The EPL season for the ages?

More than a quarter of the 2025/26 English Premier League season has been completed, and there are already glimpses of what many can expect for the remainder of the campaign. The league table is starting to take shape, revealing which teams will compete for the title, who will challenge for European qualification, and which sides may be dragged into the dreaded relegation battle. Soccer Laduma’s Matthew Petersen looks at the season so far and how the rest of the campaign may unfold, including a look at the teams who are expected to be in the title fight, the race for European football and the dreaded relegation battle come the end of the season.

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More than a quarter of the 2025/26 English Premier League season has been completed, and there are already glimpses of what many can expect for the remainder of the campaign. The league table is starting to take shape, revealing which teams will compete for the title, who will challenge for European qualification, and which sides may be dragged into the dreaded relegation battle. Soccer Laduma’s Matthew Petersen looks at the season so far and how the rest of the campaign may unfold, including a look at the teams who are expected to be in the title fight, the race for European football and the dreaded relegation battle come the end of the season.

However, the past five games have brought renewed confidence to Old Trafford. United have picked up three league wins for the first time since February 2024 — when the club were still managed by Erik ten Hag — and have not lost in the Premier League since a 3-1 defeat to Brentford in September.

It appears Amorim’s squad has started to get to grips with his previously maligned 3-4-2-1 system. Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have proven to be smart signings in attack, while Bruno Fernandes continues to lead by example as captain. Amorim has also strengthened his defence, with 23-year-old Senne Lammens emerging as a reliable presence in goal. The Red Devils are also one of the five teams on 18 points and have given themselves a chance to mount a serious charge for European football next season.

European hopefuls

The race for European football is always one to watch in the Premier League. There are nine English teams competing across Europe's three club competitions this season, including a record six in the UEFA Champions League.

We have to start with newly promoted Sunderland who are currently fourth in the standings with 19 points after 11 games, ahead of Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester United.