With the 2025/26 season underway, we are already seeing how some of the top managers in the league are lining up their squads. Over the years, a lot has changed in general, from early technology to the advanced development of live UK casino games and numerous evolutions even in football tactics.
We have surprisingly seen all three promoted sides win a game in their new adventure into the Premier League this season, too, possibly suggesting this might be the most competitive league table in recent years. So, let’s take a look at how some of the top Premier League managers are setting up their squads.
Arne Slot, Liverpool
Starting off with the Premier League champions, Liverpool have built an identity around themselves for high press football, defending from the front. Slot’s favourite 4-2-3-1 formation allows Salah and Gakpo to take the game wide, as well as aggressive fullbacks in the form of Kerkez and Frimpong, while the forward runs of Wirtz, Ekitike and occasionally Szoboszlai provide pressure through the centre.
Think, Alexander Isak still needs to be implemented properly into this system as well! Slot enjoys playing in a possession based strategy with Gravenberch dropping deep in midfield, keeping a hold of the ball and playing quick counters. Their combination of direct football and ability to counter with pace has left them a threat up top, despite being relatively weak at times at the back.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have a point to prove this season after underwhelming performances tailing off in recent campaigns and a lack of silverware during the Spaniard’s time in charge. One of Arsenal’s key issues last season has been resolved this year, with their dream target Viktor Gyokeres swapping Lisbon for London, providing that extra attacking threat.
Arteta prefers a 4-3-3 formation with a balanced press, controlled build up play, and pace on the flanks, especially with Eze now in their squad. Areteta likes to play more structured football, with Rice and Zubimendi providing plenty of defensive cover in midfield. After statistically being one of the best defensive sides in the league last year, the new additions to their attack might be what they need to go on and finally claim some form of silverware.
Pep Guardiola, Manchester City
A team that needs to return to its finest form is Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. The blue side of Manchester slacked last season, not picking up a piece of silverware, and so far this campaign has looked a shadow of its former self. Guardiola has not stuck to one formation within his tactics so far this season, alternating from a 4-3-3 to even a 4-1-4-1 with Nico Gonzalez playing in the defensive midfield role as Rodri nears a return to full fitness.
With the introduction of new midfielders, attackers and plenty of squad depth reinforcements, Man City look like a threat with their quick paced passing football that slowly tears opportunities apart. One weak point with the City squad is their defence, potentially causing issues against teams with quick counter attacking football. Despite the departure of Kevin De Bruyne, they have looked to replace the midfielder with Reijnders, while providing more centralised attacking threat through Haaland, Cherki and Marmoush, with the additional introduction of Phil Foden.
Enzo Marseca, Chelsea
One of the teams to watch this year might be Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea. Despite a Cole Palmer injury early on in the season, Chelsea does not look like they will be slowing down any time soon, with a 4-2-3-1 formation appealing to the Argentinian boss the most, and a 3-5-2 sometimes making an appearance during periods of dominance.
The double pivot of Caicedo and Fernandez allows Chelsea to be very defensive with quick counterattacks as a result of pace from Neto and the attacking threat from their new number 20, Joao Pedro. The formation allows slow build up and controlled possession, dominating every area of the pitch. A potential weakness could be in their back line; however, they are still looking to push for the title, rather than just a top four finish.
Regis Le Bris, Sunderland
Taking a look at a team who could well end up at the other end of the table come the end of the season, Regis Le Bris and Sunderland are aiming to break the cycle and stay up after their return to the Premier League. After a heavy spending summer and introduction of big names like Simon Adingra, Granit Xhaka and Reinildo Mandava, they look more like a mid table side than a team battling relegation. Le Bris likes to play in a 4-3-3 position, playing out wide to Simon Adingra and fellow new boy Chemsdine Talbi.
His football is very structured, maintaining a 4-3-3 formation or even an occasional 4-4-2, allowing a slow build up as well as a quick counter when necessary, with plenty of pace centrally up top through Elizer Mayenda. Even some of their Championship squad may make a difference this campaign, with Dan Ballard and Trai Hume already shining, and plenty more on the bench when required. Could Sunderland be one of the first new teams to stay up in recent years?
