The 2026-27 Premier League season is set to kick off with a host of alterations, including a record number of new managers and several rule changes designed to impact gameplay. Nine new faces will be in the dugout, marking the most managerial changes at the start of a Premier League campaign.
Among the new appointments are Xabi Alonso at Chelsea, Andoni Iraola at Liverpool, and Enzo Maresca at Manchester City. Other new managers include Marco Rose (Bournemouth), Pierre Sage (Crystal Palace), Álvaro Arbeloa (Fulham), Gary O’Neil (Ipswich Town), Matthias Jaissle (Newcastle), and Oliver Glasner (Nottingham Forest).
New rules will target time-wasting, with referees able to initiate a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal-kicks. Failure to comply will result in a reversed throw-in or a corner from a goal-kick. Injury breaks for players will also increase to one minute, up from 30 seconds, with limited exceptions. Substitutions will also be timed, with replacements delayed if a player takes longer than 10 seconds to leave the pitch.
VAR interventions are also evolving. Video Assistant Referees will now be able to intervene on second yellow cards shown in error and can get involved when an attacking foul occurs before a set piece that leads to a penalty, goal, or disciplinary sanction, allowing the set piece to be retaken.
Promoted clubs Hull City, Coventry City, and Ipswich Town all return to the top flight. Ipswich Town, managed by Gary O'Neil, and Hull City, under Sergej Jakirovic, are back, while Frank Lampard will lead Coventry City in their first Premier League season in 25 years.
Broadcast changes include the trial of airing on-field discussions between players and referees during live matches. Match of the Day will also feature new pundits, including Thomas Frank, Toby Alderweireld, Robbie Keane, and Ashley Young.