I made a few predictions last year about which teams from the top 5 European football leagues would lift the trophy. Besides La Liga, where I predicted Real Madrid over Barcelona, all four predictions were correct, including the surprise victory of Napoli in Serie A.
With each passing day, we’re getting closer and closer to another thrilling European league football season. And, continuing the ritual, I’ll make some predictions about which teams will triumph in their top domestic competitions.
That being said, are you watching the FIFA Club World Cup?
I’m keenly observing and streaming the tournament on DAZN with my ever-reliable Spectrum Internet, which allows me to stream the matches in the highest quality. Major European teams are actively testing their bench strength and trying out new combinations, formations, and strategies.
So, when predicting, I’ll also discuss how most teams are looking just before the league football starts.
English Premier League – England
Starting with arguably the most competitive football league in Europe, the EPL or the English Premier League. It was surprisingly easier for Arne Slot’s Liverpool to defeat Manchester City, their arch-rivals in the last season, and lift the trophy.
And, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that Liverpool was more bothered by Arsenal than City, as they came very close to winning the league again. Nonetheless, Pep isn’t leaving the club, and I believe Man City, Liverpool, and Arsenal will once again compete at the highest level in the tournament.
Having said that, I’ll make a bold prediction and choose Arsenal to win the 2025-26 EPL. This team has potential, and with both their competitors focusing more on the European glory, I believe Arsenal has a bright chance to win this domestic competition.
As for Manchester United, Tottenham, and Chelsea, I don’t see them anywhere close to the top three positions in the final league standings. Simply because they still lack squad depth, and haven’t even signed any major replacements yet to complement their existing line-ups.
Serie A – Italy
It wouldn’t be an understatement to say that after EPL, Serie A is the most competitive football league in Europe right now. Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Napoli, and Lazio, all these Italian teams are looking equally good this season.
However, if I have to choose one, I’ll go with Inter Milan as they’re the strongest contender to win Serie A. Inter has proved itself as one of the best teams in the Champions League over the last couple of seasons. And, a major reason for their European success is that they’ve focused more on achieving UCL glory rather than domestic titles.
But this year, I believe Inter’s focus will shift to Serie A, especially in the last few matchdays of the competition. It’s because they might want to ensure that they don’t bottle the league once again to their arch-nemesis, Napoli, like they did last season.
La Liga – Spain
I underestimated Hansi Flick’s Barcelona big time last year, and the prodigal kid, Lamine Yamal.
He was unstoppable and arguably better than Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. But this year is going to be different as Real Madrid’s new right-back and midfield star, Trent Alex Arnold, will not let Yamal roam freely on the pitch.
Additionally, Xabi Alonso’s unconventional tactics, like the ones he used to destroy Bayern with Bayer Leverkusen, can surprise Hansi’s attacking football. And, not to mention that Xabi is already familiar with Hansi’s tactics and playing style as both have spent considerable time in the Bundesliga.
So, I’d go with Real Madrid again, and this time, I believe I’m predicting it right.
And, as for Atletico Madrid, they might end up in the top three, but have no real chance to defeat the two Spanish giants – Barcelona and Real Madrid, and conquer La Liga.
Bundesliga – Germany
As football fans, we know that Bundesliga is not the most competitive league in Europe. And, if Dortmund’s slump continues next season, then nothing will stop Bayern Munich from lifting the Bundesliga trophy again.
Also, having a handful of quality sides in Bundesliga is a major reason why Bayern flops badly in European competitions. With only a few teams testing their mettle in Bundesliga, Bayern’s flaws always get exposed in the UCL nights.
Having said that, I would’ve mentioned Bayer Leverkusen as a top contender, but with Xabi’s departure to Real Madrid, it might never happen. Chances are high that Leverkusen’s fairy tale seasons with Xabi might never be repeated anytime soon.
Ligue 1 – France
In the last 13 seasons, PSG has lifted the Ligue 1 trophy 11 times. And, it shows how dominant PSG is when it comes to their domestic competition. This year, I believe, wouldn’t be any different because PSG are in red-hot form.
Firstly, they’re the current UCL champions, and secondly, Ousmane Dembele is in the highest form. And not just Dembele, players like Nuno Gomez, Vitinha, Goncalo Ramos, and more, are performing day in and day out in the FIFA Club World Cup.
And, to say that teams like Monaco, Lyon, or Lille might trouble PSG would be an overstatement.
Also, I believe the only thing that can stop PSG from winning Ligue 1 again is if they solely focus on the UCL again and rest their main players in the domestic league. And even then, other teams would have to play exceptional football to ensure that the Ligue 1 trophy doesn’t go to Paris again.
So, these are my predictions for the next season. Apart from Arsenal, I feel pretty confident about the rest of the predictions because every football fan knows how Arsenal has bottled the EPL in the last few years.
So, until the new thrilling club football starts, let’s enjoy the FIFA Club World Cup.
