English Premier League kicks off
The start of the English Premier League, the world’s most loved and watched football league, is just around the corner. The upcoming 2026/2027 EPL season marks the 35th edition of the league, which was formed in 1992. The league consists of 20 clubs from across England.
Arsenal are the defending champions after winning last season and taking home the silverware for the fourth time. Manchester United remain the most successful club in the league’s history despite their performances over the last few years. They have lifted the trophy 13 times, although they last won it in the 2012/2013 season. They finished third last season, which begs the question of whether the English Premier League Season 2026/27 might be their comeback.
EPL Club Transfers
One of the things that the league is known for is the massive amounts of money clubs spend on buying new players. This season is no different, and clubs have already spent millions on new signings. Here are some of the biggest transfers so far this season. The transfer window runs until 1 September.
Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers is currently the most expensive transfer in the league. Chelsea bought Rogers from Aston Villa for a staggering £117 million. This move follows his outstanding World Cup performances for England.
Elliot Anderson
Elliot Anderson follows the same path as Rogers after impressing during England’s World Cup campaign. Anderson played eight matches, received no cards, and provided one assist. Manchester United signed the Nottingham Forest midfielder for £116 million, making him the second most expensive transfer of the season.
Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali is an Italian midfielder who played for Newcastle United last season. Tottenham Hotspur have now signed him as they look to strengthen their squad. Spurs narrowly avoided relegation after finishing 17th on the table last season. Tonali should bolster their midfield, although the move comes at a hefty cost of £100 million.
Rivalries
Several rivalries between clubs have continued for many years. The North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham is one of the oldest, stretching back to 1913 when Arsenal moved into North London.
The North-West Derby between Liverpool and Manchester United remains one of the biggest rivalries in English football. Likewise, the rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United has produced many memorable encounters over the years.
EPL Relegated and Promoted Teams
Every year, the three teams that finish at the bottom of the table are relegated from the league. Three promoted teams replace them after earning promotion through England’s football pyramid.
Last season saw West Ham United, Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers relegated. Hull City, Ipswich Town and Coventry City take their places in the Premier League this season.
Must-Watch Upcoming Clashes in EPL
Last season’s champions Arsenal will play in the opening match of the 2026/2027 Premier League season. The London side take on newly promoted Coventry City on 21 August at 21:00.
Another must-watch fixture in Matchday 1 sees Manchester United face Hull City on 22 August. Kick-off is at 13:30 on Saturday afternoon. Sunday’s headline fixture sees Newcastle United host Liverpool, with kick-off at 17:30.
Which Club Will Emerge Victorious?
The teams face a demanding 38-match season that concludes at the end of May 2027. Each club will play 38 matches, making up a total of 380 matches during the campaign. All of our bookmakers are fully licensed and offer odds on every match. Therefore, it is well worth checking what different bookmakers offer before placing a bet.
Broadcasters show Premier League matches in 220 territories around the world, making it the most watched football league on the planet. Will Manchester United complete their comeback this season, or will Andoni Iraola prove to be exactly what Liverpool needed? Only time will tell, so tune in and follow the season to see who lifts the trophy.
Best EPL Sports Betting Sites
South African bettors can find extensive EPL markets at licensed betting sites such as Hollywoodbets, PantherBet and 10bet. These leading bookmakers offer pre-match and live betting across the season, covering markets such as match results, goalscorers, total goals, handicaps and accumulators. Furthermore, competitive odds, regular football promotions and convenient mobile platforms make them some of the best EPL sports betting sites available to local fans. Here are more recommendations to explore:
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For other major sports events in August have a look at the August 2026 Sports preview. And if you are a local footie fan have a look at the Betway Premiership for this season.
FAQ
The English Premier League 2026/27 season starts on Friday, 21 August 2026. The campaign will run until Sunday, 30 May 2027, when all ten final-round fixtures will kick off simultaneously.
There are six London-based teams in the Premier League for the 2026/27 season: Arsenal, Brentford, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur. West Ham United will not compete this season after suffering relegation in 2025/26.
The EPL features 380 matches per season. Each of the 20 teams plays 38 league games, facing every other club once at home and once away.
Many football fans consider the English Premier League the best because it combines world-class players, historic clubs, passionate supporters and highly competitive matches. Its global coverage, famous rivalries and unpredictable results also make it one of the most exciting football leagues to watch and bet on.
Defending champions Arsenal enter the 2026/27 season as one of the leading teams after winning their first Premier League title in 22 years. Manchester City remain serious challengers, while Liverpool and Chelsea also have the quality to compete near the top. Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Manchester United will aim to challenge the established title contenders and secure European qualification.