The Premier League is back! After a few months of summer with other competitions and activities, the 2025-26 season is about to begin. On Friday, the champion Liverpool will face Bournemouth at Anfield, marking the start of a new campaign full of excitement and competition.
Analysis of the Teams for Matchday 1
It’s time to catch up on the transfer market moves. We analyze the probable lineups of the most important teams for the first matchday, so you don’t miss any details.
- Analysis of the top 50 players in the 2025-26 Premier League.
- Rating of the most important summer transfers.
- 2025-26 Premier League preview.
This analysis not only shows the potential of teams like Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City, but also the areas where they could strengthen before the closing of the transfer market on September 1st.
Arsenal
Arsenal has had a busy summer in the transfer market, generating great expectation. However, it is possible that the new signings will not be starters from the beginning, especially in a difficult match against Manchester United. The recovery of key players like Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhães and Ben White will refresh the team considerably.If Havertz leads the attack, the expected signing of Viktor Gyökeres could start on the bench, although he will surely have minutes. The new signing Martín Zubimendi, after a great preseason, is shaping up to be a starter in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard. Gabriel Martinelli could play on the left wing.
Aston Villa
Despite only two new signings, Unai Emery has important decisions to make for the first match. Goalkeeper Marco Bizot will be the starter due to Emiliano Martínez’s suspension. Evann Guessand will have to wait for his opportunity in an already consolidated attack.Morgan Rogers, although injured in the pre-season, could play. Emery could opt for physically imposing players, with Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara in midfield and Youri Tielemans in a more offensive position. Ollie Watkins and Jacob Ramsey also seem ready to play, which could leave Donyell Malen on the bench.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s pre-season began with Levi Colwill’s serious injury, forcing them to look for a replacement. Tosin Adarabioyo is likely to play alongside Trevoh Chalobah. Young winger Estêvão could have a gradual role.
The starting eleven against Crystal Palace could be similar to the one that won the Club World Cup. Reece James might not be ready, so Andrey Santos could enter the team alongside Moisés Caicedo.
Liverpool
Despite losing the Community Shield, Arne Slot is expected to field the same team against Bournemouth. Injuries in defense force changes, and Ryan Gravenberch’s suspension leaves a vacancy in midfield.Alexis Mac Allister could return to midfield if fit. Slot could keep the attacking trio formed by Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike. Liverpool are looking for reinforcements, especially a forward, and could strengthen their central defense.
Manchester City
Injuries forced Guardiola to make changes last season. The question is who will play at right-back, after Kyle Walker’s departure. Rico Lewis, Matheus Nunes and Manuel Akanji are options. Rodri is recovering from an injury and could miss the start of the season.Tijjani Reijnders will contribute to the midfield, and Bernardo Silva is a guaranteed starter. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden also have their place guaranteed, and for the wings, Guardiola has Omar Marmoush, Jérémy Doku, and Rayan Cherki.
Manchester United
Ruben Amorim will maintain his 3-4-3 system. United has invested in a new attacking trio: Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. Bruno Fernandes could play further back. Patrick Dorgu is likely to play at left-back and Amad Diallo seems to have an advantage over Diogo Dalot on the right.Lisandro Martínez might not be available until after the September international break, so Amorim could choose between Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, and Ayden Heaven.
Newcastle
The summer has been difficult for Newcastle, with difficulties in the transfer market and uncertainty about Alexander Isak. Anthony Gordon could play as a center forward, with Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga on the wings.Howe will likely not change the midfield, but the defense will be affected by injuries. Fabian Schär and Kieran Trippier could play alongside Dan Burn and Tino Livramento. Malick Thiaw might not be ready.
Tottenham
Thomas Frank’s era began against Paris Saint-Germain. James Maddison and other key players are injured. Richarlison and Djed Spence could start. João Palhinha could have an important role from day one.Mohammed Kudus and two young French players, Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel, could replace Son Heung-min. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven could be the center-back pairing. The home game against Burnley could be the easiest of the season.
