Former England goalkeeper David James has revealed his picks for Premier League champions and the race for top four.
Liverpool cruised to league triumph last season, clinching the title with a month to spare with a 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. Next-best Arsenal finished 10 points adrift, finishing runners up for the third season in a row.
Manchester City and Chelsea rounded off the top four, with Newcastle claiming the extra Champions League place in fifth on goal difference.
However, former Liverpool stopper James believes the upcoming Premier League will be different from any of those before.
Speaking at the launch of Final One Standing, the 55-year-old pointed to the inclusion of the Club World Cup across the summer as a unique factor.
“This season will be unique in so many ways because of the Club World Cup
That tournament allowed Chelsea – and to a lesser extent Manchester City – an opportunity to get their summer signings integrated into the team in competitive fixtures. That would suggest those two teams come into the first game of the season in a strong position, with somewhat of a head-start compared to their rivals.”
James spent seven seasons at Anfield, making 277 appearances between 1992 and 1997, and lifted the League Cup in 1995, but the Reds could only manage two third-placed finishes during the goalkeeper’s tenure at the club.
Despite his belief that Liverpool’s rivals will come into the season in a better position, he is in no doubt that Arne Slot’s men are still the side to beat.
Capped 53 times for England, James also spent three seasons at Manchester City and expects both his former clubs to battle over the Premier League crown, with Chelsea improving on last year’s third place and Mikel Arteta’s losing ground in fourth.
“There will inevitably be a lot of expectation but Liverpool are better than their rivals and even if they do not make a spectacular start, they have a great chance to win the Premier League again – the title is theirs to lose. I can see Man City finishing second, Chelsea third and Arsenal falling back to fourth.”
Liverpool kick-off their title defence against Bournemouth on Friday August 15 and will be hoping to bounce back following their Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, Manchester City start away to Wolves, Arsenal travel to Old Trafford and Chelsea host Crystal Palace.
