EPL: Emmanuel Petit names teams to finish top three this season

Former Arsenal and Chelsea player Emmanuel Petit has predicted which teams will secure a top-three finish in the 2026-27 Premier League season. He believes Manchester United and Liverpool will compete for fourth place in the league standings.

The Premier League season is set to begin on Friday with defending champions Arsenal facing Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium. While the Gunners are seen as the most stable team in contention for the title, other clubs have undergone coaching changes recently.

In an interview with Grosvenor Sport, Petit was asked to identify the clubs he thinks will make a top-four finish in the Premier League. He noted in an interview with Metro, "Chelsea's absence from European competitions is a significant advantage. Midweek matches demand a lot of energy and make it challenging to maintain performance just three days later. This lack of European football will give Xabi Alonso's team a substantial edge this season." Petit predicts Arsenal and Manchester City will also finish in the top three.

The competition for the fourth position is more difficult to forecast, according to Petit. It will likely be a battle between Manchester United and Liverpool. He expressed interest in seeing Liverpool's full transfer strategy, as they currently lack some key players. The club recently appointed a new manager, Andoni Iraola, and adapting to the demands of his new team after moving from Bournemouth will be a significant transition.

Manchester United has trusted Michael Carrick and is expected to be in contention, but they face pressure from returning to the Champions League and needing to rotate their squad. The top four is expected to include Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United.