For much of the Premier League era, the so-called "Big Six" of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were expected to occupy the top six places in the table almost by default.
That assumption has been challenged over the past few seasons, with clubs such as Aston Villa and Newcastle United proving they can compete with the established elite. However, as the 2026/27 campaign approaches, there is a genuine argument that the traditional order could finally be restored.
It's Been Longer Than Many Fans Realise
Despite the phrase "Big Six" remaining part of football vocabulary, all six clubs have not actually finished in the Premier League's top six since the 2021/22 season.
Since then, Newcastle and Aston Villa have emerged as genuine contenders for European qualification, regularly displacing one of the established giants. Brighton also briefly threatened the hierarchy, while inconsistency among several of England's biggest clubs opened the door for challengers.
The result has been one of the most competitive periods the Premier League has seen in decades. However, most major football betting sites are predicting that normal service will resume in the 2026/27 season with the “Big Six” occupying each of the top six spots in the league.
Tottenham and Manchester United Have Fallen Away
Perhaps the biggest surprise has been Tottenham's decline.
Spurs have endured two miserable campaigns that saw them finish as low as 17th, something that would have been almost unimaginable just a few years ago. While they have remained an attractive destination because of their stature and finances, their league performances have often failed to reflect their ambitions.
Manchester United have also struggled to consistently challenge near the summit. Although flashes of improvement have emerged, they have regularly fallen well short of the standards expected at Old Trafford.
Chelsea have experienced similar inconsistency. Massive investment has not always translated into league success, with managerial changes and squad rebuilding preventing sustained momentum.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City Have Maintained Higher Standards
While not perfect, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City have generally remained closer to the top of the table throughout this period.
City have continued to compete for major honours, Liverpool have remained regular title challengers, and Arsenal have established themselves as one of the league's strongest sides under a settled project.
Their consistency has ensured that only two or three places in the top six have regularly been available for the chasing pack.
Aston Villa and Newcastle Changed the Landscape
The rise of Aston Villa and Newcastle demonstrated that breaking into the elite was no longer impossible.
Villa's intelligent recruitment and strong coaching helped them establish themselves among the Premier League's strongest teams, while Newcastle's ambitious ownership transformed them from relegation candidates into Champions League contenders within a few seasons.
Rather than simply benefiting from the struggles of bigger clubs, both teams earned their places through attractive football, smart recruitment and improved squad depth.
Summer 2026 Could Swing Things Back
The transfer activity ahead of the 2026/27 season suggests the balance may once again be shifting.
The traditional Big Six have all invested heavily to strengthen their squads, addressing weaknesses and adding greater depth ahead of another demanding campaign.
Manchester United have continued their rebuild, Chelsea have added further quality to an already talented squad, Tottenham appear determined to avoid another disappointing season, while Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City have all reinforced positions where improvements were needed.
At the same time, Aston Villa and Newcastle have seen several of their standout performers leave, with many moving directly to members of the Big Six.
Losing multiple key players inevitably makes maintaining recent standards more difficult, particularly when replacements need time to settle.
Financial Power Still Matters
One of the biggest advantages the Big Six possess is their financial strength.
Their commercial income, global fanbases and ability to offer Champions League football make them attractive destinations for many of the world's best players.
When ambitious clubs such as Villa or Newcastle develop elite talent, there is always the possibility that wealthier rivals will eventually come calling.
This cycle has been evident throughout Premier League history and could once again help restore the established hierarchy.
Competition Will Still Be Fierce
That is not to say Aston Villa and Newcastle will simply disappear from the race.
Both clubs remain well run, possess talented squads and have demonstrated they can compete over a full season. Likewise, clubs such as Brighton, West Ham and others have shown that European qualification is no longer reserved exclusively for the traditional elite.
The Premier League remains one of the most competitive leagues in world football, where injuries, fixture congestion and momentum can quickly reshape the table.
A Return to the Traditional Top Six?
For the first time since 2021/22, there is a realistic possibility that Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham could all occupy the Premier League's top six places.
Years of disruption caused by Aston Villa's and Newcastle's emergence, combined with dramatic declines at Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United, have prevented the traditional order from holding.
However, with every member of the Big Six strengthening significantly this summer, and two of their biggest challengers weakened by high-profile departures, the 2026/27 season could see the Premier League's famous "Big Six" finally become the actual top six once again.
