EPL 2026/27: Experts back Arsenal for title as Haaland, Rice lead individual award picks

The 2026/27 English Premier League season kicks off this weekend with Arsenal entering the campaign as defending champions and several traditional heavyweights facing major changes.

Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for the league title last season and have retained the core of their championship-winning squad. Mikel Arteta’s side also made an early statement by defeating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield.

City, meanwhile, begin a new era following Pep Guardiola’s departure after 10 years and 20 major trophies. Enzo Maresca has inherited the task of rebuilding the champions and maintaining their status as title contenders.

Chelsea is also hoping for a transformation under Xabi Alonso after a disappointing campaign, while Liverpool and Manchester United remain difficult to predict.

With the season about to begin, sports analysts have offered their verdicts on the title race, European places, individual awards and relegation battle.

Arsenal Favoured to Retain Title

Arsenal are the overwhelming choice among the experts to win the title again.

Remi Sulola believes Arteta’s tactical maturity and defensive organisation give the Gunners the edge, particularly with City adjusting to life after Guardiola.

Sunday Omeike also expects Arsenal to retain the crown, citing the strength of the existing squad and the club’s attacking additions.

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Ayodele Oluwafemi backed the champions to go back-to-back, pointing to the arrivals of Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis and the potential addition of Ezri Konsa.

Taiwo Oshunloye also picked Arsenal, arguing that the Gunners now have one of the strongest all-round squads in the league.

One analyst, however, tipped Chelsea to produce a surprise title triumph under Alonso, provided the club retain Enzo Fernandez. The additions of experienced players such as Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck were also viewed as potential sources of leadership for a talented but inconsistent squad.

Arsenal Feature in Every Top-Four Prediction

Arsenal appeared in all five top-four forecasts, while Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United dominated the remaining positions.

The predictions were:

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ID: Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Fulham

RS: Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United

SO: Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool

AO: Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Aston Villa

TO: Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United

Fulham were the surprise inclusion in one forecast, while Aston Villa also featured once.

Haaland Favourite for Golden Boot

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland remains the clear favourite to finish as the league’s top scorer.

Analysts expect his goalscoring consistency to remain decisive despite City’s managerial transition.

One prediction broke from the consensus, backing Chelsea’s Joao Pedro and Fulham’s Gonzalo Garcia to share the Golden Boot with 26 goals each.

Saka, Odegaard and Fernandes Tipped for Assist Crown

The assist race is expected to feature Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard alongside Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

Saka’s creativity, set-piece delivery and combination play make him a strong candidate, while Odegaard has been tipped to return to his best after recent injury and form problems.

Fulham’s Cesar Palacios was another surprise selection, with his expected partnership with Gonzalo Garcia highlighted as a potential source of goals and assists.

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Raya Leads Golden Glove Race

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya received four of the five predictions for the Golden Glove award.

Robert Sanchez was the only alternative choice.

Arsenal’s defensive strength and Raya’s consistency were identified as major factors behind the goalkeeper’s strong backing.

Hull City Most Likely to Go Down

Hull City emerged as the most frequently predicted relegation candidate.

Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Leeds United were also repeatedly identified as clubs at risk, while Sunderland appeared in one forecast.

The predictions were:

ID: Coventry City, Ipswich Town, Hull City

RS: Hull City, Coventry City, Sunderland

SO: Hull City, Coventry City, Leeds United

AO: Hull City, Ipswich Town, Leeds United

TO: Hull City, Ipswich Town, Leeds United

Rice Leads Player of the Year Predictions

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was the leading choice for the PFA Player of the Year award.

Analysts highlighted his ability to control midfield, disrupt opposition attacks and contribute important goals.

Bruno Guimaraes, Joao Pedro and Bruno Fernandes were also named as potential contenders.

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Alonso Could Be Most Influential Arrival

Xabi Alonso’s appointment at Chelsea was identified as potentially the most influential addition of the season.

His tactical structure is expected to bring greater organisation to a Chelsea squad packed with talent but criticised for inconsistency.

Christos Tzolis, Cesar Palacios and Gonzalo Garcia were also highlighted as players who could have a major impact.

Nwaneri Among Breakout Candidates

Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri was tipped to enjoy a breakthrough season after gradually establishing himself under Arteta.

Aston Villa’s Brian Madjo, Johan Manzambi and Newcastle United youngster Sean Steur were also identified as potential breakout stars.

With Arsenal defending their crown, City adjusting to life without Guardiola and Chelsea seeking a revival under Alonso, the new Premier League season is set for another closely contested campaign.