Predicted Premier League table according to data: Leeds bottom and last-day title fight
While the emotions run high, The Telegraph's internal Data Science team has been busy with a different kind of anticipation, a colder, more-calculated one.
Leveraging the power of machine learning and extensive simulations, we've been churning through vast amounts of historical data and performance metrics to create an unprecedented forecast for the 2025-26 season. And the numbers, devoid of fan sentiment, paint a vivid predictive picture: a title race reignited, Champions League contenders jostling for position, and a nail-biting scrap at the bottom of the table.
Title race down to the wire
The data suggest a familiar duel at the summit, but with a twist. Liverpool are projected to be the dominant force, our simulations forecasting a significant leap from 84 points to a staggering 98 points, cementing their status as title favourites with a 61 per cent probability. Our models favoured Liverpool's high scores in statistical elements from recent matches such as high threat efficiency and goal-creating actions.
However, the narrative isn't a foregone conclusion. Manchester City, while predicted to finish second, are set for a remarkable surge of 25 points, propelling them to 96 points and a second-place finish. This is a substantial upward swing, hinting at a fierce battle that could go down to the wire. The data suggest City are the prime contenders to challenge Liverpool's dominance despite their blip last season, making this a potential title showdown of epic proportions. The models were particularly impressed by City's relentless forward drive – with a progression rating (a measure of how effectively a team moves the ball into threatening areas) around 40 per cent above the league average.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
29 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal transfer news: Gunners decide on Alejandro Garnacho move as Mikel Arteta plays key role
Arsenal have been hard at work bolstering Mikel Arteta's squad ahead of their Premier League opener against Manchester United and it appears that a Red Devil could have become a Gunner Arsenal are now just one day from their Premier League opener against Manchester United. The Gunners travel to Old Trafford on Sunday keen for a positive start to the season. And supporters will get the chance to see a host of new signings for the first time. Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke are among Arsenal 's headline signings this summer and will hope to be included. Meanwhile, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga have all been signed to add increased strength in depth. But Arsenal might not be done there. Eberechi Eze remains linked with a move to the Emirates, albeit it looks unlikely that he will pitch up in North London before the trip to Manchester. With all of that being said, take a look at the latest transfer news and rumours - both on the incoming and outgoing fronts - all in one place: Arsenal reject Garnacho Arsenal chose not to pursue a move for Man United misfit Alejandro Garnacho having kept tabs on the Argentine. Garnacho is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim. According to the Manchester Evening News, Arsenal launched assessments into a potential deal, with North London rivals Tottenham and Spanish side Atletico Madrid. But none of the three have followed through with a move for Garnacho having found alternatives. Arsenal and Spurs hold an interest in Crystal Palace wideman Eze, with the latter also keen on a deal for Manchester City's Savinho. Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid have elected to move for Villarreal star Alex Baena. Arteta plays crucial role Mikel Arteta has revealed the importance he places upon first impressions when it comes to picking Arsenal's transfer targets. The Spaniard is known for his eccentric methods when it comes to management, but with old classics remain - a good chat and determining whether they are ready for the task. He said: 'Personality [is the most important attribute for a player]. Without that, you have no chance. You have to look at somebody's eyes. 'When I go to sign a player, sometimes it's on Zoom and I open the laptop, it's the first impression. Is this guy ready to put that jersey on, work in that dressing room and take all the noise that is surrounding his signing and deal with it in the right way?' Zubimendi explains switch Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi has revealed why he chose to pursue a move to the Emirates just 12 months after rejecting Liverpool. Speaking to DAZN Espana, the midfielder said: 'Last year, I also had my doubts. 'I felt I could still contribute a lot to Real Sociedad and that I still had steps to take. But this summer, I felt like my time had come. 'Once the signing was close, we talked, but he [Arteta] didn't need to convince me. I already knew what I wanted by seeing how the team played.' Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
South Wales Guardian
an hour ago
- South Wales Guardian
Premier League to investigate after Antoine Semenyo reports racist abuse
Match referee Anthony Taylor stopped play in the 29th minute and spoke with managers Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola before respective captains Virgil van Dijk and Adam Smith were called over to the dug-outs. PA Sport understands police officers went into the referee's room at half-time, while an anti-discrimination message was read out to the Anfield crowd. Tonight's match between Liverpool Football Club and AFC Bournemouth was temporarily paused during the first half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo. This is in line with the Premier League's on-field… — Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) August 15, 2025 A Premier League statement read: 'Tonight's match between Liverpool Football Club and AFC Bournemouth was temporarily paused during the first half after a report of discriminatory abuse from the crowd, directed at Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo. 'This is in line with the Premier League's on-field anti-discrimination protocol. 'The incident at Anfield will now be fully investigated. We offer our full support to the player and both clubs. 'Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society. We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.' Merseyside Police said a 47-year-old man was removed from the ground and an investigation was under way after his identity was confirmed. Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton, the match commander for the game, said: 'Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime of any form. 'We take incidents like this very seriously, and in cases like this we will be proactively seeking football banning orders, with the club, against those responsible.' Sky Sports co-commentator Gary Neville said: 'It overshadows what should be an amazing night. First game of the Premier League season, a beautiful day, 62,000 fans in the stadium and that boy (Semenyo) basically has been racially abused and has had to go over to a referee to complain about it. 'I can't even begin to think what would be going through someone's mind, however it's happened and it'll keep on happening and it's a sorry state.' Fellow co-commentator Jamie Carragher added: 'A shocking incident rightly reported to the referee.' The incident comes two days after Tottenham's Mathys Tel received racist abuse online after missing a penalty in his side's UEFA Super Cup win against Paris St Germain. The Football Association said it was 'concerned' about the allegation of racism towards Semenyo and that it would ensure 'appropriate action' would be taken. — FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) August 15, 2025 A statement from the FA read: 'We are very concerned about the allegation of discrimination from an area of the crowd, which was reported to the match officials during the Premier League fixture between Liverpool and Bournemouth. 'Incidents of this nature have no place in our game and we will work closely with the match officials, the clubs and the relevant authorities to establish the facts and ensure the appropriate action is taken.' After the incident, Semenyo scored twice in the second half to help bring Bournemouth back from two goals down at Anfield before Liverpool went on to eventually win the contest 4-2. Cherries' Adam Smith told Sky Sports News afterwards: 'It shouldn't be happening. I don't know how Ant's played on to be honest and come up with those goals. It's totally unacceptable. 'Something needs to be done. Taking the knee isn't having an effect. We're supporting him and hopefully he'll be OK. 'I wanted him to react because that's what I would have done, but this shows what type of man he is…to come up with those goals showed the type of guy he is. 'To be fair the Liverpool players were very supportive as well towards Antoine and the rest of the team. It was handled in the right way but…so angry. 'I don't know what else we can do. No one's getting it. I don't know what to say anymore. I just feel for Ant…shocking.' Liverpool issued a statement which read: 'Liverpool Football Club is aware of an allegation of racist abuse made during our Premier League game against AFC Bournemouth. 'We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society or football. 'The club is unable to comment further as tonight's alleged incident is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, which we will support fully.'
Sky News
an hour ago
- Sky News
Premiere League opener halted after Antoine Semenyo reports racist abuse
A man was ejected from Anfield Stadium after reports of racial abuse directed at Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo during the season's opening Premier League game against Liverpool. Match referee Anthony Taylor paused play in the 29th minute after Semenyo accused a spectator of racist abuse. An anti-discrimination message was read out to the Anfield crowd, and it is understood that police officers went into the referee's room at half-time. Merseyside Police said an investigation is under way after the 47-year-old man's identity was confirmed and he was removed from the ground. Chief Inspector Kev Chatterton, the match commander for the Liverpool v Bournemouth game, said: "Merseyside Police will not tolerate hate crime of any form. "We take incidents like this very seriously, and in cases like this we will be proactively seeking football banning orders, with the club, against those responsible." He added: "There is no place for racism and it is vital that anyone who witnesses such an offence reports it to stewards, or the police immediately, so we can take the necessary action like we did this evening. "As with all matches, we work very closely with both Liverpool and Everton FC to ensure the safety of the public, and the players." A spokesperson for Liverpool said the club was "aware of an allegation of racist abuse made during our Premier League game against Bournemouth". The Liverpool spokesperson said: "We condemn racism and discrimination in all forms, it has no place in society, or football. "The club is unable to comment further as tonight's alleged is incident is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, which we will support fully." After the incident, Semenyo scored twice in the second half to help bring Bournemouth back from two goals down at Anfield before Liverpool went on to eventually win the contest 4-2. Bournemouth captain Adam Smith told Sky Sports News afterwards: "It shouldn't be happening. I don't know how Ant's played on to be honest and come up with those goals. It's totally unacceptable. "Something needs to be done. Taking the knee isn't having an effect. We're supporting him and hopefully he'll be OK. "I wanted him to react because that's what I would have done, but this shows what type of man he come up with those goals showed the type of guy he is. "To be fair the Liverpool players were very supportive as well towards Antoine and the rest of the team. It was handled in the right way but... so angry. "I don't know what else we can do. No one's getting it. I don't know what to say anymore. I just feel for Ant... shocking." The Premier League said in a statement that its "on-field anti-discrimination protocol" had been followed and the incident "will now be fully investigated". "We offer our full support to the player and both clubs," it added. "Racism has no place in our game, or anywhere in society. We will continue to work with stakeholders and authorities to ensure our stadiums are an inclusive and welcoming environment for all." The Football Association said it was "concerned" about the allegation of racism towards Semenyo and that it would ensure "appropriate action" would be taken. The incident comes two days after Tottenham Hotspur player Mathys Tel faced racist abuse online following a missed penalty in his team's UEFA Super Cup victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
