Who Are the Teams to Watch in the 2026/27 Premier League Season?

Five matches into the 2026/27 Premier League season, the early table has already produced several surprises. Manchester City have made the perfect start, but the more interesting stories have come from the clubs immediately behind them. Brighton sit third with 10 points, while Brentford and Leeds United have nine each. Everton are also on nine points, with Hull City just one point further back. For teams not widely expected to be competing so high up the table, the opening weeks have provided plenty of reason for optimism.

Could Brighton Be This Season’s Surprise?

Brighton have made perhaps the clearest statement of the early season. They followed a 4- 3 defeat at Chelsea with an impressive run before producing one of the standout performances of the opening weeks, beating defending champions Arsenal 3- 0. That result left them third with 10 points and a goal difference of plus 11, the second best in the division. Their underlying numbers are encouraging too, with Brighton recording the highest expected goals figure in the Premier League after five matches.

Leeds United’s European Push

Leeds have quietly established themselves among the early surprises, reaching fifth with nine points from their opening five games. Their return to the Premier League has begun encouragingly, although they have already experienced the kind of setback that can quickly change the mood around a newly promoted side. Their four-goal victory over Newcastle was particularly striking, while a goalless draw against Crystal Palace showed they can also remain competitive when games become difficult to open up. A top half finish would still represent a significant achievement.

The Surprise of Hull City

Hull City have arguably produced the most eye-catching start of the three promoted clubs. They began life back in the top flight with a 2- 0 victory over Manchester United before beating Coventry City, giving them six points from their first two matches. They eventually suffered their first defeat away to Newcastle, but remained eighth after five games with eight points. That opening has already gone beyond the expectations normally placed on a newly promoted side, particularly given that Hull had spent nine years outside the Premier League.

Start of Everton’s Turnaround

Everton have started the campaign in a position that would have seemed difficult to predict before the season began. They were seventh after five matches, having collected nine points, and their latest result was a 1- 0 victory over Ipswich Town. Their defensive record has been particularly useful, with the club conceding only five goals. It is too early to suggest Everton have completely changed their fortunes, but their combination of points and defensive solidity has put them in a strong position.

The Numbers Behind the Premier League’s Biggest Surprises

The early table suggests several clubs are producing results that deserve closer attention. Brighton have scored 11 goals, while Brentford have found the net 10 times and Leeds have scored nine. Brighton's underlying numbers are particularly notable because their expected goals total was higher than every other Premier League club after five matches. That does not guarantee their position will remain unchanged, but it suggests their strong start has been supported by the chances they have created rather than results alone.

Which Early Season Trends Could Come True?

The biggest question is whether these teams can maintain their level once opponents have more information about them. Five matches are enough to identify interesting patterns, but not enough to establish where a club will finish in May. Brighton's attacking numbers provide one reason for confidence, while Brentford's goals have helped them stay near the top. Hull have already shown that promoted clubs can take points from established Premier League teams, although a 38-match season will eventually test the depth of every squad. Predicting where clubs will finish after just five matches can feel like a lottery or like playing games at Lottomart, but the underlying stats offer a few clues.

Who Has Potential to Climb Higher?

Brighton have the clearest opportunity to remain among the leading group, particularly after their win over Arsenal. Brentford are also well placed, although they will need greater consistency to remain among the higher positions. Leeds have nine points from five matches and could continue to benefit if their defensive organisation holds up. Hull's position is more difficult to assess, yet their opening wins have shown that they should not be dismissed simply because they have recently arrived in the division.

Which Teams Could Still Surprise Us By Christmas?

The early season has shown how quickly expectations can change in the Premier League. Brighton, Brentford, Leeds, Everton and Hull have all given themselves a useful foundation, but the next part of the campaign will provide a clearer indication of whether these starts represent a temporary rise or something more substantial. With only five matches played, there is no need to draw firm conclusions yet. What is already clear is that the usual division between established clubs and outsiders has been less obvious than expected, making the race outside the traditional title contenders one of the most interesting parts of the season.