With a record six English clubs storming into the Champions League, who’s ready to claim European glory? From Arsenal’s ambition to City’s quest for redemption, this season promises unforgettable drama. Think you know which Premier League giant will go all the way? Let the predictions begin!

The highly anticipated 2025-26 Champions League season is set to kick off, marking a historic moment for English football with a record six Premier League clubs vying for Europe’s most prestigious club trophy. As the competition prepares to ignite on September 16, with the final slated for the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 30, 2026, the stage is set for an epic battle of wills and skill across the continent.

Arsenal, fresh from a promising European campaign that saw them reach the semi-finals for the first time in 16 years, enters this season with high expectations. Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners showcased significant improvement, overcoming formidable opponents like Real Madrid. With increased squad depth, the pressure is on for Arsenal to finally secure major silverware, and many believe this could be their year to lift the Champions League trophy for the first time in their history.

Chelsea, having recently triumphed in the Club World Cup, makes their return to the Champions League looking to reassert their dominance. With a storied history of European success, being the only club to win all four major UEFA club competitions, the Blues are eager to make up for lost time. Their impressive victory against last season’s European champions, PSG, in the CWC suggests they possess the quality and ambition to challenge for the ultimate prize.

Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, navigated the new league phase with remarkable ease last season, finishing atop the 36-side table. While their journey was cut short by eventual winners PSG in the opening knockout game, Slot’s debut season demonstrated the Reds’ potential. The unpredictable nature of the revamped Champions League format, as shown by Bayern Munich’s surprising run, means Liverpool will need to be at their absolute best to advance deep into the competition.

Manchester City endured a relatively quiet season last term, finishing third in the Premier League and exiting the Champions League in the knockout play-offs against Real Madrid, leaving them without silverware. However, the 2023 Champions League winners appear to have turned a new page this season. Despite the departure of midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne, new recruits and the emergence of Reijnders in a key creative role could propel City towards their second Champions League title, with progression to the last 16 being a crucial initial step.

Newcastle United makes their much-anticipated return to Champions League football after a two-decade absence, having delivered standout performances in their previous group stage foray, including a memorable 4-1 victory over Kylian Mbappé’s PSG. Despite a challenging summer in the transfer market, facing rejections from multiple striker targets and the ongoing speculation surrounding star forward Alexander Isak, St. James’ Park remains a fortress where few teams relish facing the intense atmosphere of a big European night.

Tottenham Hotspur re-enters the Champions League after their worst Premier League campaign on record, but their triumph as Europa League champions secured their spot. New boss Thomas Frank, although new to Europe’s elite competition, has seen his side start the Premier League season with two wins, bolstered by key additions like Joao Palhinha and Mohammed Kudus. The crucial question remains whether Spurs can translate their strong domestic form into a successful European campaign under Frank’s guidance.

The collective ambition of these English clubs in the Champions League is undeniable, each facing unique challenges and opportunities. From seasoned contenders like Manchester City and Chelsea to ambitious risers such as Arsenal and Tottenham, the battle for European glory promises to be enthralling. Football fans across the globe will be eagerly watching to see which Premier League side, if any, will ultimately lift the coveted trophy in Budapest.