+ The Champion Team
Liverpool enters as the reigning champion in the 34th edition of the Premier League. The club has spent approximately 3.5 billion kronor on new acquisitions, according to Sports Illustrated, and is making a major effort for yet another title.
+ The Challengers
Manchester City, with Erling Haaland at the forefront, is seeking revenge after last year's third place. Arsenal has made several major new acquisitions, while Chelsea, strengthened by the victory in the club team World Championship, hopes that their young squad will blossom.
+ The Newcomers
Leeds, Burnley, and Sunderland are back in the top division – which means we will see the classic Tyne-Wear derby between Sunderland and Newcastle for the first time in ten years.
+ The League that Spends the Most
Premier League clubs have together spent 25 billion kronor on new acquisitions before the season, according to Sports Illustrated. This makes the league the one that spends the most money on signings. The transfer window closes on September 1, and thus the total amount can increase.
+ The Gary Lineker Soup
Icon Gary Lineker has been the host of the classic "match of the day" on BBC for 26 years. He is no longer. After a post on Instagram in May, which contained a rat emoji, the profile was accused of anti-Semitism and had to leave the job. Replacing him is a trio, who share the task during the season: Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan, and Mark Chapman.
+ The Swedes
There are nine Swedish national team players playing in the Premier League this coming season.
In Tottenham, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall are based.
Alexander Isak and Emil Krafth in Newcastle have been joined by Anthony Elanga this season. Isak's situation is one of the most discussed this summer. The striker has been clear that he wants to leave for Liverpool. This has led to him being banned from training with Newcastle and having to keep going on his own. It remains to be seen which club Isak will play for in the fall.
Viktor Gyökeres is one of Arsenal's most prestigious new acquisitions, in Brighton, Yasin Ayari continues to fight for a regular central midfield spot, and newcomer Leeds has picked up Gabriel Gudmundsson, from Lille, as a left-back. At another newcomer, Burnley, Hjalmar Ekdal is trying to take a regular spot in central defense.
+ New Rules and Changes
The 2025/26 season will be the first where Puma delivers the official match ball.
Goalkeepers must release the ball within eight seconds, otherwise, it will be a corner for the opponent.
Only the team captain is allowed to talk to the referee at important decisions.
Referees will explain VAR decisions directly to players and TV audiences, similar to American sports.
The TV broadcasting companies have the right to interview substituted players on the sidelines, during an ongoing match. Exactly how this will work in practice is still unclear.
Clubs must allow TV cameras in the dressing room at least twice per season.
+ The Premiere Round
Friday, August 15, 21.00: Liverpool–Bournemouth.
Saturday, August 16, 13.30: Aston Villa–Newcastle. 16.00: Brighton–Fulham, Sunderland–West Ham, Tottenham–Burnley. 18.30: Wolverhampton–Manchester City.
Sunday, August 17, 15.00: Chelsea–Crystal Palace, Nottingham–Brentford. 17.30: Manchester United–Arsenal.
Monday, August 18, 21.00: Leeds–Everton.
+ TV
Can be followed on Viaplay's platforms and matches with a kick-off time of 13.30 on Saturdays are broadcast on Amazon Prime.
