The Premier League season is now less than two weeks away, and excitement levels really are building!
Liverpool and Bournemouth kick off the new campaign on Friday, August 15, and there are some more amazing fixtures to look forward to on Matchday 1 – including a Super Sunday clash between old rivals Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford!
With the latest edition of the world-famous Premier League now so close, it is prime time for predictions and previews.
And we decided to give NetBet brand ambassador Ray Parlour a quick call to answer some of our questions, including his thoughts on the favourites for both the title and the Golden Boot.
Read on to see what Ray had to say and remember, throughout the entirety of the 2025-26 Premier League season, we will be providing detailed match previews and other blogs packed with football betting tips. So keep your eyes peeled!
Afternoon Ray! So, what is your Top 4 prediction for the 2025-26 season?
Ray: “Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, in that order. These four teams have invested heavily over the summer and even with some high-profile outgoings, all four teams will be in the title race. It promises to be another great Premier League season – and I really think this one will be closer than last year.”
Which players do you think will be in the Golden Boot race? And who do you think will win it?
Ray: “This is going to be a great battle. Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Dominic Solanke, Ollie Watkins… we really do have some great forwards in the Premier League, and they’re all capable of winning the award. But who do I think will eventually emerge victorious? Well, because Haaland is City’s main No9 and Pep Guardiola’s new-look squad should create chances for fun, I think he will just pip Salah to the crown after missing out in 2024-25!”
Which new signings are you most looking forward to seeing in the Premier League in 2025-26?
Ray: “I am looking forward to seeing Florian Wirtz at Liverpool, but especially Viktor Gyokeres at my old club Arsenal! It’s great to see top strikers and forwards from other divisions come to the Premier League in the summer months. I cannot wait to watch how they both get on and cope with the added pressure of playing for two of the biggest teams in world football.”
Can any of the three promoted teams end the run of relegations and remain in the Premier League?
Ray: “I really think Leeds will give it a good go when it comes to staying in the top flight. Daniel Farke’s side look to have improved defensively and they just need to add more goals to their team, which is certainly doable. Then, with a great home support at Elland Road, Leeds can maybe, just maybe, finish above the relegation zone. As for Sunderland and Burnley, I’m reserving judgement for now.”
As a former pro, did you notice during your playing days an added level of pressure in the Premier League when a World Cup was on the horizon?
Ray: “Not really. The main thing is just to concentrate on playing week in week out for your club and doing the best for them. No extra pressure. If you are doing well for your club, you will be playing every week and then any national team manager will notice you. You can’t look too far ahead, it’s making sure you play well in the next Premier League game – and then see where it takes you.”
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