The 2025/26 Premier League season promises to be one of the most unpredictable campaigns in recent memory. With Liverpool having secured their first league title since 2020 under Arne Slot, the Reds know the pressure is firmly on them to retain their crown. The intensity of defending a Premier League title is something that has tested even the most accomplished squads in recent years.
However, this season’s title race looks set to be more open in the football betting than ever. The summer transfer window has already brought some big names in across the division, with managerial changes in the off-season creating a sense of transition at several top clubs.
The relegation battle, too, promises to be equally fierce, with promoted sides looking to establish themselves in a bid to not make the top flight a closed shop. Surely at least one can survive this season with the right tactics?
In this article, we assess three managers whose approaches and decisions could define not just their own club’s fortunes but the broader narrative of the season ahead.
Enzo Maresca – Chelsea
Though written off by many at the start of his tenure, Enzo Maresca has shown he can deliver trophies throughout his maiden year at Stamford Bridge.
Maresca’s side defied the odds to lift the Club World Cup, beating a highly fancied Paris Saint-Germain in a thrilling final that showcased the tactical flexibility that has become his trademark, and now the question is whether he can sustain that success over a gruelling Premier League campaign.
The Blues also claimed the Conference League last season, demonstrating their ability to compete across multiple competitions. However, the real test for Maresca will be whether Chelsea can mount a genuine title challenge whilst maintaining their European commitments.
While the summer additions of João Pedro and Liam Delap have given Maresca significant firepower in the final third, central to Chelsea’s hopes will be Cole Palmer, who has established himself as the club’s talisman. The England international’s ability to influence big matches has been crucial to the club winning silverware, turning around their reputation in finals after several high-profile collapses.
The pressure at Stamford Bridge is always intense, but success breeds expectation, and Maresca’s sophomore year will be under scrutiny when the campaign restarts.
Ruben Amorim – Manchester United
Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim faces what many consider a make-or-break campaign at Old Trafford. After a disappointing first season that failed to meet expectations, the Portuguese manager now has the benefit of a full pre-season and transfer window to implement his vision for the club.
The pressure at United is always immense, but Amorim’s position feels particularly precarious given the club’s recent struggles. Losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur weakened his ability to attract players.
That said, the likes of Matheus Cunha and potentially Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo have been drawn to the project despite no European football. With that backing, missing out on continental competition would represent a significant step backwards for a club with United’s ambitions, and could well spell the end of Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford.
Régis Le Bris – Sunderland
Régis Le Bris is something of a wildcard to the Premier League. Sunderland’s French manager has earned widespread praise for his ability to develop young talent, but this season will test whether he can take an inexperienced Black Cats to the next level as they return to the top flight for the first time since 2017.
The manager’s reputation for nurturing players has been a key factor in Sunderland’s recent progress, but the challenge now is balancing that development with the need for experienced heads. The club’s pursuit of Jordan Henderson highlighted their desire to add proven quality, though the midfielder’s decision to join Brentford represented a significant blow to their ambitions.
Le Bris has responded by securing the services of Habib Diarra, whose £30 million move to Wearside represents a club-record signing.
The Frenchman will be hoping all new signings can help unlock the consistency that has sometimes eluded Sunderland last term, particularly in front of their own supporters where home form remains a priority.
If they can win their home games and cause some upsets on the road, there is a chance of survival, though Sunderland are already looking like the side most likely to return to the Championship.