If you thought the wild street celebrations that greeted Arsenal’s historic 2025/26 Premier League title win marked the peak of Kenyan football fanaticism, think again. With the new 2026/27 season kicking off this Friday, August 21, local joints have already begun setting up. From Mombasa to Busia, the entire country is buzzing with anticipation, as WhatsApp banter groups and estate corners have once again transformed into full-blown football debate centres.
Arsenal’s ruthless 3-0 demolition of Manchester City in the 2026 FA Community Shield at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Sunday last week only added fuel to the fire, sending a loud and clear message that Mikel Arteta’s machine is primed for a title defence. But with several managerial changes, including Pep Guardiola departing City, Xabi Alonso taking the reins at Stamford Bridge, and Andoni Iraola stepping into Anfield, every EPL fanbase in Kenya believes they have a shot this season.
In Nairobi, Arsenal faithful are radiating the unshakeable posture of reigning champions. Arteta is now the longest-serving manager in the top flight, a great example of how much of the Gunners’ major rivals have hit the tactical reset button. The Standard Sports sampled some fan views in the country ahead of the new season:
ARSENAL
Morris Owino, Arsenal diehard based in Nairobi: "I think Arsenal will retain the 2026/27 Premier League title. Man United, City, Chelsea, and Liverpool all have new coaches, while Arteta has been there for a while, giving him valuable experience and stability. I see Arsenal winning the league again, with City second, Chelsea third, and United fourth, and possibly two more trophies for Arsenal."
Felix Ondula, Kisumu Arsenal fan: “I feel like Arsenal will defend the title. Man City would have mounted a challenge, but from what I saw in the Community Shield, I just don’t see it. Liverpool might actually give Arsenal a run for it; if they embrace Iraola’s style quickly enough, they could be a serious challenge. I don’t see Manchester United anywhere near the top two, mainly because of their lack of squad depth. Chelsea, I think Alonso needs at least two seasons to make them really solid. Arsenal are still favourites; we could go back-to-back.”
MANCHESTER UNITED
Kelvin Masagara, Man United influencer: "It will be a competitive season for sure. I’m really rooting for Michael Carrick to lift the title. He’s a good coach, a club legend, and can become the first English manager to win the Premier League. If he had come earlier, we could be title contenders. Manchester is still Manchester. We have good squad depth now that Marcus Rashford is back, but we need another left-back to help Luke Shaw. Benjamin Šeško will give Haaland a run for the Golden Boot. We also have good momentum from preseason and have proven that we can go toe-to-toe with the big six, so I don’t fear," explained Masagara.
Migori Youth media person Awuor Nisa Jaber: "This is a very open season after Pep left. Arsenal still look strong because of the base they have in their team, though they need to fix their attack, especially on the left wing. Man United are not far off, but they don't have a holding midfielder. Plus, Matthijs de Ligt, who is their best centre-back, needs to stay fit. I'm highly anticipating an Arsenal-United title race, but pay attention to what's happening at Chelsea. Man City are in a transition period, so they're tough to rate. That said, Man United should be challenging for the title this season. Anything less than that would be a total failure," she said.
Owila Evans, Man United fan in Siaya: “Arsenal to retain the title. The biggest reason I'm backing them is stability. While Man City have a new manager and Liverpool have a new manager, Arteta is still there. Aston Villa? Unai Emery is ridiculously underrated. Villa have European experience, a strong squad, and a manager who understands knockout football and league management," said Owila.
John Mark Qhize, Man United fan in Moyale: "Premier League is like a soap opera, tunaendelea kwenye tuliachia. Teams are still building for now, so Arsenal are still likely to dominate. However, I believe this is Man United’s season, and a bold prediction is that Chelsea will struggle under Xabi Alonso because of impatience."
CHELSEA
Meshack Kiprop Biwott “Arap Uria”: "Chelsea imejipanga and have made very good signings. The fact that there’s no European football this season means the team will have more time to prepare for the Premier League. The team has also made good signings, including Morgan Rogers, who I expect to successfully partner Cole Palmer and João Pedro. The new coach, Xabi Alonso, is also a very good manager, and I expect Chelsea to challenge for the EPL title," said Arap Uria.
Sammyro, Chelsea influencer: "It’s still hard to determine who is going to win the league at this stage. Chelsea are moving in the right direction with the acquisition of Xabi Alonso, as they have been lacking a proper mentor with enough playing experience. I’d love for Chelsea to win the league, but other teams also have a chance, including Arsenal, who have momentum. Liverpool have not managed to find Jürgen Klopp’s replacement, and new coach Andoni Iraola will have a tough job matching that. Maresca’s impact at Man City will not be immediate.”
Sports content creator “Moraa Times”: "I expect nothing short of a top-four finish from Chelsea. We can’t allow Arsenal to win the Premier League again. I’m looking forward to seeing Chelsea win all the derbies and, being delulu enough, I want us to lift the trophy. Getting sacked, maybe, Maresca? He left us high and dry when we needed that Champions League spot so badly. With Alonso as the new coach, I can see the good vibes at Cobham with the renewed energy in the dressing room; we will be eating good this season.”
LIVERPOOL
Suleiman Omar: "Liverpool won't be immediate title contenders because of a lack of squad depth, especially in midfield where we have never truly replaced Fabinho. I think Arsenal will win another EPL title as they possess maturity and a special squad with vast experience, adding even more depth with Bruno Guimarães. I don't think Man United will win anything, maybe an FA Cup. Now that they are playing Champions League football again, they need more depth,” Sule explained.
MANCHESTER CITY
Victor Koech, Man City fan in Eldoret: "Pep Guardiola's absence will severely impact Man City, a reality exposed by their 3-0 Community Shield loss. They will definitely not be the same without him. They might actually experience what their derby rivals Man United experienced after the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, and it won’t be easy for them to rebuild. Arsenal enter the season as clear favourites to retain their Premier League title.
TOTTENHAM
Clive Akelo, Tottenham fan in Nakuru: "After surviving the drop last season, it's quite hard to be optimistic about the new season, but if hope had a name, it would be De Zerbi for us Spurs fans. We saw what he did with Brighton. He developed and trusted young players. The club has backed him with some good players like Sandro Tonali. Winning the Premier League is a bit unrealistic, but we know we'll have a properly coached team,” said Clive.
Beyond the Big Six
Kelvin Njuguna, Everton fan in Nyeri: "Everton’s 2026/27 looks like a step forward rather than a revolution. Hayden Hackney and Fabian Røhl add energy and control in midfield, while Brennan Johnson offers pace and attacking threat. With Moyes’ organisation, Beto’s improving form, and greater squad depth, I expect us to push for seventh or worst ninth, with European football a realistic target," Njuguna hopes.
For all the predictions, optimism, doubts and inevitable banter, one thing is certain, the new Premier League season is already being played out in people’s minds. Action kicks off on Friday, August 21, with holders Arsenal hosting newly-promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium at 20:00 local time (22:00 EAT).
UTILITIES:
Premier League 2026/27 Opening Weekend Overview
Friday, August 21, 2026
- 22:00 EAT:Arsenal vs. Coventry City (Emirates Stadium, London)
Saturday, August 22, 2026
- 14:30 EAT:Hull City vs. Manchester United (MKM Stadium, Kingston upon Hull)
- 17:00 EAT:Everton vs. Crystal Palace (Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool)
- 17:00 EAT:Ipswich Town vs. Sunderland (Portman Road Stadium, Ipswich)
- 17:00 EAT:Nottingham Forest vs. Leeds United (City Ground, Nottingham)
- 19:30 EAT:Brentford vs. Tottenham Hotspur (Gtech Community Stadium, London)
Sunday, August 23, 2026
- 16:00 EAT:Manchester City vs. AFC Bournemouth (Etihad Stadium, Manchester)
- 16:00 EAT:Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Aston Villa (American Express Stadium, Brighton)
- 18:30 EAT:Newcastle United vs. Liverpool (St. James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne)
Monday, August 24, 2026
- 22:00 EAT:Fulham vs. Chelsea (Craven Cottage, London)
