The wait is finally over the new Premier League season gets under way tonight as champions Arsenal host newly-promoted Coventry, live on Sky Sports. With opinions flying ahead of the opening weekend, here’s a round-up of the biggest storylines, manager press conferences and fan predictions as the 2026/27 campaign begins.
Fans Have Their Say on the Title Race
Predictions have poured in from supporters ahead of the new campaign, with opinion notably split on who lifts the title. Plenty back Arsenal to retain their crown, with several predicting a top four of Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool in various orders, while others believe Manchester United could go all the way this season. There’s also a strong minority view that Chelsea will miss out on the top four altogether despite their big summer spending.
At the other end of the table, Coventry, Hull, Ipswich, Sunderland and Newcastle have all been mentioned as possible relegation candidates by different supporters, while a few optimistic predictions have Coventry pushing for European qualification in their first season back in the top flight. There’s been no shortage of bold individual calls either from Christos Tzolis being tipped for Player of the Season, to predictions that several managers, including Xabi Alonso, Michael Carrick and Enzo Maresca, could be the first sacking of the campaign.
Savinho Deal Confirmed
Amid the build-up, Tottenham’s £85 million deal to sign Savinho from Manchester City was also confirmed on Friday, adding to what has already been a hugely active summer of spending in north London.
Arbeloa Backs New Real Madrid Imports at Fulham
Fulham head coach Alvaro Arbeloa praised new signings Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios, both of whom arrived from his former club Real Madrid, describing them as talented, ambitious young players who suit Fulham’s style of play. Arbeloa, who knows both players well from his time in Madrid, said he expects them to perform strongly this season as genuine Premier League-standard additions. He also indicated Fulham are still working to strengthen and balance the squad further, while expressing satisfaction with how the club’s transfer business has progressed so far.
Everton Still Searching for a Right-Back
Everton chief executive Angus Kinnear has confirmed the club won’t complete a new right-back signing in time for Saturday’s season opener against Crystal Palace, meaning David Moyes will have to make do without new options in that position for now. Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside, Kinnear said Everton remain confident of eventually landing a player in that position, having identified it as a priority after being unable to secure the right quality last summer. He acknowledged supporter frustration over the pace of business, while praising Jake O’Brien’s performances covering the role, and expressed confidence a signing that rounds out the squad nicely will still arrive before the window closes.
Rose Targets Bournemouth’s First-Ever Win at the Etihad
New Bournemouth head coach Marco Rose has set his sights on a piece of club history, hoping to secure Bournemouth’s first-ever league win at Manchester City in his Premier League managerial debut on Sunday. The Cherries have lost 12 of their 13 previous visits to the Etihad, with a single draw back in 1989, but Rose said his side will always look to create and take their chances regardless of the opposition’s quality.
Rose acknowledged City’s strength under new boss Enzo Maresca, having closely watched their pre-season performances, and admitted City’s intense, front-footed pre-season form made their Community Shield defeat to Arsenal something of a surprise. He praised the individual quality across City’s squad, from their defensive options to attacking talents like Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, but was clear his focus is on competing with City rather than simply admiring them from a distance.
Sage Confident Over Keeping Wharton at Palace
Crystal Palace head coach Pierre Sage says he’s confident the club can retain midfielder Adam Wharton this summer, despite reported interest from Manchester City. Sage, who replaced Oliver Glasner in June, said he doesn’t doubt Wharton’s ability to eventually earn a move to a major European club, but believes another season at Palace with a fresh approach will benefit the 22-year-old’s development, while stressing how important he remains to the team. He stopped short of ruling out a future departure beyond this season.
On Wilfried Zaha, who has been training privately using Palace’s facilities, Sage was candid in saying he doesn’t expect the club legend to rejoin the squad, despite his affection for the player’s history at the club. Meanwhile, Palace captain Dean Henderson’s availability for Saturday’s game against Everton will be assessed on Friday after he picked up an ankle knock in a friendly against Freiburg.
Newcastle Prepare for Emotional Keegan Tribute Against Liverpool
Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle says the club remains aligned on the need for further squad adjustments before the transfer window closes, acknowledging the short timeframe to implement his philosophy and get his messaging across to players. He said Newcastle won’t go into Sunday’s game against Liverpool believing they’re clear underdogs, expressing confidence that home support at St James’ Park can help the team produce a big performance, something he said he could already sense during pre-season friendlies.
The fixture carries extra significance as a meeting between two former clubs of Newcastle and Liverpool legend Kevin Keegan, who passed away over the summer. Jaissle said the planned tributes will make it a special occasion, and admitted he’s already feeling the anticipation of what promises to be an emotional atmosphere. Newcastle host Liverpool on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports from 4pm, kick-off 4:30pm.
Quick Facts: Opening Weekend
- Season opener: Arsenal vs Coventry, tonight, live on Sky Sports
- Everton’s priority signing: Right-back (not ready for Crystal Palace opener)
- Bournemouth’s Etihad record: 1 draw, 12 defeats in 13 previous visits
- Palace transfer priority: Centre-back replacement for Maxence Lacroix (departed to Chelsea)
- Newcastle vs Liverpool: Sunday, 4:30pm kick-off, Super Sunday on Sky Sports — tribute match for Kevin Keegan
