**Jamie Carragher has backed Manchester City to edge Arsenal in the Premier League title race, despite Mikel Arteta’s side preparing to defend their crown.**
Arsenal ended their 22-year wait for the title last season and begin their defence against newly-promoted Coventry City on 21 August.
However, former Liverpool defender Carragher believes Manchester City should begin the campaign as slight favourites.
Speaking on the Football Ramble podcast, via [The Standard](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/jamie-carragher-arsenal-fc-title-prediction-b1292377.html), Carragher said: “I think City.”
He believes a change of manager could actually refresh City following Pep Guardiola’s departure, while Rodri remaining at the Etihad would significantly strengthen their chances.
Carragher does not appear to see much separating the two clubs.
“Where we are right now, and we know there’s still a month to go transfer-wise, I can only see Arsenal or City,” he said.
Arsenal have not made wholesale changes to the squad which won the league.
Christos Tzolis has arrived following Leandro Trossard’s departure, while Illan Meslier provides additional goalkeeping depth. More significant business could still follow, with Arsenal continuing to pursue reinforcements before the deadline.
Arteta also has talented young players pushing for larger roles. [ReadArsenal reported this week that Max Dowman is expected to receive significantly more first-team opportunities](https://readarsenal.com/2026/08/04/bbc-sport-predicts-major-role-for-arsenals-record-breaking-16-year-old/), giving the manager another option as he manages a demanding season.
Carragher questioned whether winning the title could make Arsenal stronger now that Arteta’s squad have overcome that psychological barrier.
His early verdict still gives City the narrow advantage.
Arsenal will get an immediate opportunity to challenge that prediction when the two clubs meet in the Community Shield on 16 August, five days before the champions begin their Premier League defence.