The excitement is building as Leeds United, Sunderland and Burnley prepare for their big return to the Premier League after securing promotion from the Championship last season.
All three clubs have been busy during the summer transfer window and will hope the fruits of their labour are shown when the new campaign gets underway next month. There is something of a trend to buck for the trio as they look to avoid the same fate suffered by a number of promoted clubs in recent seasons after they suffered an immediate return to the second tier - but how are Leeds, Sunderland and Burnley predicted to fare in the top flight.
We asked AI to predict how the Premier League table will look when the 2025/26 season comes to a close and to explain the reasons behind the predicted finishes.
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7. 7th: Nottingham Forest - 64 points
Grok3: Forest’s surprise Europa League qualification in 2024/25 via a seventh-place finish highlights their potential. Their Conference League participation in 2025/26 adds fixture congestion, but their attacking style (66 goals in 2024/25) and squad stability should maintain a top-half finish. A mid-table position reflects their balance but limited depth. | Getty Images
8. 8th: Brighton and Hove Albion - 62 points
Grok3: Brighton’s 2024/25 progress and potential to retain young stars like Diego Gomez (replacing Carlos Baleba) support a top-half finish. Their plucky underdog status and attacking style are assets, but losing key players and a tough opening run (e.g., vs. Manchester City) could cap their ceiling at eighth. | Getty Photo: Gareth Copley
9. 9th: Crystal Palace - 60 points
Grok3: Palace’s FA Cup triumph in 2024/25 under Oliver Glasner boosts morale, but their slow starts (noted as a trend) and reliance on key players like Eberechi Eze could limit them. A solid but unspectacular season is expected, with their attacking output (66 goals in 2024/25) supporting a ninth-place finish. | AFP via Getty Images
10. 10th: Fulham - 58 points
Grok3: Marco Silva’s side is projected for 12th by supercomputers but could outperform expectations. Their 2024/25 mid-table finish and attacking consistency (66 goals) suggest a slight improvement to 10th. Retaining star players is crucial, as fan expectations may pressure Silva if results falter. | Getty Images
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11. 11th: Bournemouth - 56 points
Grok3: Bournemouth’s ninth-place finish in 2024/25 was a high point, but potential departures like Milos Kerkez and Andoni Iraola’s possible exit amid interest from elsewhere could see them drop to 11th. Their aggressive, high-energy style (66 goals in 2024/25) keeps them competitive, but a tough opening game against Liverpool risks a slow start. | Getty Images
12. 12th: Manchester United - 54 points
Grok3: United’s worst-ever Premier League season (15th in 2024/25) and Ruben Amorim’s “worst squad” comment signal ongoing struggles. Signings like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha offer hope, but a brutal opening schedule (94.6 average opponent Opta Power Rating) and an 8.9% relegation risk suggest a mid-table finish at best. | Manchester United via Getty Imag