Premier League Gaming Tips: The 2025/26 Surprise Package

As the Premier League season unfolds, Ladbrokes spotlights teams that could become the surprise stars of 2025/26.

Last year, Nottingham Forest surprised most of us by languishing in the top four for most of the time. This was a dramatic change from last season’s 17th position. They defeated sides such as Liverpool and Man City, which qualified them for the Conference League. With Crystal Palace being relegated, they have advanced to Europa League football.

Ladbrokes thinks the next campaign might see a similar trend. Those clubs like Crystal Palace and Everton appear ready to make a shock move for Europe. For fans who follow the action closely, keeping an eye on english premier league betting tips can add extra insight into which underdogs might deliver big surprises.

Let’s check out Ladbrokes’ candidates for the surprise package in the Premier League 2025/26.

The Premier League 2025/26 Surprise Package

Everton

One team that might surprise us next season is Everton. Their new stadium gives them a fresh start in the Premier League.

We once said Everton would make it to Europe in our bold predictions for every Premier League team. Now, with many players set to leave this summer, the Everton rebrand is in full swing.

Since David Moyes returned in January, the Toffees have lost only a few Premier League games. They’ve also performed well against teams outside the top six. The campaign started poorly with a loss at Leeds. Yet, a good record since then and the talent of Jack Grealish have Everton fans dreaming.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace’s 2025/26 opening day didn’t go as planned. They drew 0-0 at Chelsea. Yet, Ladbrokes believes the Eagles might break free from mid-table. They could make a surprising run for the top four next season.

Palace is excited after their first FA Cup win. Now, they look forward to their first European campaign. They’ll be competing in the Conference League after being eliminated by the Europa League. They have potential and are capable of making this season’s achievement no fluke. They’re forecasted to overpower their rivals and win their first European title.

Oliver Glasner’s team ended the 2024/25 season on an unbeaten run of eight games across all competitions. They have lost four games since December. If this run continues as it has done to date, the Eagles might be the surprise team in the 2025/26 season.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Seagulls under Fabian Hurzeler finished their 2024/25 season on a bright note with eighth place. They were four points behind surprise package of last season, Nottingham Forest. This was true even after a 7-0 loss to the Reds in February.

Brighton might enjoy not having European football this season. With a lighter schedule, they get more recovery time. This could help them put pressure on teams like Newcastle and Aston Villa.

Brighton have already defeated Man City this season. They enjoyed Europa League football in 2023/24. They now look for another European odyssey on the south coast. But can they take it a step further and qualify for the Champions League this time?

Nottingham Forest

Forest surprised everyone in the 2024/25 season. They finished seventh, which left them a bit disappointed. Now, Ladbrokes sees them as a team to watch this season, but not in a good way.

Forest’s squad now has trips around the continent on its calendar. This adds at least eight more games, which might hurt their league performance. They finished last season poorly. With all these extra games, we might see them struggling at the bottom of the table.

Forests are at 7/2 to go down as of now. This doesn’t make them the favorites for relegation. Still, Ange Postecoglou and his new team must be careful not to slip too much this year.

Brentford

Ladbrokes says Brentford could be in trouble next season. The Bees are among the top picks to drop to the Championship.

Brentford have a series of challenging away games in the coming weeks, including against Man United, Man City, and Liverpool. This could prove decisive as the season concludes. It’s time for them to face such challenges now.

Brentford faces a tough challenge. They’ve lost manager Thomas Frank and captain Christian Nørgaard. Also gone are star players Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa. Those departures could be determinant in their quest to maintain their five-year stay in the upper tier.

When does the 2025/26 Premier League season end?

The 2025 Premier League season started on August 15, 2025. It will conclude on Sunday, May 24, with all games taking place at the same time.

Is Crystal Palace in Europe next season?

Crystal Palace will be playing Conference League next season. It will be their first time participating in a European competition after failing to advance in the Europa League.

Who are the favorites to win the 2025/26 Premier League?

Liverpool is the favorite to keep its title next season. Customers can bet on who they think will lift the trophy in May.

Can I bet on next season’s top four race?

Ladbrokes does allow customers to bet on who would be in the top four of the 2025/26 Premier League season.