Premier League 2025/26: Can Any of the Promoted Teams Stay Up?
After Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland earned promotion to the Premier League at the end of this past season, the real challenge now begins. Battling through the Championship is tough, but the Premier League is on an entirely different level. It is the best football league in the world and not meant for the faint of heart. Every Premier League team has access to world-class facilities, elite international talent, and nearly unlimited financial resources. Each of these clubs has the ability to beat you down and wear you out, week after week. For newly promoted sides, the hardest part isn’t getting to the Premier League, it’s staying there for more than one year.
Leeds United
Dominant is just one word to describe Leeds United’s last season. They stormed through the Championship, finishing first with an incredible 100 points and a goal differential of +65. From start to finish, Leeds looked like a club determined to return to the Premier League. Leeds United were last in the Premier League during the 2022–23 season, when they were relegated after finishing 19th with just 31 points. Two seasons later, they return in dominant fashion, having steamrolled most of the Championship competition. The Premier League, however, is a whole different beast. Every team has eleven players skilled to their core, and the margin for error is very thin.
Leeds may have looked unstoppable in the second tier, but now the real games begin. They will have to fight for every point, every tackle, and every goal. Out of all three promoted teams, Leeds looks the most prepared to stay up. Their system is sharp, their squad is balanced, and their mentality is just about winning. The clubs they will likely be targeting to finish above include West Ham, Everton, and Wolves, all of whom have shown signs of inconsistency. If Leeds can bring their energy and organization to the best league, survival is well within reach.
Burnley
Right behind Leeds United sits Burnley, who also finished the Championship season with an impressive 100 points, only missing out on the title due to goal differential, ending with a +53. Their promotion campaign was built on structure, discipline, and defensive consistency. Burnley has a rock-solid defense that has overwhelmed most Championship attacks. They rarely made mistakes and often controlled games by staying compact and composed. However, the Premier League is a completely different level. Attacks are faster, sharper, and more ruthless. Strikers like Salah, Haaland, and Isak will not hold back, and Burnley’s back line will be tested like never before.
Their biggest concern lies in attack. Breaking down Premier League defenses will be far harder than what they faced in the Championship. If they can't find consistent ways to score, even strong defending won’t be enough. Burnley have the toughness and discipline, but to survive, they will need to show more going forward. This league punishes teams that sit back for too long, and just like Leeds, they will be hunting West Ham, Everton, and Wolves for that spot in the Premier League for another year.
Sunderland
Sunderland are back in the Premier League after a huge play-off final win. “The first feeling is pride,” said manager Régis Le Bris. “Bringing this great club and our amazing fans back to the Premier League means a lot. Seeing ‘Sunderland’ in the Premier League calendar again is pure joy, and also a reminder of the challenge we’re stepping into. We’ve earned the right to be here and compete.” This promotion didn’t happen by luck. Sunderland’s rise was built on youth, intensity, and a clear tactical identity. Le Bris came in and immediately reshaped the squad, moving on from players who didn’t match his vision and creating a team that played for each other.
Now comes the real test. Sunderland’s starting XI averaged just 22.4 years of age, the youngest in the Championship. That inexperience could hurt them against Premier League clubs. To make things tougher, their early fixture list is brutal. A December run that includes trips to Liverpool and Manchester City, a derby against Newcastle, and matches against Brighton, Leeds, and possibly back-to-back games against both Manchester clubs, could break their momentum if they’re not prepared. Sunderland have spirit, but they will need more to stay up. Just like Leeds and Burnley, they will be hunting West Ham, Everton, and Wolves for one of the few safe spots in the Premier League next season.
Surviving in the Premier League isn't about reputation or past success. It's about adapting fast, fighting harder, and taking points when it matters most. Leeds look the most equipped to stay up, Burnley will need to find goals to match their discipline, and Sunderland must grow up quickly under pressure. All three clubs have earned their place, but now, they must prove they belong. The fight for survival starts now.
