Paul Merson’s newest column offers a comprehensive preview of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, looking at both the clubs fighting for the crown and those battling to avoid the drop. The season opens on Friday with reigning champions Arsenal welcoming newly‑promoted Coventry City, and Sky Sports will broadcast six matches over the opening weekend. Merson outlines his six favourite teams, evaluates the relegation‑watch list, and even highlights a dark‑horse side that could surprise the established elite. He begins with an unequivocal endorsement of Arsenal.

In his view, no team can realistically challenge the Gunners for the title this year. Their squad depth mirrors the early dominance of Manchester City, with quality options in every position. Defenders William Saliba and Gabriel are superb, and the arrival of Cristhian Mosquera means Saliba’s absence would hardly be noticed.

Although Jurrien Timber is sidelined, Ben White steps in seamlessly, keeping opponents like Jeremy Doku at bay. Merson believes Arsenal’s only real threat comes from within, and that a key signing—perhaps a player of Vinícius Júnior’s calibre—could arrive before the transfer window shuts. Turning to Liverpool, Merson stresses that consistency is their missing ingredient.

Last season’s erratic form left them far from the title race, and their squad lacks the depth Arsenal enjoys. For Liverpool to mount a serious challenge, their star players must stay fit for the majority of the 38‑game schedule. The departure of Mohamed Salah has left a noticeable goal‑scoring void, and while Andoni Iraola’s side will look for a suitable replacement, the onus is on the midfield. Florian Wirtz, now settled after a season of adaptation, is expected to flourish, whereas Alexander Isak’s injury‑plagued previous campaign raises questions about his availability.

Chelsea’s situation is distinct because they will compete in the league only once a week, a schedule that historically benefits them. Their ambition is to secure a top‑five finish, and manager Xabi Alonso hopes to integrate Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers as dual No 10s, possibly deploying a back three to accommodate both. However, Merson warns of a potential midfield “triangle” involving Palmer, Rogers and João Pedro, which could lead to congestion if not managed properly.

While he doubts Chelsea will reach Arsenal’s projected 85‑86 points, a well‑balanced squad could still deliver a strong season. Regarding Manchester City, Merson admits that the only major change he observed was the sale of Rodri after the Community Shield. He doubts City can keep pace with Arsenal over a full campaign, despite occasional bright spots such as David Raya’s impressive saves.

The consistency required across 38 matches seems beyond their reach this year. Tottenham Hotspur are earmarked as a dark‑horse candidate for a top‑five spot.

Recent signings have strengthened their midfield, an area that previously lacked a dominant presence. Manager Roberto De Zerbi, who benefits from the once‑a‑week rhythm, could mould the team into a cohesive unit capable of challenging the traditional elite. Merson notes that Spurs narrowly avoided relegation last season but managed to stay up and now appear poised to replace Aston Villa in the upper tier.

Aston Villa’s prospects look more precarious. After flirting with relegation and narrowly escaping a drop at the hands of Spurs, their chances of finishing above Tottenham have diminished.

Similarly, Manchester United’s European commitments could stretch their thin squad. Injuries to key figures like Bruno Fernandes would exacerbate concerns, and the recent signing of Andrey Santos has raised eyebrows among fans who question his impact.

While Youri Tielemans adds quality, United still lack a commanding midfield engine. The newly promoted trio—Coventry City, Hull City and another side—face an uphill battle.

Merson stresses the importance of a strong start; historically, promoted clubs rarely win four of their final five matches. A victory for Coventry against Hull in week two, sandwiched between tough fixtures versus Arsenal and Manchester City, would be an ideal launchpad. Mid‑table teams such as Brent Ford, Brighton & Hove Albion and Crystal Palace will continue to vie for European places.

Brentford, despite losing Jordan Henderson, showed promise in pre‑season with a 7‑0 thrashing of Eintracht Frankfurt, and Keith Andrews could be pivotal. Brighton’s consistency also makes them a potential disruptor. In summary, Merson’s forecast paints Arsenal as the overwhelming favourites, Liverpool as the only realistic challenger if they can maintain fitness and replace Salah’s goals, Chelsea as a solid top‑five contender, and Tottenham as the most likely surprise package. The relegation fight will hinge on early points, with Coventry, Hull and the other promoted side needing to capitalize on any slip‑ups from established clubs.

As the season unfolds, the balance between squad depth, injury management and strategic signings will determine which teams rise and which fall.