Arsenal Tipped to Retain Premier League Title in 2026-27 as Man City Slip to 2nd

3 articles · Updated · CBS Sports · Aug 21

Arsenal enter the new season as the clearest title pick, with forecasts placing the defending champions first and Manchester City second despite William Saliba's long-term back injury.
Bruno Guimaraes' arrival and Christos Tzolis' early fit strengthen a side viewed as last season's best, while Arsenal's relative stability stands out in a league with nine new managers.
City's outlook has dimmed after Pep Guardiola's exit, with Enzo Maresca taking over amid turnover around Rodri and Bernardo Silva and doubts over whether the rebuilt squad is ready.
Behind the top two, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool are seen as an unsettled chasing pack, while the promoted trio of Coventry, Ipswich and Hull are widely expected to battle relegation.
The projections suggest a changing Premier League era in the dugouts, but not yet at the top, where Arsenal are still viewed as the team most likely to set the pace.