strengthened their squad substantially in the transfer market |
| Chris Waddle | Chelsea | Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool | Not mentioned | Chelsea | Liverpool shows defensive weakness with aging Van Dijk |
| Troy Deeney | Liverpool | Liverpool, Man City, Not mentioned, Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Chelsea | Liverpool enhanced every position despite Alexander-Arnold’s departure |
| Thomas Hitzlsperger | Arsenal | Arsenal, Not mentioned, Not mentioned, Not mentioned | Brighton | Not mentioned | Arsenal secured their target striker |
| Wayne Rooney | Liverpool | Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea | Burnley, Sunderland | Man United | Liverpool will be “unstoppable” with Isak |
| Matt Upson | Arsenal | Arsenal, Man City, Not mentioned, Not mentioned | Tottenham | Not mentioned | Arsenal excels at developing young talent |
| Anita Asante | Liverpool | Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea | Not mentioned | Brighton | Not mentioned |
| Leon Osman | Liverpool | Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City | Sunderland | Sunderland | Last season’s best team improved their squad |
| Theo Walcott | Liverpool | Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea | Not mentioned | Chelsea | Liverpool follows Guardiola’s winning blueprint by reinforcing the champion squad |
| Joe Hart | Not mentioned | Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea | Not mentioned | Burnley | Not mentioned |
| Nedum Onuoha | Liverpool | Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal, Tottenham | Leeds or Burnley | Chelsea | Bold moves in the transfer market |
| Ellen White | Arsenal | Arsenal, Man City, Not mentioned, Not mentioned | Liverpool | Not mentioned | Not mentioned |
| AI Prediction | Liverpool | Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea | Burnley, Sunderland, Leeds | Everton | Projects 121 points in combined rankings |
| Reader Prediction | Liverpool | Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea | Burnley, Sunderland, Leeds | Everton | Liverpool’s remarkable transfer window success |
BBC Sport Pundit Predictions – The Conclusion
BBC Sport pundits have made their Premier League predictions, and Liverpool stands out as the clear favourite to keep their crown. Twenty-two of 35 experts believe they’ll be champions, with Arsenal and Manchester City getting strong support as title contenders. The three teams moving up face tough seasons ahead – most experts think Burnley, Sunderland, and Leeds United will head straight back to the Championship.
The beautiful game rarely follows the script, though. Chris Waddle went against the grain with his Chelsea championship pick, and Ellen White backed Arsenal to win it all. These different views remind us that football stays wonderfully unpredictable, no matter what stats and experts say.
Recent transfers have shaped many experts’ picks. Liverpool’s bold moves, especially getting Florian Wirtz, have many convinced they’ve made their championship squad even stronger. Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres signing fixes their striker problem, but people still wonder if they can shake off those second-place finishes that haunt them.
A comparison table shows how these expert opinions differ. Each pundit brings their own viewpoint – old players tend to favour their former teams, while tactical experts look more at how systems work together than individual stars.
Chris Sutton plans to test his prediction skills against all 380 Premier League matches this season. He’s started strong with his picks, but we’ll see if he can keep getting them right as the season goes on.
These prediction contests make watching Premier League games even more fun. You might agree with the BBC pundits or have totally different ideas, but tracking these predictions adds extra excitement to every match.
The big questions remain. Will Liverpool rule as expected? Can Arsenal break their second-place curse? Could Waddle’s Chelsea pick turn out to be a genius? That’s the magic of football – we’ll just have to watch and find out.
Key Takeaways
BBC Sport pundits overwhelmingly favour Liverpool to retain their Premier League title, with 22 out of 35 experts backing the defending champions based on their strong transfer activity and squad depth.
• Liverpool dominates predictions: 22/35 BBC pundits pick Liverpool as champions, citing aggressive transfer moves like Florian Wirtz and their proven championship-winning foundation.
• Arsenal faces fourth consecutive runner-up finish: Most experts predict Arsenal will finish second again despite signing Viktor Gyokeres, raising questions about overcoming psychological barriers.
• All promoted teams tipped for relegation: Burnley, Sunderland, and Leeds United are widely expected to return to the Championship after just one season in the Premier League.
• Chelsea emerges as surprise package: Multiple pundits identify Chelsea as their dark horse following Club World Cup victory and improved squad cohesion under Maresca.
• Chris Waddle stands alone with bold Chelsea title pick: Only pundit backing Chelsea for the championship, citing Liverpool’s defensive concerns and City’s transition period.
The predictions reveal fascinating insights into expert analysis, with former players showing slight bias toward old clubs while tactical analysts focus on system compatibility. Chris Sutton’s early-season accuracy in match predictions (150 points in week two) demonstrates the challenge of forecasting football’s beautiful unpredictability across 380 Premier League fixtures.
BBC Sport Pundit Predictions – Your FAQs
Q1. Who is the favourite to win the Premier League in 2025-26, according to BBC pundits?
Liverpool is overwhelmingly favoured to retain their Premier League title, with 22 out of 35 BBC pundits picking them as champions. Their aggressive transfer activity, including the signing of Florian Wirtz, has convinced many experts that they’ve strengthened an already championship-winning squad.
Q2. Which teams are most likely to be relegated according to the predictions?
The three newly-promoted teams – Burnley, Sunderland, and Leeds United – are widely expected to face immediate relegation. Most pundits predict these teams will struggle to adapt to the Premier League and make swift returns to the Championship.
Q3. Who is predicted to be the surprise team of the season?
Several pundits, including Micah Richards and Troy Deeney, identify Chelsea as the potential surprise package for the 2025-26 season. Their recent Club World Cup victory and improved squad cohesion under manager Enzo Maresca are cited as reasons for their potential breakthrough.
Q4. How accurate have Chris Sutton’s predictions been so far?
Chris Sutton has shown impressive early-season form in his predictions, scoring 150 points in just week two with six correct results and three correct scores. However, it remains to be seen if he can maintain this accuracy throughout the 380-game Premier League season.
Q5. Are there any notable outliers in the predictions?
Yes, Chris Waddle stands out for his bold prediction of Chelsea winning the title, citing Liverpool’s defensive concerns and Manchester City’s transition period. Additionally, Ellen White is the only pundit backing Arsenal to win the championship, going against the majority who predict them to finish as runners-up for the fourth consecutive year.