Rio Ferdinand has had a change of heart regarding the Premier League title race, now backing Arsenal as Liverpool's main competition, rather than Manchester City. The Gunners were dealt a blow with a 1-0 loss to title contenders Liverpool prior to the international break, and they'll be keen to return to their winning form when they welcome Nottingham Forest this Saturday.
Arsenal have been big spenders this summer, shelling out over £250million on a slew of new signings, including Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke - yet Liverpool are still the hot favourites for the title. Liverpool themselves have not been shy in spending, having forked out more than £400m on players such as Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, bolstering their already impressive squad.
While Manchester City have also added to their ranks, Pep Guardiola's side have had a disappointing start to the season, suffering two losses in their first three matches.
Consequently, they've lost Ferdinand's endorsement as one of the primary challengers, and he predicts a battle between Liverpool and Arsenal for the title.
"I think you always have to have respect for the champions, no matter who it is,' Ferdinand told the Daily Mail. "Champions normally go into the following season as the team to beat, that's inevitable.
"If you look at the way Liverpool have recruited in the summer, they've had the best window by far. Their intentions were pure and clean and transparent from the get-go, and they managed to execute everything apart from Marc Guehi. If they had got Marc Guehi, I think they would have cleaned up everything, to be honest.
"I think the only team who will be anywhere near Liverpool this season is Arsenal. They've got a great squad, real good depth with who they've bought. I think they've had a good window and if [Viktor] Gyokeres comes good, it puts them in a better position.
"I don't think we'll see anyone else. Anyone you think might be a surprise, a Newcastle or a Chelsea, I think European football hinders them a little bit in that respect. Just the demands it puts on the squad."
Arsenal will take on a Nottingham Forest outfit that is gearing up for its maiden match under fresh boss Ange Postecoglou after Nuno Espirito Santo was given his marching orders.
The Gunners have secured two victories from their opening three fixtures, netting six times whilst shipping just one goal thus far.