Data analysts Opta have simulated the final standings of the 2025/26 Premier League season, and the forecast will bring immense joy to supporters of Arsenal. The prediction suggests the Gunners will end their long wait for the title, finishing ahead of Manchester City and Aston Villa.
The Title Race and European Places
According to the projection, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal will be crowned champions. The team has shown remarkable consistency, boasting the league's best defence with only ten goals conceded and enjoying an 11-game unbeaten streak earlier in the campaign. New signings Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, and Noni Madueke are credited with adding the clinical edge previously missing.
In second place, Manchester City are predicted to recover from a rocky start under Pep Guardiola, powered by Erling Haaland's 17 league goals. Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, complete the top three after transforming into genuine title contenders following a slow start.
The battle for the final Champions League spot is tipped to go to Liverpool, though the defending champions have struggled in Arne Slot's second season. They are followed by Crystal Palace, Chelsea, and a resurgent Manchester United under Ruben Amorim. The surprise package, Sunderland, returning after eight years, are predicted to secure a top-half finish in tenth.
The Relegation Scrap
At the opposite end of the table, the simulation paints a bleak picture for several clubs. Wolverhampton Wanderers are forecast to finish bottom, described as enduring a "nightmare" season, winless after 16 games with a -26 goal difference.
They are predicted to be joined in the Championship by Burnley, who have found the top-flight jump difficult, and West Ham United. The Hammers have had a disastrous time, sacking Graham Potter in September before Nuno Espirito Santo failed to lift them from the drop zone.
Leeds United and Nottingham Forest are projected to narrowly avoid the drop. Forest's season has been particularly chaotic, seeing Nuno Espirito Santo and his successor Ange Postecoglou sacked before turning to Sean Dyche for a survival battle.
Mid-Table Stability and Transition
The middle of the predicted table shows clubs in various states of flux. Tottenham Hotspur are tipped for an uncharacteristic 11th under new manager Thomas Frank, who has juggled Europa League commitments. Newcastle United, with limited summer spending, are predicted to regress to eighth.
Brentford face a season of transition after legendary boss Thomas Frank's departure but are forecast to comfortably survive in 14th. Fulham continue as mid-table entertainers under Marco Silva, while Everton have moved into the top half under David Moyes.
It is crucial to remember that this is only a prediction based on Opta's data model. The true outcome will be decided on the pitch, with the final standings not confirmed until May 2026.
