England legend Terry Butcher has backed Liverpool to retain their Premier League crown this season, insisting Arne Slot’s side will be “very hard to stop” after their surprise title win last year.
In a bold set of predictions ahead of the new campaign, Butcher has placed the Reds at the top of his list - tipping them to outpace a chasing pack that includes Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea.
In an interview with the Champions Speakers, Butcher said: “Liverpool took everyone by surprise last season by winning the title, but they are my favourites to come out on top this season,” said Butcher.
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Terry Butcher has backed Liverpool to retain their title
|PA
“They’ve moved players on, but they’ve also strengthened and it looks like they could make a couple of other big signings before the window slams shut. So I think they will take some stopping.”
Butcher expects the title race to be a tighter affair this time around, pointing to signs of resurgence across the league’s traditional powerhouses.
“I also believe Arsenal will be stronger this year and Manchester City, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United will win more games than last season,” he added. “So I expect a tighter race.”
Leeds to Surprise, Wolves to Struggle
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While Butcher believes newly promoted teams are likely to find life tough in the top flight, he’s tipping Leeds to buck the trend and thrive on their Premier League return.
“At the bottom, as ever, I suspect the promoted teams to struggle. But I fancy Leeds to do well,” he said. “They are a big club, and I think they can stay up this season.”
He has predicted relegation for Sunderland, Wolves, and Burnley as the trio he believes won’t have enough to survive the battle for safety.
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Arsenal for Cup Glory, Salah to Shine Again
While backing Liverpool for the league, Butcher sees Arsenal lifting silverware too, tipping Mikel Arteta’s side to win the FA Cup, with Manchester City collecting the League Cup.
He also believes Mo Salah will finish the season as top scorer, extending his legendary status at Anfield.
And when it comes to the player he’s most excited to watch this year, Butcher has tipped Newcastle winger Anthony Elanga to make headlines.“
Anthony Elanga at Newcastle is the one I’m most looking forward to watching,” he said. “He’s got pace, energy and something to prove. I think he could have a really big season.”
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Terry Butcher’s 2025/26 Premier League Predictions
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| Reuters• Champions: Liverpool
• FA Cup winners: Arsenal
• League Cup winners: Manchester City
• Surprise package: Leeds United
• Relegated teams: Sunderland, Wolves, Burnley
• Top scorer: Mohamed Salah
• One to watch: Anthony Elanga (Newcastle)
Terry Butcher was speaking to Champions Speakers. For more information visit here.