Manchester United v Arsenal FC - Premier League
Ex-Arsenal and England star Paul Merson (Picture: Getty)
Paul Merson has revealed his ‘favourite’ to win the Premier League title as Chelsea and Arsenal chase leaders Liverpool.
Far from struggling following Jurgen Klopp’s emotional exit, Liverpool have enjoyed a sensational start to life under Arne Slot.
The Reds have only lost once under Slot – a surprise defeat at home to Nottingham Forest the only blemish in an otherwise near-perfect run.
Liverpool are two points clear with a game in hand ahead of the festive period, with Chelsea surprising many to emerge as genuine title contenders under Enzo Maresca.
It was thought that another chaotic transfer window and the arrival of a new manager would lead to another season of turmoil for Chelsea but they have in fact been one of the best and most exciting teams in Europe.
Chelsea’s impressive form has even seen them surpass Arsenal, who have repeatedly challenge for the Premier League under Mikel Arteta.
Defending champions Manchester City are currently just fifth, a dismal and shocking run of form seeing Pep Guardiola’s side slip nine points behind leaders Liverpool.
Manchester City v West Ham United - Premier League
Manchester City are the defending Premier League champions (Picture: Getty)
‘This weekend has all the potential to end up being the one that initiates some shift in power in the Premier League title race,’ Merson wrote in a column for Sportskeeda.
‘I say that because Liverpool were in action in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday and now face a tricky assignment away at Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday.
‘I know they rested a lot of their main players for that cup game against Southampton, but by the time they face Spurs, they could drop down to second-place if Chelsea beat Everton.
‘For their own good, Liverpool have to forget about that game in hand. If you keep thinking of it as an advantage, it can only work against you in my opinion.
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‘Not long ago, Liverpool were six points ahead of Chelsea. Back then, no one would’ve thought it could become this close! That’s how quickly things can change in the Premier League.
‘If I were to pick the favourites to win the Premier League right now, I would still choose Liverpool. But believe me when I say Chelsea are not a million miles behind them.’
Discussing Chelsea’s surprising title push, Merson added: ‘If you ask me if Chelsea are favourites to win the Premier League, 100 million per cent they are not.
‘But they are definitely in it, no matter what their manager says. You can’t deny it now.
‘Liverpool and Arsenal have so many big games coming up, especially in the Champions League. The more games you play, the more injuries you could pick up.
‘If Chelsea go out and keep doing what they are doing now, they will push these teams till the end.’
Meanwhile, Merson has warned Arsenal they simply have to ‘keep winning’ to maintain the pressure on Liverpool and Chelsea, though he expects them to do just that when they face Crystal Palace on Saturday.
‘Arsenal need to keep winning if they are to put pressure on Liverpool and Chelsea,’ he said. ‘I expect them to win but this will not be a walk in the park.’
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