Liverpool’s build-up to the 2026/27 Premier League season is well under way, and this article was updated on 17 September 2026 to reflect the latest position. Paul Merson has now given his verdict on where the Reds will finish, and it’s a prediction worth weighing carefully as Andoni Iraola settles into life at Anfield.
2026/27 Premier League Season Update
Liverpool head into the new campaign under a new head coach. Andoni Iraola has replaced Arne Slot, taking charge of a squad expected to compete at the top of the table once again.
The Reds open their league campaign away from home, travelling to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United. It’s a demanding way to start the season, given the noise and intensity that Newcastle generate on their own patch.
Iraola’s first weeks in the job will be watched closely by supporters keen to see how quickly his ideas bed in. Early fixtures like this one at Newcastle tend to set the tone for how a new coach’s methods translate under pressure.
Paul Merson’s Season Assessment for Liverpool
Writing in his Sky Sports column, Paul Merson has offered his prediction for how the Premier League table will look come the end of the season. He expects Liverpool to finish second, behind Arsenal.
Merson’s assessment is punditry, not a guarantee. It reflects one experienced observer’s reading of the squad and the division, and it will be debated by supporters who see things differently once results start coming in.
Still, a prediction of second place from a pundit of Merson’s standing carries weight. It suggests he sees Liverpool as genuine title contenders even with a change of head coach, while rating Arsenal narrowly ahead in his pecking order.
Where Will Liverpool Finish in the Premier League?
Based on Paul Merson’s Sky Sports prediction, Liverpool are tipped to finish second in the Premier League table, just behind Arsenal. That forecast is the clearest public marker of expectation for Iraola’s first season in charge.
No other verified prediction or set of odds has been confirmed for this article, so Merson’s view remains the headline reference point. It’s an opinion formed before a ball has been kicked in earnest, based on squad quality, managerial appointments and pre-season form.
Supporters will naturally want more certainty than a single pundit’s column can provide. The truth is that nobody can say for certain where Liverpool will finish until the fixtures are played, but Merson’s second-place tip gives fans a benchmark to measure the season against as it unfolds.
It’s also worth remembering that predictions like this are usually revisited as the campaign progresses. Iraola’s start at Newcastle, and the results that follow, will quickly tell us whether Merson’s assessment holds up.
What Happens Next for Liverpool
Attention now turns to how Iraola sets his side up for the trip to St James’ Park. His tactical approach and the way he manages his squad in these opening weeks will shape how realistic Merson’s prediction looks by Christmas.
Squad depth and preparation will matter just as much as tactics. How the club has strengthened over the summer, including the club’s summer transfer window targets, will play into whether Iraola has the tools to challenge Arsenal for top spot rather than settle for second.
There’s also a broader conversation among supporters about what a strong season could look like beyond the league table itself, including unbeaten league campaign possibilities if Iraola’s side hits the ground running.
For now, the picture is straightforward. Liverpool have a new head coach, a tough opening fixture at Newcastle, and a Sky Sports prediction from Paul Merson pointing to second place. Readers can find the full context in the original Paul Merson prediction article, and this page will be updated again once results start to test that forecast.
