The 2025-26 Premier League season kicks off Friday, Aug. 15, when the defending league winners Liverpool host Bournemouth at Anfield.
Liverpool now faces the daunting challenge of a title repeat quest and must do so after a tragic summer during which forward Diogo Jota died in a car crash on July 3.
On the pitch, Liverpool will have a number of worthy challengers. The clubs that finished in the three spots below Liverpool on last season's table – Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City – all spent (and will continue to spend until the transfer window closes on Sept. 1) in hopes of catching the Reds. The high-priced arms race should make for a thrilling season ahead.
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It should be no surprise that the reigning champions sit atop USA TODAY Sports' first EPL power rankings. However, where do the other 19 squads stand? Here are our rankings:
