Who will be the 2025-26 Premier League's surprise package? GOAL writers make their predictions

After Nottingham Forest came close to earning Champions League football last term, which team is best placed to perform above expectations this time?Here we go, then. The Community Shield has 'officially' raised the curtain on the 2025-26 football season, and we are now just days away from the Premier League's big kick-off, with champions Liverpool set to get us under way on Friday when they host Bournemouth at Anfield.That means its predictions season, and here at GOAL we're no different. Over the next few days, our writers will be giving their takes on all the biggest issues, from the teams who are likely to be scrapping for survival to those who will be fighting for top-four finishes and the title, and everything in between.Today, after a season in which Nottingham Forest led a bunch of mid-table hopefuls in challenging the established order, we've taken a look at potential surprise packages for 2025-26:

Introducing the Dark Horses of the 2025-26 Premier League Season

As the 2025-26 Premier League season kicks off, football fans around the world are eagerly anticipating which teams will exceed expectations and break into the upper echelons of the table. After Nottingham Forest's impressive campaign last season, where they narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification, the spotlight is now on the potential surprise packages for the upcoming season.

Analyzing the Contenders

Several teams have caught the eye of football pundits and analysts as potential dark horses for the 2025-26 Premier League season. With established giants like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea expected to dominate the title race, the focus shifts to the underdogs who could cause upsets and make their mark in the league.

Unveiling GOAL Writers' Predictions

The experts at GOAL have been busy evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of various Premier League teams to identify the dark horses for the upcoming season. In this special feature, our writers offer their insights and predictions on which club could emerge as the surprise package of the 2025-26 campaign.

A Glimpse into the Future

With the Community Shield marking the official beginning of the new season, anticipation is at an all-time high as fans wait to see if any underdog team can emulate Nottingham Forest's remarkable run from the previous year. The stage is set for a thrilling season of Premier League action, with surprises and upsets likely to be around every corner.