Who will win the Premier League? Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United? Supercomputer predicts next champion
By Kiplagat Sang, August 15, 2026English Premier League champions Arsenal are projected to retain the title during the 2026/27 season, according to Opta’s Supercomputer.
The Gunners have a 38.0% chance of defending the crown in the upcoming season, following a successful campaign the previous year.
Historically, defending champions face challenges, with only Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City having successfully retained titles. Only three clubs – under three managers – have ever accomplished that feat.
They are Manchester United under Alex Ferguson (four such streaks, including two instances of three in a row), Chelsea under José Mourinho, and Manchester City under Pep Guardiola (two streaks, including four in a row from 2020-21 to 2023-24).
Arsenal’s formidable defense, conceding only 27 goals last season, is highlighted, while concerns remain about key player William Saliba’s back injury impacting their performance.
Manchester City
It was difficult to know what to make of Maresca’s time in charge of Chelsea. In just 18 months, he led the Blues to Champions League qualification and lifted the Club World Cup and Conference League trophies, all while working with a bloated squad.
But his average of 1.74 points per game was the worst record by anyone to lead Chelsea for at least 30 Premier League games this century, and tensions with the club’s hierarchy ultimately led to his exit.
However, the Italian inherits a squad very much equipped for his possession-oriented style, spearheaded by three-time Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland, who could now match the record of four scoring crowns (held jointly by Thierry Henry and Mohamed Salah).
City’s £116m swoop for Elliot Anderson should give them a key midfield cog for years to come, though Rodri continues to be linked with Barcelona and Bernardo Silva has already left for Real Madrid.
Manchester City, despite managerial issues, retain potential with a strong squad including Erling Haaland, while Liverpool seek resurgence after losing Mohamed Salah and have been predicted to finish third.
Manchester United
The Red Devils are the supercomputer’s fourth favourites for the title, at 6.2%.
The Red Devils have now gone 13 years without a Premier League title and have only been runners-up twice in that time, but their form in the second half of last season was tremendous.
Villa are fifth favourites at 4.8%, followed closely by Chelsea at 4.1%, while Tottenham’s chances are rated at 2.9%.