Liverpool has been warned to expect a stronger challenge from Manchester City and Arsenal next season as Arne Slot’s side looks to defend its Premier League title.
The Reds cantered to a 20th league crown in the 2024/25 campaign, finishing 10 points ahead of nearest challenger Arsenal and 13 ahead of City, despite not winning any of their last four games.
Slot and Richard Hughes haven’t wasted any time in preparing for next season’s defense either, with Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz having already been signed from Bayer Leverkusen, while Milos Kerkez looks set to follow soon as he flies in for his medical on Merseyside.
Already, Liverpool has been backed by some pundits to make it back-to-back titles - with some obvious exceptions - although it almost certainly won’t be as easy a job as it was last season.
Pep Guardiola has already been busy adding to his squad after a huge drop-off from City, with former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders also joining the coaching staff at the Etihad.
And former City star Wright-Phillips is expecting his old side to be back in the running for the title, while also backing another of Liverpool’s rivals to feature more prominently in the race..
“I think it’s between Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal again,” Wright-Phillips told Prime Casino.
Manchester City has been backed to challenge Liverpool for next season's title
Manchester City has been backed to challenge Liverpool for next season's title
“Aston Villa might bounce back but they might need to sell players and rebuild, so that’s its own challenge. I feel like Spurs will come back into it, and Manchester United will surely make a better fist of things in terms of aiming for the top five.
“I think the way Newcastle finished, they almost snuck into the top five, but they did what the job required. I think they can challenge because that midfield three of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, that’s a midfield that rivals anyone in the league.
“If they keep those together, and Isak, they’ll be a threat. They defend better than they’re given credit for, and they have wingers who can hurt you. Eddie Howe is doing a wonderful job there.
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“I don’t think it’s as clear-cut as last year for Liverpool. I hope City can win it, but it’s far from certain.”
Liverpool.com says: It’s the obvious answer, and it’s probably the right answer as well. Liverpool looks like it will be the favorite for the title, but City will almost certainly be back in the running, especially with Rodri back fit.
Arsenal will be up there again, although you’d have to say the Gunners have probably already missed their best chance of winning the title.
Backing Tottenham to be back in the running feels like a brave call from Wright-Phillips. Spurs have A LOT of ground to make up just to get back in the top half of the table, and it will take an incredible job from Thomas Frank to have them challenging the likes of Liverpool next season.