The 2025-2026 Premier League campaign kicks off tonight bringing with it the usual mix of optimism, nerves and expectation across all 20 clubs.
After a summer of transfer drama and pre-season tours, attention now turns to who can hit the ground running and who might be in trouble before autumn even arrives.
Former England striker Peter Crouch has given his take on the title race, the battle for Europe and the relegation scrap to come this season.
Crouch, who played for seven Premier League clubs in a career spanning more than two decades, is tipping a familiar name to lift the trophy and a surprise side to stay up.
He’s also nailed down his picks for young player of the season, the campaign’s surprise package and which manager will take home the year’s top coaching honour.
So, who does Crouch think will lift the trophy, who will gatecrash the top four, and which clubs will be left fighting for their lives? Here’s his verdict for the season…
Former England striker Peter Crouch (above) has given his take on the title race, the battle for Europe and the relegation scrap to come this season
Crouch, who played for seven Premier League clubs in a career spanning more than two decades, is tipping a familiar name to lift the trophy and a surprise side to stay up
Premier League Champions
Crouch: Liverpool. I think they’ve signed well. I think they won it at a canter last year. I think the other teams have closed the gap well, but I think Liverpool will have just enough.
Especially if they sign one more centre forward. Adding Isak to the list would seal the deal.
Second, Third and Fourth
Crouch: I think second will be Arsenal, they are routinely second and although they had closed the gap to Liverpool I think their signings pull them away again.
Look, I think they’ve got the ability to win it without doubt, but I think they’ll just fall short a little bit. I think Manchester City will come third.
Actually, no I’ll change that. I’m going to go Chelsea third and Manchester City fourth.
Fifth and Sixth
Crouch: Manchester United will come fifth and Aston Villa will come sixth. But, looking that area in the table, I do think United and Spurs are definitely going to make the biggest improvements though.
Last season couldn’t have gotten any worse for either of them. Thankfully Tottenham got over the line and got a trophy but they can’t be any worse than they were last time.
Relegated Teams
Crouch: Burnley, Leeds and Wolves will be relegated this season. I think Sunderland could do it, I think they could stay up. I don’t know. It’s easy for us to say all three of the promoted teams will go down.
So I’m going to give one some hope. I don’t know which one it is but I’m going for Sunderland to stay up. And I think wolves might get dragged in.
Crouch believes the 2025-2026 Golden Boot winner will be Mohammed Salah (above)
Crouch also thinks the 2025-2026 player of the season will be Florian Wirtz (pictured above)
Golden Boot Winner
Crouch: I think it’s between two, Erling Haaland and Mo Salah but I’m going to go for Salah. I think it’ll be someone from the winning team and I think Liverpool are going to win the league.
Player of year
Crouch: I also think the Player of the Season will come from the winning team so I’m going to with Florian Wirtz. I think he’ll be class this season and I’m looking forward to seeing him.
Breakout Star
Crouch: I just love what Arsenal have done with the youth stars coming through. Max Dowman is someone that has been on everyone’s lips. He is someone that is going to excel at some point. This pre-season he already looks ready. It’s more about when.
I keep comparing him to Messi and I know it’s a ridiculous statement. But when I say it I just mean you can see him coming inside and playing at ease.
Very little players at his age can do that so it’s in him to be very successful. Myles Lewis-Skelly is another one. He’s obviously more established now.
Former England star Crouch predicts big things for Arsenal youngster Max Dowman
Manager of the Season
Crouch: Can’t bet against Arne Slot.
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