Premier League 2025-26: Liverpool Leads Early as Promoted Teams Return

The 2025-26 Premier League season kicked off on August 15, 2025, with defending champions Liverpool taking an early lead in the standings after a commanding 4-2 home victory over Bournemouth.

This season features a total of 20 teams, including the promoted sides Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland, making their return to the top tier after absences of two, one, and eight years respectively. These clubs replaced Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton, who were relegated last season.

After just one game round, Liverpool tops the Premier League table with 3 points and a goal difference of +2, followed closely by Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Brentford. The promoted teams are spread throughout the table, with Burnley sitting in 6th place, Leeds United at 11th, and Sunderland in 16th.

Notably, this season also marks the return of the Tyne–Wear derby, a historic rivalry between Sunderland and Newcastle United, adding extra excitement for fans.

The Premier League remains highly competitive with 19 clubs challenging Liverpool, who last season secured their second Premier League title and 20th English top-flight crown overall. Early questions loom over whether traditional giants like Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur can improve their performances following struggles in recent campaigns.

Another notable change this season is the continuation of semi-automated offside technology, recently implemented to improve officiating accuracy. Additionally, Puma has taken over from Nike as the official match ball supplier.

As the long 10-month campaign continues through 33 weekend rounds and additional midweek matches, clubs will vie for the coveted top-four finish to secure Champions League qualification while also battling to avoid relegation zones.

Fans and analysts will be watching closely for emerging contenders and unexpected surprises as teams strive to make their mark in the 2025-26 Premier League season.