Paul Merson’s most recent column offers a comprehensive preview of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, examining both the clubs fighting for the championship and those battling to avoid relegation. The new season begins on Friday, with defending champions Arsenal hosting newly promoted Coventry City, and Sky Sports broadcasting six matches over the opening weekend. Merson outlines his six favorite teams, evaluates the clubs most likely to slip into the drop zone, and highlights a dark horse that could surprise the established elite. He opens with a bold declaration about Arsenal, insisting that no side appears capable of halting their march.
In his view, the Gunners will capture the title with relative ease. While he acknowledges that Arsenal may have a few vulnerabilities in the Champions League, he argues that their domestic depth mirrors the early dominance of Manchester City, with quality options in every position. Defensive stalwarts William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães are described as "unbelievable," yet Merson notes that the arrival of Cristhian Mosquera would make Saliba’s absence almost unnoticeable.
With Jurrien Timber sidelined, Ben White steps in and effectively neutralises opponents like Jeremy Doku. Merson praises the consistency of the back line and the managerial ability to rotate without losing cohesion.
Turning to the attacking wing, Merson likens Christos Tzolis to a "Ronseal" product—reliable and exactly as advertised. He commends Tzolis for his disciplined work rate on the left, his positional awareness, and his willingness to stay on the ball, preventing opposing full‑backs from getting ahead. Although he doubts that Tzolis and Gabriel Martinelli alone will lift Arsenal into the Champions League, he is confident that the club will secure a key signing before the transfer window closes. He references the near‑completion of a Vinícius Júnior deal as evidence that Arsenal are active in the market and will not remain idle.
Merson believes Arsenal’s rivals for the title are limited. Liverpool, he says, must find consistency to pose a genuine challenge. Last season’s erratic form left them far behind, and their squad lacks the depth Arsenal enjoys.
For Liverpool to contend, their key players would need to stay fit and feature in the majority of the 38 matches. The Gunners have already replaced Mohamed Salah’s goal output, but Merson notes that Liverpool still lack a reliable successor to fill that void. He also mentions that Andoni Iraola, Liverpool’s manager, must secure a striker capable of delivering the missing goals.
In midfield, Merson expects Florian Wirtz to finally hit his stride after a season of adaptation. He argues that if Wirtz does not improve this year, doubts will grow. Conversely, Alexander Isak’s injury‑plagued season left him unable to contribute consistently, and Merson wonders whether additional time will be needed for him to regain form.
Chelsea, according to Merson, benefit from a schedule that sees them play once a week, mirroring the conditions under which they won the league in 2017. Their ambition is to finish in the top five, and the club’s squad depth allows them to rotate without a severe drop in quality. He stresses the importance of Xabi Alonso integrating Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers as dual number‑10s, possibly employing a back‑three to accommodate their creativity.
However, Merson warns that a midfield triangle involving Palmer, Rogers, and João Pedro could become congested, potentially stifling fluid play. If Alonso can harmonise these three, Chelsea could enjoy a strong season, though Merson doubts they will match Arsenal’s projected 85‑86 point tally. Regarding Manchester City, Merson expresses skepticism about their ability to challenge Arsenal, especially after they sold Rodri following the Community Shield.
He acknowledges David Raya’s impressive saves but maintains that over a full season City will struggle to keep pace with Arsenal’s consistency. Tottenham Hotspur are positioned as a dark horse for a top‑five finish. Merson praises the club’s recent signings and the advantage of a once‑a‑week schedule, which gives manager Roberto De Zerbi more time to implement his ideas. He notes that Spurs have historically lacked a dominant midfielder, but recent acquisitions could change that narrative, providing a stronger defensive shield and more midfield muscle.
Merson also reflects on the dramatic turnaround for Spurs, who were on the brink of relegation last season but managed to survive and now aim for a top‑six spot, potentially at the expense of Aston Villa. He doubts Villa can outrank Spurs this campaign.
Manchester United, meanwhile, face a precarious situation in European competition. Their squad depth is thin, and injuries to key players like Bruno Fernandes could prove disastrous. While Youri Tielemans adds quality, Merson questions the rationale behind signing Andrey Santos, who he feels offers little in terms of defensive solidity, chance creation, or goal scoring. United’s defense remains vulnerable, and without a clear midfield engine, they are unlikely to challenge for the title.
The relegation battle, Merson asserts, will involve more than just the three promoted clubs. Established lower‑table sides such as Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Newcastle could also find themselves in danger.
He stresses that a strong start is crucial; promoted teams rarely finish strongly, and a poor opening run can set the tone for a season of struggle. He highlights specific fixtures that could be pivotal: Coventry’s early clash with Hull is described as a "cup final" for the Sky Blues, offering a morale‑boosting win if they can navigate losses to Arsenal and Manchester City.
Brentford, despite losing Jordan Henderson, remains a contender for European spots, especially after an impressive pre‑season victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. Merson concludes that if Arsenal can secure six points against teams like Brentford and Brighton, they will be on the verge of clinching the title. He ends with a promotional note about a Super 6 competition offering a chance to win £1 million, encouraging readers to enter for free. Overall, Merson’s forecast paints a picture of Arsenal dominance, a tightly contested race for the top five, and a relegation fight that could involve several surprise candidates.
His analysis blends tactical insight, transfer speculation, and schedule considerations, providing readers with a detailed roadmap for the upcoming Premier League season.