See How 20 Premier League Teams Could Line Up In 2026/27 Season
Premier League clubs are putting the finishing touches to their preparations for the 2026/27 season, with managers facing key decisions over their strongest starting XIs.
According to a post by the Premier League on X on Wednesday and a review by football writer Adrian Clarke, the potential line-ups for all 20 clubs ahead of the new campaign, offering an early indication of how the teams could approach the season.
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Reigning champions Arsenal are targeting another title and could build around a strong defensive unit, with Declan Rice and new signing Bruno Guimaraes expected to form a formidable midfield partnership.
Arsenal’s defensive depth could be tested early in the campaign, however, with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber facing injury concerns.
Arsenal full squad
Goalkeepers: David Raya, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Illan Meslier
Defenders: Jurrien Timber, Ben White, William Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel Magalhaes, Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, Marli Salmon
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes, Martin Zubimendi, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze, Ethan Nwaneri, Fabio Vieira, Max Dowman
Forwards: Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Christos Tzolis, Gabriel Martinelli, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Jesus, Reiss Nelson
Aston Villa
Aston Villa, meanwhile, are entering a new cycle following the departures of Morgan Rogers, Youri Tielemans and Lucas Digne. New arrivals such as Joao Gomes and Johan Manzambi are expected to play important roles as Unai Emery reshapes his squad.
Aston Villa full squad
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Marco Bizot
Defenders: Matty Cash, Victor Lindelof, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen, Kosta Nedeljkovic, Modou Keba Cisse
Midfielders: Joao Gomes, John McGinn, Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana, Johan Manzambi, Emi Buendia, Ross Barkley, Lamare Bogarde, Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba, Bradley Burrowes, George Hemmings
Forwards: Ollie Watkins, Tammy Abraham, Alejandro Garnacho, Brian Madjo, Leon Bailey, Alysson
Bournemouth
Bournemouth will begin the campaign under new head coach Marco Rose after finishing sixth last season. The club has strengthened with additions including Antonio Silva and Alvaro Rodriguez as it prepares to combine domestic football with European competition.
Bournemouth’s squad in full
Goalkeepers: Djordje Petrovic, Fraser Forster, Will Dennis
Defenders: Adam Smith, Juanlu Sanchez, Julian Araujo, James Hill, Antonio Silva, Adrien Truffert, Julio Soler, Bafode Diakite, Veljko Milosavljevic
Midfielders: Lewis Cook, Alex Toth, Alex Scott, Tyler Adams, Marcus Tavernier, David Brooks, Ryan Christie, Justin Kluivert
Forwards: Evanilson, Junior Kroupi, Ben Gannon-Doak, Daniel Jebbison, Rayan, Alvaro Rodriguez, Amine Adli
Brentford
Brentford will look to build on their ninth-place finish under Keith Andrews. Igor Thiago, who scored 22 league goals last season, remains a key attacking figure, while Callum Wilson provides additional experience in attack.
Brentford’s squad in full
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher, Hakon Valdimarsson, Ellery Balcombe
Defenders: Sepp van den Berg, Kristoffer Ajer, Nathan Collins, Michael Kayode, Ethan Pinnock, Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey, Jannick Schuster, Jayden Meghoma, Kim Ji-Soo, Benjamin Arthur
Midfielders: Mamadou Sangare, Yehor Yarmoliuk, Mikkel Damsgaard, Mathias Jensen, Keane Lewis-Potter, Vitaly Janelt, Josh Dasilva, Fabio Carvalho, Antoni Milambo, Yunes Emire Konak
Forwards: Igor Thiago, Kevin Schade, Dango Ouattara, Callum Wilson, Jaidon Anthony, Kaye Furo, Gustavo Nunes
Brighton
At Brighton & Hove Albion, Fabian Hurzeler is expected to maintain the tactical identity that helped the club become one of the division’s most difficult sides to play against. New defenders Pascal Struijk and Luka Vuskovic could feature prominently.
Brighton’s squad in full
Goalkeepers: Bart Verbruggen, Jason Steele, Tom McGill
Defenders: Pascal Struijk, Ferdi Kadioglu, Maxim De Cuyper, Luka Vuskovic, Lewis Dunk, Michael Svoboda, Olivier Boscagli, Mats Wieffer, Costinha, Igor Julio, Eiran Cashin
Midfielders: Pascal Gross, Yasin Ayari, Carlos Baleba, Jack Hinshelwood, Diego Gomez, Matt O’Riley, Malick Yalcouye
Forwards: Georginio Rutter, Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma, Charalampos Kostoulas, Zadock Yohanna, Evan Ferguson, Stefanos Tzimas, Ibrahim Osman
Chelsea
Chelsea will enter the campaign without European football and under new manager Xabi Alonso. The Blues have added experienced players including Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck, while Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers could operate behind Joao Pedro in attack.
Chelsea’s squad in full
Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Teddy Sharman-Lowe, Mike Penders
Defenders: Levi Colwill, Reece James, Maxence Lacroix, Marco Palestra, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Jorell Hato, Benoit Badiashile, Mamadou Sarr, Pep Chavarria
Midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Jordan Henderson, Romeo Lavia, Valentin Barco, Dario Essugo
Forwards: Joao Pedro, Danny Welbeck, Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson, Estevao, Pedro Neto, Geovany Quenda, Jamie Gittens, Marc Guiu, Mykhailo Mudryk, Emmanuel Emegha
Coventry
Newly promoted Coventry City return to the Premier League after winning the Championship under Frank Lampard. Captain Matt Grimes is expected to remain central to their midfield, with the club hoping its set-piece strength can translate to the top flight.
Goalkeepers: Carl Rushworth, Ben Wilson, Oliver Dovin
Defenders: Bobby Thomas, Liam Kitching, Aurele Amenda, Joel Latibeaudiere, Milan van Ewijk, Jay Dasilva, Jake Bidwell, Kaine Kesler-Hayden, Luke Woolfenden, Miguel Angel Brau
Midfielders: Matt Grimes, Jack Rudoni, Tatushiro Sakamato, Caleb Yirenkyi, Frank Onyeka, Josh Eccles, Victor Torp, Gustavo Hamer
Forwards: Haji Wright, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Ellis Simms, Ephron Mason-Clark, Loum Tchaouna, Taiwo Awoniyi
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace are expected to continue with a 3-4-2-1 formation under new manager Pierre Sage. Adam Wharton could have an increasingly important role as Palace look to improve their possession game.
Crystal Palace’s squad in full
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Walter Benitez, Remi Matthews
Defenders: Chris Richards, Oscar Mingueza, Daniel Munoz, Tyrick Mitchell, Jaydee Canvot, Chadi Riad, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Borna Sosa, Anan Khalaili
Midfielders: Daichi Kamada, Will Hughes, Adam Wharton, Yeremy Pino, Justin Devenny, Jefferson Lerma, Matheus Franca, Cheick Doucoure, David Ozoh
Forwards: Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Ismaila Sarr, Dwight McNeil, Eddie Nketiah, Romain Esse, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, Evann Guessand
Everton
Everton will rely on their defensive organisation under David Moyes while seeking greater attacking threat. New arrivals Brennan Johnson and Hayden Hackney could provide additional options going forward.
Everton’s squad in full
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Mark Travers
Defenders: James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Michael Keane, Jake O’Brien, Vitalii Mykolenko, Nathan Patterson, Adam Aznou
Midfielders: James Garner, Christian Norgaard, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Hayden Hackney, Tim Iroegbunam, Merlin Rohl, Tyler Dibling, Charly Alcaraz, Harrison Armstrong
Forwards: Beto, Thierno Barry, Iliman Ndiaye, Brennan Johnson, Tyrique George
Fulham
Fulham begin a new era under Alvaro Arbeloa following Marco Silva’s departure. The new head coach is expected to emphasise width and attacking combinations, with Gonzalo Garcia arriving from Real Madrid.
Fulham’s squad in full
Goalkeepers: Bernd Leno, Benjamin Lacombe
Defenders: Joachim Andersen, Calvin Bassey, Kenny Tete, Jorge Cuenca, Antonee Robinson, Timothy Castagne
Midfielders: Sander Berge, Alex Iwobi, Shea Charles, Josh King, Emile Smith Rowe, Ryan Sessegnon, Tom Cairney, Harrison Reed, Luke Harris, Cesar Palacios
Forwards: Gonzalo Garcia, Rodrigo Muniz, Kevin, Oscar Bobb, Jonah Kusi-Asare
Hull City and Ipswich Town are also preparing for life back in the Premier League. Hull are expected to rely on counter-attacking football, while Ipswich could adopt a more pragmatic approach against stronger opponents.
Hull’s squad in full
Goalkeepers: Konstantinos Tzolakis, Jack Butland, Dillon Phillips
Defenders: Nobel Mendy, Lucas Herrington, Charlie Hughes, Semi Ajayi, Lewie Coyle, Ryan Giles, John Egan, Elliot Stroud, Matt Targett, Cody Drameh, Paddy McNair, Matty Jacob
Midfielders: Regan Slater, Jens Hjert-Dahl, Matt Crooks, Hidemasa Morita, Kieran Dowell, Oscar Zambrano, Elliot Matazo, Darko Gyabi, Abdulkadir Omur, Lucas Gourna-Douath
Forwards: Oli McBurnie, Mohammed Belloumi, Liam Millar, Joe Gelhardt, David Akintola, Enis Destan
Ipswich could adopt a more pragmatic approach against stronger opponents.
Ipswich’s squad in full
Goalkeepers: Kjell Scherpen, Alex Palmer, Kayne van Oevelen, Christian Walton
Defenders: Dara O’Shea, Jacob Greaves, Issa Diop, Cedric Kipre, Leif Davis, Darnell Furlong, Ben Johnson
Midfielders: Sasa Lukic, Azor Matusiwa, Jack Taylor, Florentino Luis, Marcelino Nunez, Cameron Humphreys
Forwards: Emersonn, Sindre Walle Egeli, Daezen Maeda, George Hirst, Jack Clarke, Jaden Philogene, Abdul Fatawu, Kasey McAteer, Chuba Akpom, Anis Mehmeti, Ali Al-Hamadi, Chiedozie Ogbene
Leeds United, meanwhile, enter the campaign with confidence after a strong finish last season. James Trafford’s arrival in goal and Harry Wilson’s addition are expected to strengthen Daniel Farke’s side.
Leeds’ squad in full
Goalkeepers: James Trafford, Lucas Perri, Alex Cairns
Defenders: Joe Rodon, Tarik Muharemovic, Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson, James Justin, Sebastian Bornauw
Midfielders: Ethan Ampadu, Harry Wilson, Anton Stach, Brendon Aaronson, Ao Tanaka, Sean Longstaff, Ilia Gruev
Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor, Daniel James, Lukas Nmecha, Joel Piroe, Wilfred Gnonto, Mateo Joseph, Largie Ramazani
At Liverpool, former Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has taken over from Arne Slot. His high-intensity pressing style could bring a new dimension to the Reds, with major selection questions remaining in defence and attack.
Liverpool’s squad in full
Goalkeepers: Alisson, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman
Defenders: Virgil van Dijk, Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, Konstantinos Tsimikas, Calvin Ramsay
Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo, Stefan Bajcetic, Trey Nyoni, James McConnell
Forwards: Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, Victor Munoz, Rio Ngumoha, Federico Chiesa
Manchester City will begin a new era under Enzo Maresca. The former Chelsea manager is expected to use a possession-based system, while Erling Haaland remains the focal point of City’s attack. The departure of Rodri to Barcelona leaves a major question in midfield.
Man City’s squad in full
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Geronimo Rulli, Marcus Bettinelli
Defenders: Ruben Dias, Marc Guehi, Josko Gvardiol, Matheus Nunes, Nico O’Reilly, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rico Lewis, Vitor Reis
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Rayan Cherki, Phil Foden, Tijjani Reijnders, Mateo Kovacic, Nico Gonzalez, Jack Grealish, Claudio Echeverri
Forwards: Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush, Antoine Semenyo, Jeremy Doku, Savinho, Jeremy Monga
Manchester United, managed by Michael Carrick, have strengthened their midfield with Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. Bruno Fernandes is expected to remain central to their plans, while Benjamin Sesko could lead the attack.
Man Utd’s squad in full
Goalkeepers: Senne Lammens, Karl Darlow, Tom Heaton
Defenders: Lisandro Martínez, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu, Noussair Mazraoui, Ayden Heaven, Harry Amass
Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Youri Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Andrey Santos, Manuel Ugarte, Jack Fletcher, Toby Collyer
Forwards: Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Amad, Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, Shea Lacey
Newcastle United have also undergone significant changes, with Matthias Jaissle taking charge after Eddie Howe’s departure. The Magpies are expected to emphasise pressing and quick transitions.
Newcastle’s squad in full
Goalkeepers: Lukas Hornicek, Nick Pope, Ewan Jaouen
Defenders: Dan Burn, Malick Thiaw, Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, Sven Botman, Fabian Schar
Midfielders: Aladji Bamba, Joelinton, Jacob Ramsey, Lewis Miley, Sean Steur, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock
Forwards: Yoane Wissa, Will Osula, Nick Woltemade, Harvey Barnes, Bazoumana Toure, Anthony Elanga
Nottingham Forest will look to remain competitive under Oliver Glasner. The addition of Ousmane Diomande could strengthen a defence already featuring Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic, while Morgan Gibbs-White remains a key creative player.
Nott’m Forest’s squad in full
Goalkeepers: Matz Sels, John Victor
Defenders: Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Ousmane Diomande, Neco Williams, Ola Aina, Morato, Nicolo Savona, Jair Cunha, Eric da Silva Moreira, Zach Abbott, Tyler Bindon, Luca Netz, Omar Richards
Midfielders: Ibrahim Sangare, Morgan Gibbs-White, Xaver Schlager, Nicolas Dominguez, Ryan Yates, James McAtee
Forwards: Igor Jesus, Chris Wood, Taiwo Awoniyi, Dan Ndoye, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Omari Hutchinson, Arnaud Kalimuendo, Dilane Bakwa
Sunderland return to the Premier League after an impressive seventh-place finish last season. Granit Xhaka is expected to provide leadership in midfield as the club prepares to balance domestic football with Europa League commitments.
Sunderland’s squad in full
Goalkeepers: Robin Roefs, Simon Moore, Melker Ellborg
Defenders: Dan Ballard, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, Reinildo, Trai Hume, Thomas Meunier, Jenson Seelt, Aji Alese
Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fee, Chemsdine Talbi, Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Chris Rigg, Alan Browne, Luke O’Nien, Abdoullah Ba
Forwards: Brian Brobbey, Wilson Isidor, Nilson Angulo, Romaine Mundle, Luis Semedo, Jocelin Ta Bi
Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, have undergone a major rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi. New arrivals including Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes are expected to strengthen the team.
Spurs’ squad in full
Goalkeepers: Antonin Kinsky, Guglielmo Vicario, Martin Dubravka, Brandon Austin
Defenders: Micky van de Ven, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Andy Robertson, Destiny Udogie, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, Kota Takai, Souza
Midfielders: Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Conor Gallagher, James Maddison, Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Sarr, Archie Gray
Forwards: Dominic Solanke, Richarlison, Mohammed Kudus, Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert, Dane Scarlett, Luca Williams-Barnett
The potential starting XIs provide an early picture of how all 20 clubs could approach the 2026/27 campaign, although further transfers, injuries and pre-season performances could still alter managers’ plans before the season begins.
