The 2025-26 Premier League season kicks off on Friday, Aug. 15, with defending champion Liverpool hosting Bournemouth at Anfield. There are three lead candidates for the league title this season: Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City. However, just behind them lie several teams capable of making a strong trophy run… and potentially even winning the league outright. Here are the Premier League’s top three dark horse teams for the 2025-26 season: Last season: 4th Key departures: attacking midfielder Joao Felix (to Al-Nassr), winger Noni Madueke (to Arsenal), forward Armando Broja (to Burnley) Key additions: forward Joao Pedro (from Brighton), winger Estevao (from Palmeiras), forward Liam Delap (from Ipswich Town) Chelsea’s overloaded, overpaid squad (anyone remember £116M Mykhailo Mudryk?) made it the laughing stock of the Premier League for several seasons. That said, after a strong finish to the 2024-25 season, no one’s laughing anymore. Chelsea is the defending Club World Cup champion after beating PSG
