How 20 Premier League teams could line up in 2026/27

Premier League clubs are finalizing preparations for the 2026/27 season, with managers making decisions on their strongest starting XIs. Arsenal, the reigning champions, aim for another title and could build their lineup around a strong defensive unit, with Declan Rice and new signing Bruno Guimaraes forming a formidable midfield partnership. However, William Saliba and Jurrien Timber may face injury concerns early in the season.

Aston Villa, entering a new cycle after losing Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans, and Lucas Digne, will see new arrivals Joao Gomes and Johan Manzambi play significant roles under Unai Emery. Goalkeepers Emiliano Martinez and Marco Bizot, alongside defenders Matty Cash and Victor Lindelof, are expected to be key figures. Midfielders including Joao Gomes and John McGinn, and forwards Ollie Watkins and Tammy Abraham, are also crucial to their strategy.

Bournemouth will start the campaign under new head coach Marco Rose, building on their sixth-place finish last season. Antonio Silva and Alvaro Rodriguez are among the additions made to strengthen the squad for both domestic and European competitions. Goalkeepers Djordje Petrovic and Fraser Forster, defenders Juanlu Sanchez and Antonio Silva, midfielders Lewis Cook and Alex Toth, and forwards Evanilson and Junior Kroupi are expected to be pivotal for the team.

Brentford, aiming to improve on their ninth-place finish under Keith Andrews, will rely on players like Igor Thiago and Callum Wilson, as well as new additions like Callum Wilson and Jaidon Anthony. Goalkeepers Caoimhin Kelleher and Hakon Valdimarsson, defenders Nathan Collins and Jayden Meghoma, midfielders Mamadou Sangare and Yehor Yarmoliuk, and forwards Igor Thiago and Callum Wilson are crucial to Brentford's approach.

Brighton & Hove Albion will maintain their tactical identity under Fabian Hurzeler, with new defenders Pascal Struijk and Luka Vuskovic expected to feature prominently. Goalkeepers Bart Verbruggen and Jason Steele, defenders Ferdi Kadioglu and Costinha, midfielders Pascal Gross and Carlos Baleba, and forwards Georginio Rutter and Yankuba Minteh are important components of the squad.

Chelsea will enter the season without European football and under new manager Xabi Alonso. Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck will provide experienced support in attack, while Joao Pedro could lead the line. Goalkeepers Robert Sanchez and Teddy Sharman-Lowe, defenders Reece James and Marco Palestra, midfielders Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer, and forwards Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck are key figures for the Blues.

Coventry City, newly promoted after winning the Championship, return to the Premier League under Frank Lampard. Captain Matt Grimes is expected to remain central to their midfield strategy, with set-piece strength hoped to translate to the top flight. Goalkeepers Carl Rushworth and Ben Wilson, defenders Bobby Thomas and Milan van Ewijk, midfielders Matt Grimes and Jack Rudoni, and forwards Haji Wright and Brandon Thomas-Asante are crucial to Coventry's plans.

Crystal Palace are expected to continue with a 3-4-2-1 formation under Neil Warnock. Goalkeepers Tom Heaton and Aaron Ramsay, defenders Bruno Ecuele Manga and Kalvin Phillips, midfielders Liam Lindsay and Scott Dann, and forwards Marvin Johnson and Yacouba Sylla are expected to be vital for the team.