The Premier League has returned! After a long summer filled with various sports and outdoor activities, we are gearing up for the 2025-26 season.
If you haven’t kept up with the recent transfer market moves, now is a perfect time to catch up, thanks to insightful analysis from ESPN that evaluates the starting lineups for match day one.
– Ranking: Top 50 Premier League players for 2025-26
– Men’s Transfer Grades: Assessment of summer transfers
– Ian Darke’s Premier League Preview for 2025-26
This discussion highlights the considerable strength of teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City, though they may still seek reinforcements before the transfer window closes on Monday, September 1st at 2 PM (7 PM BST).
Arsenal’s active summer transfer period has generated much excitement, but fans might have to wait a few weeks to see how new players like Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhães, and Ben White are integrated into the lineup. With injuries impacting last season, the inclusion of fresh talent adds intrigue to the team’s dynamics.
Havertz is expected to be a key player, with Arsenal’s highly anticipated striker Viktor Gyökeres looking to secure a place on the bench initially, though he’ll likely push for game time once settled. Another newcomer, Martín Zubimendi, had a stellar preseason and is set to join Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard in midfield.
Leandro Trossard has also enjoyed a strong preseason and, with Gabriel Martinelli recovering, he should start against Manchester United. – Sam Tai
Despite bringing in two new players this summer, Unai Emery faces tough choices ahead of the opening match. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is suspended following a red card at Old Trafford last season, which guarantees that newcomer Marco Vizzo will take his place.
Morgan Rodgers had a minor ankle issue in preseason but should be available, as Emery seeks a formidable lineup to face Newcastle United. This may mean including physically adept players like Amadou Onana alongside the steady Bouba Karkamara, with Youri Tielemans supporting in attack.
Ollie Watkins has shown sharp form in preseason with five goals, and a fit Jacob Ramsey could mean Doniel Maren misses out on a starting role. – Thailand
Chelsea’s preparation for the 2025-26 season hit a setback with Levi Colwill tearing his ACL in the first training session. Despite their roster crunch, they’re now under pressure to find a replacement.
Maresca has focused on assessing new signings this summer, so don’t expect 19-year-old Jorrel Hato to fill Colwill’s void just yet; likely, Tosin Adarabioyo will join Trevoh Chalobah instead. This situation means Chelsea’s lineup against Crystal Palace may resemble the team that triumphed over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup.
One to watch is Reece James, who’s had his playing time managed carefully due to injury issues last season. If he isn’t ready for the weekend, Andrei Santos might make an appearance alongside Moises Caicedo. – Thailand
After narrowly losing the FA Community Shield to Crystal Palace, Arneslot aims to field a similar lineup against Bournemouth. With injuries sidelining Joe Gomez and Connor Bradley, the defensive structure may look familiar to last season’s configurations.
Alexis Mac Allister appears to be back in top condition after an injury, potentially starting in midfield over Curtis Jones. The front three should consist of Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and Hugo Ekitike, the latter having scored impressively against Palace.
Nevertheless, Liverpool is seeking reinforcements before the transfer window closes, targeting players who can elevate their starting XI, particularly in attack and defense. – What Lindop
Injuries forced Pep Guardiola to make frequent changes last season, but he hopes for a more stable lineup this year. A key question remains: Who will fill the gaps?
With Kyle Walker transferred to Burnley, the team lacks a specialist, but Rico Lewis, Mateus Nunes, and Manuel Akanji have all gained experience. Lewis seems the most fitting option despite navigating challenges last season.
Guardiola is carefully easing Rodri back into the fold after injury, though he may face another setback at the season’s start. Summer signing Tijjani Reijnders boosts midfield depth, while Bernardo Silva will start after being appointed captain.
Erling Haaland remains a guaranteed starter, alongside Phil Foden, provided he regains his previous form. – Rob Dawson
One certainty for Manchester United is that Ruben Amorim will stick with the 3-4-3 formation. The team has heavily invested in a new forward line including Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, although Sesko may take time to adapt.
This investment in scoring talent could influence Bruno Fernandes’ role; he might have to drop deeper in this system while two No. 10s engage higher up the pitch. Patrick Dorgu is expected to feature as the left wing-back with Amado Diallo and Diogo Dalot on the right, with Amado appearing to have an edge from preseason.
Lisandro Martinez’s return from injury is expected only after September’s international break, leaving Amorim to choose from Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Renan Lodi, Luke Shaw, and Aiden Heaven for the three-back setup. – Dawson
Newcastle had a challenging summer filled with uncertainty regarding Eddie Howe’s future and star striker Alexander Isak amid Liverpool’s interest. It’s unlikely that Isak will contribute to the first match of the season against Aston Villa.
As a result, Anthony Gordon is expected to step in as the center forward from his performance in a recent friendly. Newcastle’s midfield, one of the league’s strongest last season, is likely to remain intact, though defensive changes may be necessary due to injuries.
With Sven Botman and Lewis Hall nearing full fitness, we may see them partnered with Fabianski and Kieran Trippier alongside Dan Burn and Tino Livramento. Newcastle still seems to be pursuing Brentford’s Yoane Wissa for additional depth. – Lindop
Tottenham
The Thomas Frank era—also known as the Post-Son Heung-min era—begins against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup this Wednesday.
Playmaker James Maddison suffered a serious knee injury during preseason, while Destiny Udogie was unavailable for the Asia tour due to illness. Dejan Kulusevski is still working on his fitness, and those setbacks could lead Richarlison and Djed Spence to secure starting positions in the new setup. New signing João Palhinha is expected to take a significant role right from the start.
Son’s absence will be filled by Mohamed Kudus, along with young French talents Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel, who were clearly recruited with an eye toward the future. Frank is pleased to see Christian Romero and Mickey van de Ven fit for selection despite ongoing rumors about their potential transfers to Atletico Madrid.
Although Tottenham may not be fully prepared for the opening weekend, they’ll be keen to exploit a favorable matchup against Burnley, which could be a promising start to the season. – Thailand
### Fan Take:
This news is crucial for soccer fans as it signals the start of a new season filled with fresh talent and drama. The outcomes of early matches could set the tone for the rest of the league, shifting dynamics among top clubs and impacting fan engagement throughout the season.
