Paul Merson’s newest column offers a comprehensive preview of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, covering the clubs at both ends of the table. The season opens on Friday with defending champions Arsenal hosting newly‑promoted Coventry City, and Sky Sports will broadcast six matches over the opening weekend. Merson outlines his six favorite sides, evaluates the clubs most likely to be dragged into the relegation scrap, and even highlights a potential surprise package that could upset the traditional powerhouses.
He opens with an unequivocal endorsement of Arsenal, insisting that no team appears capable of halting the Gunners’ march. In his view, Arsenal will clinch the title with relative ease. While he acknowledges a few minor frailties that could be exposed in the Champions League, he argues that in domestic competition the team resembles the early‑day Manchester City dynasties: depth and quality in every position. The defender duo of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães is described as "unbelievable," and Merson notes that the arrival of Cristian Mosquera provides such seamless cover that Saliba’s occasional absence would be barely noticed.
With Jurrien Timber sidelined, Ben White steps in and effectively neutralises opponents like Jeremy Doku on the right flank. Merson also praises the impact of Christos Tzolis, comparing his reliability to a Ronseal product – he does exactly what is asked of him. The winger’s discipline on the left wing, his defensive positioning and his willingness to track back are highlighted as a manager’s dream. Though he doubts that Tzolis and Gabriel Martinelli alone will propel Arsenal into the Champions League, Merson is convinced the club will secure a key signing before the transfer window closes, perhaps a player in the mould of Vinícius Júnior, whose rumored move was already well‑advanced.
Turning to Liverpool, Merson stresses that consistency is the only realistic pathway for the Reds to challenge Arsenal. He points out that Liverpool’s squad lacks the depth of the champions, meaning that their star players must stay fit for the majority of the 38‑game schedule.
The absence of a proper replacement for Mohamed Salah remains a glaring issue; the team has missed a significant goal contribution since his departure. Merson believes that Florian Wirtz, now settled after a full season in England, should deliver a markedly improved campaign in midfield, while Alexander Isak’s injury‑plagued previous season leaves his form for the new term uncertain.
Chelsea, according to Merson, enjoy a substantial advantage by playing only once a week in the league, a schedule that mirrors their title‑winning 2017 season before they entered European competition. Their objective, he says, is to secure a top‑five finish, but they must be cautious not to overreach too early. Xabi Alonso’s tactical plan may involve a back‑three to accommodate the creative talents of Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers as dual No 10s.
However, Merson warns that a crowded midfield triangle—Palmer, Rogers and João Pedro—could become congested, potentially stifling fluid play. Still, he trusts Alonso’s coaching pedigree to find a solution, even if Chelsea fall short of the 85‑86 points Arsenal is expected to amass.
Regarding Manchester City, Merson admits that the only realistic obstacle to Arsenal’s dominance would be an internal upheaval at the Etihad. He notes that the club’s decision to sell Rodri after the Community Shield was a surprise, and he doubts City can match Arsenal’s consistency over a full season.
Goalkeeper David Raya’s performance in the Shield provided a bright spot, but overall Merson sees City as unlikely to keep pace with Arsenal across 38 matches. Tottenham Hotspur occupy a middle ground in Merson’s assessment.
While the gap between Spurs and Manchester United is currently narrow, he leans toward Spurs finishing in the top five. He praises Roberto De Zerbi’s managerial acumen and the team’s strategic advantage of playing only once a week, allowing more time for tactical preparation.
Historically, Tottenham have lacked a dominant midfielder, but recent signings should provide a stronger midfield core and defensive solidity. Merson recalls how Spurs narrowly avoided relegation last season, only to secure a crucial victory against Aston Villa and subsequently rise into the top six, a narrative he finds both ironic and encouraging. Manchester United, on the other hand, faces a precarious situation, especially with European commitments stretching their squad thin. Injuries to key figures like Bruno Fernandes could expose the team’s lack of depth.
While the acquisition of Youri Tielemans adds quality, Merson questions the rationale behind signing Andrey Santos, who, in his view, contributes little in terms of defending, chance creation, or goal scoring. United’s defense remains susceptible to lapses, and their attack oscillates between brilliance and mediocrity. The club’s survival may hinge more on avoiding the newly promoted sides—Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Newcastle—than on beating the traditional giants. The three promoted clubs each present unique challenges.
Coventry City’s early fixture against Hull City is described as a "cup final" for the Sky Blues, especially given the daunting tasks of facing Arsenal and Manchester City in the surrounding weeks. A respectable performance, even if it ends in defeat against the top clubs, could set a positive tone for their survival bid. Bournemouth’s squad is thin, and injuries could quickly derail their campaign, while Newcastle’s situation remains "unbelievable" due to ongoing managerial and ownership turbulence.
Brentford is expected to hover around the European qualification spots once more. Their pre‑season triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt (7‑0) showcased their potential, though the departure of Jordan Henderson removes a key leadership figure. Nevertheless, Merson believes both Brentford and Brighton have the capacity to upset higher‑placed teams throughout the season.
In summary, Merson’s forecast paints Arsenal as the overwhelming favourite for the title, Liverpool as the most plausible challenger if they can maintain fitness and replace Salah’s goals, Chelsea as a strong top‑five contender with the advantage of a lighter schedule, Tottenham as a dark‑horse capable of breaking into the top tier, and Manchester United as a team likely to hover around mid‑table unless injuries strike. The relegation battle will be fiercely contested among the promoted sides and the lower‑midtable clubs, with early points being crucial for survival.
The season promises drama, surprise signings, and the ever‑present quest for the coveted Premier League crown.