BBC Sport polled 26 pundits, plus an AI tool and Opta's predictive model, for their top-four predictions ahead of the 2026-27 Premier League season, as Arsenal look to defend the title they won last term under Mikel Arteta after a 22-year wait. The vast majority of forecasters expect Arsenal to retain their crown, reflecting confidence in the squad's continuity and summer strengthening compared with rivals who face more transition.

Combining all 28 predictions (26 pundits, plus AI and Opta), Arsenal top the projected table with 109 points, ahead of Manchester City (73), Liverpool (38), Chelsea (35) and Manchester United (21), with Aston Villa and Tottenham also receiving mentions. Whereas last season only four clubs featured across the various top-four predictions, seven clubs appear this time in 15 different combinations, and 89% of pundits (25 of 28) now back Arsenal to win it again, up sharply from 17% before last season. Pundits cited Arteta's continuity, the signing of Bruno Guimaraes, and a settled squad as key reasons, while predictions were made on 20 August with 13 days left before the transfer window closes on 1 September.