Whale.io 🐳 | ⚽ English Premier League Season: 2026/2027

[tokeweed]

Nobody seriously believes the new Manchester City manager will win the league in his first season after replacing Guardiola. The question then becomes a fairly simple one: can Manchester City finish in a Champions League position next season?

On current form it is safe to conclude that with Arsenal and Manchester United probably occupying two of the four Champions League spots. Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa are probably the main teams that will leads the pack for the final two positions but nothing is certain.

Also I expect Fulham, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth to remain in (or near) the relegation zone now that their managers have departed their respective clubs.

I mean yeah...  We obviously liked what we've seen of him at Bournemouth with the high press and the Klopp-esque gegenpress.  The play style might be almost the same as the 'heavy metal' football Klopp is known for.  Can't wait!

Damn, I might actually be watching 2026 - 2027 season more closely.  Lol.  The EPL has gotten a lot more interesting without Guardiola.

I never said I 'seriously believe' that City will win the league without Guardiola.  What I said was I think the EPL will be more interesting without Guardiola.

As for which club could get in the top 4, dunno...  It's a tough call.  Arsenal would be in there and maybe Chelsea under Alonso.  Maybe even Liverpool and City.  But I have a funny feeling Man United will be the laughing stock of the league again. 

[JollyGood]

Manchester United made a good call to give  M. Carrick a permanent contract, he deserved it and he'd be an amazing manager for them; he has done some really good work. He has a good team and I hope he doesn't become another Anal Slut after getting in some new players in the summer..

New additions could help the team or destroy the existing chemistry in the team- it happened with Ole and Anal Slut and could happen again with Carrick if he makes the wrong move.

Now that is how to wrap up the situation surrounding a temporary manager signing a full contract and then possibly ruining it by signing a player that affects the balance on the training ground and dressing room. Carrick deserved the contract because he made Manchester United winners again after the poor form under Amorim.

As for Slot, somewhere along the line he lost the Liverpool fans and it started to go wrong for him. Even though Liverpool qualified for the Champions League, it was not enough and the club wanted a new manager.

I never said I 'seriously believe' that City will win the league without Guardiola.  What I said was I think the EPL will be more interesting without Guardiola.

As for which club could get in the top 4, dunno...  It's a tough call.  Arsenal would be in there and maybe Chelsea under Alonso.  Maybe even Liverpool and City.  But I have a funny feeling Man United will be the laughing stock of the league again.  

I never alluded to you making that statement  

[igebotz]

As for which club could get in the top 4, dunno...  It's a tough call.  Arsenal would be in there and maybe Chelsea under Alonso.  Maybe even Liverpool and City.  But I have a funny feeling Man United will be the laughing stock of the league again. 

It happened to Ole: he came in as an interim manager, led the club from the trenches, went on an 18-game winning run, delivered Champions League football, won the hearts of the fans and the club, received a lucrative permanent contract the next season, and transformed the club into a laughing stock.

I hope Carrick doesn't turn into another Ole after signing a permanent contract. I actually enjoy them more when they are a laughing stock.

As for Slot, somewhere along the line he lost the Liverpool fans and it started to go wrong for him. Even though Liverpool qualified for the Champions League, it was not enough and the club wanted a new manager.

I'm sure Anal Slut was as supprised as most of us cause he expected the sack some months ago, he survived and thought everything was finally over. Still doesn't sit well to sack a manager after winning a league trophy in his first season and finishing 5th as defending champions. Playing most of the games without his two top strikers was difficult.

[JollyGood]

What are your opinions on the top four in the coming season?

It is just speculating however I would expect the season to end in an order similar to this: Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Now that Arsenal have won the Premier League, there is no reason they cannot win it consecutively. It seems as though Manchester United might be the team that pushes Arsenal because Carrick and his players probably believe they could challenge for the title.

As for Manchester City, they will have to cope without Guardiola and also Liverpool will start the season with a new manager too. Even though Alonso will be taking over at Chelsea as their new manager, I think Chelsea will start the season better than Manchester City and Liverpool.

[tokeweed]

As for which club could get in the top 4, dunno...  It's a tough call.  Arsenal would be in there and maybe Chelsea under Alonso.  Maybe even Liverpool and City.  But I have a funny feeling Man United will be the laughing stock of the league again. 

It happened to Ole: he came in as an interim manager, led the club from the trenches, went on an 18-game winning run, delivered Champions League football, won the hearts of the fans and the club, received a lucrative permanent contract the next season, and transformed the club into a laughing stock.

I hope Carrick doesn't turn into another Ole after signing a permanent contract. I actually enjoy them more when they are a laughing stock.

Oh for sure...  I mean I'd like to see Man United see success under Carrick but seeing them flop again would be entertaining is fck.   

But really, it would be a lot better for us who watch the EPL to have a tougher United than a weaker one.  I have a soft spot for them when they're weak and hate them when they're tough. 

[igebotz]

What are your opinions on the top four in the coming season?

It is just speculating however I would expect the season to end in an order similar to this: Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.

I'm not sure how to explain this, but if Enzo Maresca can replace Rodri and B. Silva with some solid options, they might win the league next season - Enzo Maresca is not new to the system and is more familiar with how City plays. Let's not forget that he was Pep's assistant, and the two of them built the current City structure; Enzo Maresca could easily integrate and manage it.

I fancy Manchester city, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United for Top 4 next season - only reason I included Chelsea is because our players will be playing once a week through out next season.

Oh for sure...  I mean I'd like to see Man United see success under Carrick but seeing them flop again would be entertaining is fck.   

But really, it would be a lot better for us who watch the EPL to have a tougher United than a weaker one.  I have a soft spot for them when they're weak and hate them when they're tough. 

I'm tired of seeing them being shit to be honest and I'm also sick of watching a two horse race every season - it's more fun when all the top teams are going toes to  toes for the title. Good old days.

[Ambatman]

What are your opinions on the top four in the coming season?

It is just speculating however I would expect the season to end in an order similar to this: Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Chelsea are a little handicapped with the ban they facing
But this is the same team (almost) that won the club World Cup
Unfortunately for them now they have a clinical 9 as delap (being sarcastic).
I'd say Arsenal, well they might have broken their curse  and then Man Utd
Others are mediocre at best.
The only in form giant in EPL is Arsenal and Manchester United.

I love Alonso but Chelsea would still not qualify for the champions league next two seasons.

[JollyGood]

I fancy Manchester city, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United for Top 4 next season - only reason I included Chelsea is because our players will be playing once a week through out next season.

The fact that Carrick had no competitions to play for (except the Premier League) when he took over at Manchester United, it helped the team focus on finishing in a Champions League position. With Chelsea having to play less games by virtue of playing less games by missing out on Europe, they really will have a chance to finish inside the top four because their players will be fresh.

Chelsea are a little handicapped with the ban they facing
But this is the same team (almost) that won the club World Cup
Unfortunately for them now they have a clinical 9 as delap (being sarcastic).
I'd say Arsenal, well they might have broken their curse  and then Man Utd
Others are mediocre at best.
The only in form giant in EPL is Arsenal and Manchester United.

I love Alonso but Chelsea would still not qualify for the champions league next two seasons.

On current form, maybe Arsenal and Manchester United will be fighting to become Premier League champions. As for Alonso, he might do what Slot did and win the Premier League in his first season 

[tokeweed]

Oh for sure...  I mean I'd like to see Man United see success under Carrick but seeing them flop again would be entertaining is fck.   

But really, it would be a lot better for us who watch the EPL to have a tougher United than a weaker one.  I have a soft spot for them when they're weak and hate them when they're tough. 

I'm tired of seeing them being shit to be honest and I'm also sick of watching a two horse race every season - it's more fun when all the top teams are going toes to  toes for the title. Good old days.

Yeah...  Can't have the EPL be like La Liga to some degree the Bundesliga.

Anyway, here's my top 4.  Not really from top to bottom as the next season could be somewhat unpredictable.

Arsenal
Liverpool
Man City
Chelsea

But don't fade Man United and Aston Villa.

[JollyGood]

I am happy that you put Chelsea down inside your top four. With Alonso taking over at Chelsea, I suppose that confidence is down to him managing the team. I have no idea why you think Liverpool will finish the season in second place, it will be a tough season for the new manager. I see you have omitted Manchester United from your top four  

Yeah...  Can't have the EPL be like La Liga to some degree the Bundesliga.

Anyway, here's my top 4.  Not really from top to bottom as the next season could be somewhat unpredictable.

Arsenal
Liverpool
Man City
Chelsea

But don't fade Man United and Aston Villa.

[tokeweed]

^  That's just top 4 and in any order.    So no...  I don't think Liverpool will finish at first place.  For all we know it could be Chelsea and Arsenal gunning for the EPL trophy.  I wouldn't fade Alonso even though he was a flop at Real Madrid.  That club was a huge step up for him with him coming from Leverkusen..  As I said before. 

Chelsea could be the perfect fit imho.  It now depends on the top brass if they fully support their new manager.

[JollyGood]

I was not sure why Chelsea signed Maresca. They obviously saw something in him while he managed Leicester City and thought he would be a good manager and until he resigned, he was performing well in his role. I thought he might fail as the club was too big for him but he proved me wrong.

As for Alonso, I am expecting him to make an immediate impact on the Chelsea team and I believe they will be successful. There was too much player power at Real Madrid and that forced the board to sack Alonso, I doubt he will face those issues at Chelsea.

^  That's just top 4 and in any order.    So no...  I don't think Liverpool will finish at first place.  For all we know it could be Chelsea and Arsenal gunning for the EPL trophy.  I wouldn't fade Alonso even though he was a flop at Real Madrid.  That club was a huge step up for him with him coming from Leverkusen..  As I said before. 

Chelsea could be the perfect fit imho.  It now depends on the top brass if they fully support their new manager.

[tokeweed]

^  Yup I'm looking forward to it.  As for style of play tho it pretty much looks like Maresca, Artera and to an extent Alonso are influenced by Guardiola's philosophy of positional play and structural dominance.  But as for Andoni Iraola tho, he's gonna be the most fun to watch as he plays his squad like Klopp does...  Relentless counter pressing and explosive, direct verticality.

There was a time when I was entertained with Guardiola's style of football.  But after a time it became stale.  I now like a more direct and aggressive style of football.

[JollyGood]

If Iraola can bring the same style of attacking football to Liverpool that was popular at Bournemouth, it could be a successful first season for him. I doubt Liverpool will win the Premier League next season but they could go far in any knockout competition (including the Champions League). Slot won it in his first season with a team that was built by Klopp therefore Iraola will probably have to wait before his Liverpool team can fight for the Premier League.

[tokeweed]

^  Yeah true...  But one thing's for sure tho.  We'll see some of the most intense and entertaining brand of football with Iraola around.  I hope he brings success to the club and that he'll stay long in the club like Klopp did.

Klopp did 9 years and every year of it was most relished and taken in with excitement.  I hope all of the new ones success.  I just wanna watch good football.

Anyway, do you have a self moderated World Cup thread?  Would be good discuss without the annoying people.

[igebotz]

If Iraola can bring the same style of attacking football to Liverpool that was popular at Bournemouth, it could be a successful first season for him. I doubt Liverpool will win the Premier League next season but they could go far in any knockout competition (including the Champions League). Slot won it in his first season with a team that was built by Klopp therefore Iraola will probably have to wait before his Liverpool team can fight for the Premier League.

Iraola game plan is outscoring the opponents to win games; he doesn't mind if the team conceed 10 goals to achieve maximum points- similar style to Bacelona; no too much attention on defense, just go out there and score goals..

It's a fun game when you're in a middle of the team and not caring about team's GD( goal difference ) but for a team like Liverpool conceeding too much is bad if you're going to the title. Would it be sustainable at Liverpool? that game plan I mean.

[JollyGood]

Anyway, do you have a self moderated World Cup thread?  Would be good discuss without the annoying people.

Whale.io 🐳 | ⚽ FIFA World Cup 2026: Tournament Discussion Thread

Iraola game plan is outscoring the opponents to win games; he doesn't mind if the team conceed 10 goals to achieve maximum points- similar style to Bacelona; no too much attention on defense, just go out there and score goals..

It's a fun game when you're in a middle of the team and not caring about team's GD( goal difference ) but for a team like Liverpool conceeding too much is bad if you're going to the title. Would it be sustainable at Liverpool? that game plan I mean.

It just does not seem the football that Liverpool have been known for. Liverpool try to have a strong defence in order to stop opponents scoring therefore I doubt their fans will accept it if they lose that part of their identity. If the fans turned on Slot a season after winning the Premier League then Iraola has no choice but to win over the fans in advance to mitigate any problems he might face later.

[igebotz]

Iraola game plan is outscoring the opponents to win games; he doesn't mind if the team conceed 10 goals to achieve maximum points- similar style to Bacelona; no too much attention on defense, just go out there and score goals..

It's a fun game when you're in a middle of the team and not caring about team's GD( goal difference ) but for a team like Liverpool conceeding too much is bad if you're going to the title. Would it be sustainable at Liverpool? that game plan I mean.

It just does not seem the football that Liverpool have been known for. Liverpool try to have a strong defence in order to stop opponents scoring therefore I doubt their fans will accept it if they lose that part of their identity. If the fans turned on Slot a season after winning the Premier League then Iraola has no choice but to win over the fans in advance to mitigate any problems he might face later.

Bournemouth side had only 4 GD last season; they scored 58 goals and conceded 54 goals in the process despite having some of the most exciting defenders in the league. The fans wanted a full attacking football, now they'll have it all. 

Manchester city bid over 100m on Anderson from Nottingham Forest; he's a fantastic player but 100m? C'mon I don't think so.

[tokeweed]

Iraola game plan is outscoring the opponents to win games; he doesn't mind if the team conceed 10 goals to achieve maximum points- similar style to Bacelona; no too much attention on defense, just go out there and score goals..

It's a fun game when you're in a middle of the team and not caring about team's GD( goal difference ) but for a team like Liverpool conceeding too much is bad if you're going to the title. Would it be sustainable at Liverpool? that game plan I mean.

Which Barcelona era that conceded lots of goals?  From what I've seen, it's the BVB version of Klopp that wanted to get the goals in as fast as possible but risk conceding goals in the process...

It's not sustainable, that's obv why Klopp had to evolve to win the EPL trophy.

Anyway, do you have a self moderated World Cup thread?  Would be good discuss without the annoying people.

Whale.io 🐳 | ⚽ FIFA World Cup 2026: Tournament Discussion Thread

Ah cool.  Let's get some discussion in.  I already made my bets on who I think will win the World Cup.  Just small 10 USD bets for each for the lulz.

Argentina
England
Germany
Brazil
Uruguay
USA 

[igebotz]

Which Barcelona era that conceded lots of goals?  From what I've seen, it's the BVB version of Klopp that wanted to get the goals in as fast as possible but risk conceding goals in the process...

It's not sustainable, that's obv why Klopp had to evolve to win the EPL trophy.

Every Bacelona game I watched this season, they conceded first and did a lot of comebacks this season in the second half of the games. The high line didn't help but the attack got them from a lot of mess this season - conceded 2 goals less than Gatefa (7th) and 1 goal more than Real Madrid.

Every time I watched them play it was more like " if you score 2, we'll score 3 more" kind of game plan.