Premier League 2025-26: Title Contenders and Predictions

The wait is over. The 2025-26 English Premier League season kicks off today, marking the return of what is arguably the most competitive and technically brilliant soccer league in the world. For fans, it’s the start of a nine-month rollercoaster of drama and excitement. But for students of the game—and for us at The Kicking System—it’s a weekly masterclass in the art of ball-striking.

From perfectly weighted passes to unstoppable shots from distance, the EPL showcases the absolute pinnacle of kicking technique. Before you tune in, here is our breakdown of the teams, players, and storylines to watch this season.

Who Will Lift the Trophy? A Look at the Contenders

As the season begins, the race for the Premier League title is shaping up to be a heavyweight clash. The leading contenders are the reigning champions Liverpool, a consistently excellent Arsenal, and a hungry Manchester City, with a rebuilt Chelsea also considered a strong contender.

• Liverpool: After winning the league last season, Liverpool has invested heavily to retain their crown. Under manager Arne Slot, they’ve made a record signing for Florian Wirtz to bolster an already potent attack. The big question is whether they can build on their success and go back-to-back.
• Arsenal: Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal has been the model of consistency, finishing second for the past three seasons. Their focus on strengthening squad depth could be the crucial factor that finally gets them over the line in a long and demanding season.
• Manchester City: After a relatively quiet season by their high standards, Pep Guardiola’s squad is expected to be back in the thick of the title race. Significant signings, including Rayan Ait-Nouri, have been brought in to reinforce the team.
• Chelsea: With a youth-focused squad and a new manager in Enzo Maresca, Chelsea is a team on the rise. Their recent Club World Cup victory and strong signings like Jorrel Hato and Joao Pedro signal that they are serious contenders.

Beyond these four, teams like Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Aston Villa are all expected to be in the mix for Champions League qualification and could potentially challenge for the title if they have strong seasons.

The Golden Boot Race & Final Predictions

• The Race for Top Scorer: The battle for the league’s top scorer will be fierce. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is the obvious favorite, but Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer have all proven they can find the back of the net with incredible consistency.
• The Kicking System’s Prediction: While Liverpool are the defending champions and Arsenal’s consistency makes them a huge threat, the depth and tactical genius at Manchester City give them a slight edge to reclaim the title. For the Golden Boot, it’s hard to bet against a fully fit Erling Haaland.

A Masterclass in Technique

As you watch the season unfold, pay close attention to the technical details. Notice the body shape of a player striking a cross-field pass, the follow-through on a shot from outside the box, and the composure in a high-pressure penalty kick.

These are the fundamentals that translate across all kicking sports. The skills learned on the soccer pitch—generating power, ensuring accuracy, and performing under pressure—are the same principles that create elite NFL kickers and punters.

Enjoy the season. It’s more than just a game; it’s an exhibition of the craft we are all dedicated to perfecting.