Emmanuel Petit backs Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City for EPL top three

Emmanuel Petit has backed Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City to finish in the top three of the 2026-27 Premier League season. He expects Manchester United to take the fourth Champions League place, while Liverpool could challenge them for it.

Arsenal begin the campaign as defending champions when they host Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday. Petit considers Mikel Arteta’s side the most stable of the clubs expected to compete for the title, with Manchester City also included among his leading three.

Chelsea’s absence from European competition is central to Petit’s prediction. Without midweek continental fixtures, Chelsea should have more time to prepare for Premier League matches and avoid the demanding schedule that can affect consistency. Xabi Alonso’s team therefore earns Petit’s third top-three place alongside Arsenal and City.

His view on fourth place is less settled. Petit sees Manchester United and Liverpool competing for the position, although he ultimately places United in his projected top four. United have retained faith in Michael Carrick, but Petit believes the club still needs reinforcements, particularly in defence, while managing the demands of a return to the Champions League.

Liverpool’s prospects, meanwhile, depend partly on how their squad develops in the transfer market. Petit believes the club still lacks important players and must also adjust to Andoni Iraola, who has moved from Bournemouth to take charge. He expects Liverpool to produce results quickly as the new manager begins at Anfield.

Several leading clubs have changed coaches in recent months, adding uncertainty to the race for the European places. Petit’s final order is Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City in the top three, followed by Manchester United, with Liverpool identified as their principal challenger for fourth.