Analyst Ranks Arsenal No. 1 Among 20 Premier League Teams for 2026-27

3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Aug 20

Arsenal top the 20-team preseason ranking, with the defending champions labeled clear favorites to retain the Premier League title after adding Bruno Guimarães and nearing a deal for Ezri Konsa.
Manchester City sit second and Manchester United third, reflecting major upheaval among Arsenal’s closest rivals as Pep Guardiola exits, Enzo Maresca takes over at City, and United reshape midfield.
Tottenham are ranked sixth after spending more than $250 million, while Chelsea place fifth under new manager Xabi Alonso and Liverpool fourth after replacing Arne Slot with Andoni Iraola.
At the bottom, promoted Hull City, Ipswich Town and Coventry City fill the bottom three despite Hull spending more than $110 million, underscoring expectations that all three could go straight back down.
The ranking frames the season opening Friday at the Emirates as one shaped by heavy transfer spending, managerial churn and the added strain of European competition for several clubs.