Former footballers who shone in the English Premier League assessed the chances of the teams participating in the new season of the national championship for the main trophy. The first predictions about the season finale sparked heated debates around the national first division, reported Goal.com.
With the aim of identifying the teams that will finish in the top four at the end of the season, Goal.com conducted a survey featuring famous names from different generations. The list included votes from former “Manchester United” defender Rio Ferdinand, who once wore the captain’s armband at “Liverpool,” Steven Gerrard, and the renowned England national team strikers Theo Walcott, Alan Shearer, and Jermain Defoe.
Interestingly, most of the experts chose the same approach. This indicates that, before the season starts, the level of confidence in the names of the main contenders is high. Nevertheless, small changes in the order of teams in each nominee’s list keep the intrigue alive.
According to the poll results, by the end of the 2025–2026 season the Premier League’s top four are expected to look as follows:
Steven Gerrard:
“Liverpool,” “Arsenal,” “Manchester City,” “Chelsea.”
Rio Ferdinand:
“Liverpool,” “Arsenal,” “Manchester City,” “Chelsea.”
Alan Shearer:
“Liverpool,” “Arsenal,” “Manchester City,” “Chelsea.”
Theo Walcott:
“Liverpool,” “Arsenal,” “Manchester City,” “Chelsea.”
Jermain Defoe:
“Liverpool,” “Manchester City,” “Chelsea,” “Arsenal.”
It is clear that most specialists indicated the same “quartet” — only Jermain Defoe swapped the places of “Arsenal” and “Chelsea,” making a small adjustment to the order. These choices are explained by balance in key positions, squad depth, transformations carried out in the summer window, and trust in managerial decisions.
Of course, this list is a start-of-season forecast. Ahead lie unexpected scenarios in front of goal, injuries, tension in the table, VAR debates, and derbies. However, for now the vision of the elite four is as follows: “Liverpool” on top, “Arsenal” and “Manchester City” shoulder-to-shoulder, and “Chelsea” aiming for a distinctive return at a new stage. Thus, the main question on the front is — who will keep the tempo steady and still not deviate after the winter marathon?
For fans, these votes are a ready “starting point” for debate. Behind each expert’s assessment lie years of accumulated experience, the spirit of big games, and thousands of decisions made on the pitch. The rest is on the field.
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