Former Liverpool star Steve McManaman is expecting Andoni Iraola to qualify for the Champions League this season, though Manchester United could struggle under Michael Carrick
Andoni Iraola and Michael Carrick.
Andoni Iraola and Michael Carrick.(Image: Getty Images)
Former Liverpool attacking midfielder Steve McManaman is predicting that Andoni Iraola's side will get back into the Champions League this season — though there is another team he expects to win the title.
Having brought in another big-money signing in the form of Bradley Barcola, and with much more expected from Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz this term, Liverpool will have to improve. It has already dropped points against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest this season, but beat Ipswich on Friday.
However, it is difficult to look past Arsenal, the reigning champion, as the clear favorite to finish top, with Manchester City perhaps the best-placed side to challenge, even following the departure of Pep Guardiola.
"The standout side in the division is obviously Arsenal — I think the business they’ve done has been excellent," McManaman said.
"They were strong last year, and to bring in Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis and Ezri Konsa has only strengthened them further.
"To have those three in the door is just great for them. Premier League experience is a really important thing to have in the dressing room nowadays.
Andoni Iraola looks on from the touchline
Andoni Iraola looks on from the touchline
"They're all hard games, no matter who you’re playing against, so if you’ve got a dressing room full of bodies who have all been there and done it, I think that’s brilliant.
"We know now, football isn’t about getting a team together for the next 10 years... you'll change your manager six times between now and then, unfortunately.
"So you’ve got to think about the here and now. And Arsenal have built a really strong team with that in mind. If I'm looking at it and taking everything into consideration, then Arsenal are of course the ones to beat."
McManaman is also predicting that Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool midfielder, will do a really good job in his new role, with Manchester United, under Michael Carrick, tipped to finish outside of the top four spots.
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"I think Chelsea have got an excellent opportunity," McManaman, speaking to Seven, powered by Ladbrokes, continued. "Xabi is a great manager, they’ve got a big squad and they play one game a week, so that will definitely help.
"They finished 10th last season which is obviously incredibly bad for them, but they should be a hell of a lot better this year — they have to be."
Liverpool finished fifth last year and qualified for the Champions League. It is likely that the same finish this time around would be enough again, but to some extent, it depends on the success of the English teams in European competitions in the coming months.