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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13. 13th: Tottenham Hotspur - 52 points
Grok3: Tottenham’s 2024/25 season was their worst since 1992 (17th), despite Europa League success. Thomas Frank’s arrival and a healthier squad offer improvement, but a projected 13th-15th finish reflects managerial uncertainty (Ange Postecoglou’s departure) and inconsistent performances. Their early fixtures provide a chance to start strong. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
14. 14th: West Ham United - 50 points
Grok3: Graham Potter’s struggles (four wins in 17 games) and a 14th-place finish in 2024/25 suggest another mid-table season. Jarrod Bowen’s importance is clear, but fan frustration and a projected 45 points with 17 losses indicate limited progress. A slight improvement to 13th is possible with a kind schedule. | Getty Images
15. 15th: Everton - 48 points
Grok3: David Moyes’ return stabilised Everton in 2024/25, and their new stadium move adds optimism. A projected 14th-16th finish reflects financial concerns and a tough opening run (fourth-hardest per Opta). Eight points from their first seven games would be solid, but relegation fears linger. | Getty Images
16. 16th: Wolverhampton Wanderers - 46 points
Grok3: Wolves’ 16th-place projection assumes slight improvement under Vitor Pereira. Losing Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri weakens them, and a tough opening game against Manchester City could set a negative tone. Their relegation flirtations in recent seasons suggest a precarious but survivable campaign. | Wolves via Getty Images
17. 17th: Brentford - 44 points
Grok3: Brentford’s top-10 finish in 2024/25 (66 goals scored) was impressive, but Thomas Frank’s departure to Tottenham and Bryan Mbeumo’s exit could lead to a drop. A projected 15th-17th finish reflects these losses, with their entertaining style tempered by squad disruption. | Getty Images
18. 18th: Leeds United - 38 points
Grok3: Promoted via the Championship, Leeds face a tough return. Supercomputers predict relegation (18th-19th), continuing the trend of promoted teams struggling (all three relegated in 2023/24 and 2024/25). Their attacking style may yield points, but a lack of Premier League experience could see them drop. | Getty Images