Shaun Wright-Phillips Previews the 2025/26 Season

With the Premier League season fast approaching, anticipation is growing following the weekend’s Community Shield and the end of pre-season fixtures. We caught up with former Manchester City and Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips to get his thoughts ahead of Friday evening’s opener between Liverpool and Bournemouth.

Golden Boot Contenders and Winner

The Premier League Golden Boot race is set to be as tight as ever following Mohamed Salah’s triumph last season. Erling Haaland will be aiming to reclaim the crown from the Egyptian forward, while Alexander Isak - once his future is sorted - could also be a threat, alongside Hugo Ekitike, Ollie Watkins, and Victor Gyökeres.

In the end, SWP narrowed it down to three standout strikers from last season.

“You can’t write off Salah and Haaland. Those two definitely, but if Isak goes to Liverpool, he could be an option as well. Even Hugo Ekitike if he plays all the games, then he can compete with them. But I will go with Salah, Haaland or Isak.”

City Backed to Win Back the Premier League Title

Liverpool will be aiming to go back-to-back in winning the Premier League, but they face fierce competition from Manchester City, who will want to get back the crown they won four seasons in a row before last year. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will also hope to finally lift the trophy for the first time in over two decades.

“You can’t write off Liverpool, they are bulking up that squad, but I still feel like there is something that isn’t settled.”

“All the players they have brought in are pretty much starters, so it will be interesting to see the changes there.”

“But I am going to go for Man City. I think they can turn it around this season.”

“Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea. That’s my top four. Arsenal fans have been disappointed the last two years anyway (laughs).”

Surprise Package of the Season: Brighton?

Last season, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace were two of the standout performers. Forest finished 7th, securing Europa League football, while Palace lifted the FA Cup and added the Community Shield, earning them a Europa Conference League spot.

SWP believes the “surprise package” tag will belong to another team this year.

“Of course, Nottingham Forest overachieved last season, because it was against all odds. Their conversation rate was scary and they defended brilliantly.”

“Pretty much every mid-table team has moved players on, so it’s difficult to say who can overachieve this season.”

“I think Tottenham and Man United will come back into play, but maybe my pick is Brighton.”

Brentford’s Future Depends on Wissa

When it comes to relegation, SWP feels Brentford could be surprise contenders after losing Thomas Frank and Bryan Mbeumo, and with Yoane Wissa potentially leaving the club before the window closes.

“I think Leeds will stay up but I think Sunderland and Burnley will get relegated.”

“Bournemouth has the firepower, but when you lose your goalkeeper and half the back four, it’s hard to keep performing like they did last season.”

“Everton haven’t brought many players in but they have David Moyes and with him anything is possible.”

“If Brentford lose Wissa, they would be my other team. They have lost Mbeumo and Norgaard, but they still have that solid defense. If Wissa leaves they will be my pick, because you can’t replace so many goals.”

With so many fascinating games taking place this weekend, you can use our accumulator calculator to work through your first big bet of the season.

Read more as Shaun Wright-Phillips takes a look at some rumoured Chelsea transfers that could unsettle the squad