Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson shares his outlook on the upcoming Premier League season, including title favorites, top-six contenders, and relegation concerns.

The 2026/27 Premier League season begins this Friday with champions Arsenal hosting newly promoted Coventry City. Pundit Paul Merson has released his predictions for the campaign, identifying Arsenal as the clear favorites for the title while assessing the prospects of other major clubs and potential relegation candidates.

Arsenal's Title Defense

Merson views Arsenal as the team to beat, citing their squad depth and lack of apparent weaknesses in domestic competition. He compared their current setup to Manchester City's dominant era, noting that the team has two quality players for every position. Despite the strength of the squad, Merson believes the club is still looking to make a key signing before the transfer window closes, referencing past interest in Vinicius Junior as an indication of the market level they are targeting.

Contenders and Tactical Challenges

Liverpool and Chelsea are among the teams Merson analyzed, with concerns regarding Liverpool's squad depth and the need to replace Mohamed Salah's goal output. For Chelsea, Merson highlighted the advantage of playing only once a week, though he expressed concern about tactical congestion involving key players Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, and Joao Pedro. Meanwhile, Merson predicted Manchester City will struggle to compete with Arsenal following the departure of Rodri.

Top Six and Relegation Outlook

Tottenham Hotspur are identified as Merson's 'dark horse' for a top-six finish, bolstered by new midfield signings and a schedule that avoids European competition. Conversely, he expressed doubt regarding Manchester United's ability to challenge for the title, citing a thin squad and defensive inconsistencies. Regarding the relegation battle, Merson emphasized that survival depends on starting the season well, noting that promoted teams often struggle to maintain form as the campaign progresses.