Premier League Power Rankings

The Premier League season begins in one week! Below, bettors can find my preseason power rankings for all 20 clubs. 

Additionally, be sure to check out the plethora of futures Premier League odds at the BetMGM online sportsbook. 

Premier League Power Rankings 

Tier 1: Title Contenders

1. Arsenal (+1 since last week)
2. Manchester City (-1 since last week)

For the first time this season, Arsenal jump Manchester City in my power rankings.

To be clear, this has nothing to do with Arsenal’s on-field record. It’s more about the injuries City have sustained.

Key midfielder Rodri appears to face a long spell on the sidelines following an injury against Arsenal while Kevin De Bruyne also remains out. If both are out for a long time, that makes Arsenal’s defense the best unit across these teams.

While Martin Odegaard also faces a long spell out, the EPL is traditionally won with strong defense. Right now, I trust Arsenal’s defense more than I trust City’s.

Tier 2: European Threats

3. Liverpool 

4. Chelsea (+1 since last week)

5. Newcastle United (-1 since last week)

6. Aston Villa 

7. Tottenham

I’m upgrading Chelsea over Newcastle thanks to Newcastle’s struggles away from home.

In 2022, Newcastle made the Champions League thanks to a strong road record. They won eight of 19 matches and avoided defeat in all but three.

Since that campaign, Newcastle have 12 road losses in 22 games and a points percentage of 45%. In three road matches this season, they’ve won the xG battle only once and have allowed two teams to clear two expected goals.

Chelsea, meanwhile, trail only Liverpool and Manchester City in post-shot expected goals. If their offense keeps up this pace, it’s more than enough to outpace a mid-table defense.

Tier 3: Solidly Mid-Table Squads

8. Brighton & Hove Albion 

9. Manchester United 

10. Bournemouth (+1 since last week)

11. Nottingham Forest (+1 since last week)

12. Brentford (-2 since last week)

I recognize Bournemouth fell 3-0 to Liverpool over the weekend thanks to a poor defensive performance (3.8 psxG allowed).

But I remain encouraged by their attack, which is sixth in psxG this season. At Anfield, they created 1.5 psxG.

As they start playing weaker opponents, Bournemouth’s attack should continue to flow with improved defensive metrics against bad offenses.

That’s why I’m upgrading both Bournemouth and Forest over Brentford, who are facing an injury crisis at the moment.

Tier 4: Solidly Bottom-Half Sides 

13. West Ham United 

14. Crystal Palace 

15. Everton

16. Fulham

17. Wolves 

Let’s talk about Everton, who have earned only a point this season. However, it comes without central defender Jarrad Branthewaite. 

When Branthwaite returns, he’s going to make Everton better immediately. 

Plus, they’ve faced a brutal schedule to open the season, with three of their first five coming against teams vying for European spots.

Tier 5: The Newcomers

18. Leicester City (+2)

19. Ipswich Town 

20. Southampton (-2)

Southampton have taken the mantle of the worst Premier League team. 

In four matches at 11v11, Southampton have yet to keep an opponent under 1.6 expected goals. In fact, three straight opponents have cleared three post-shot expected goals. 

While Ipswich ran super lucky at Brighton on Matchday 4, their performances vs. Fulham and at Southampton give me hope for the Tractor Boys against bottom-half sides.