Michael Owen tips Arsenal to retain title as Manchester City face fourth-place prediction

Michael Owen believes Arsenal are the strongest candidates to retain the Premier League title, while predicting Manchester City will finish fourth in a surprise top-six forecast for the coming season.

The former Liverpool and Manchester United striker said Arsenal remain the team to beat but warned that their position at the top of the league is not secure. He identified Liverpool and Chelsea as the London club’s closest challengers, with Manchester United and Tottenham completing his projected top six.

“I think there could be a few title contenders this season,” Owen told the Metro.

He said Arsenal’s points total last season was below the level usually associated with a dominant title-winning campaign, meaning they could afford a slight drop and still remain in contention.

“If you look at Arsenal’s points tally, it wasn’t in the 90s, so they only have to drop off a little bit, and with Chelsea not playing in Europe, they can mount a challenge,” he said.

“Arsenal are definitely the favourites, but it’s not certain they will win it easily.”

Owen expects Liverpool to improve after what he viewed as an underwhelming campaign. He criticised the quality of their football last season and suggested their defensive record left them vulnerable.

“Last season at Liverpool wasn’t great, and the style of play wasn’t as good as it had been before, and they conceded far too many goals,” he said.

Owen added that the change involving Slot’s departure and Iraola taking over would bring a different approach. He acknowledged the excitement generated by Iraola’s style at Bournemouth, but said the demands would be greater at Liverpool.

“But Slot leaving and Iraola coming in means a new style of play. It’s true that he brings plenty of excitement with his style at Bournemouth, but Liverpool are a much bigger club and the pressure is growing now,” Owen said.

Chelsea’s lack of European football was another factor in Owen’s assessment. He believes the club’s heavy spending in the transfer window could prove more effective if their manager can establish greater control and consistency within the team.

“Chelsea have spent huge amounts of money again in the transfer window, but perhaps this time they have a manager capable of controlling the dressing room and getting the best out of the players, so they can play as one team and be consistent,” he said.

“The fact they are not involved in European football is an important factor, and it should give them an opportunity to perform well during the season.”

Asked to name his expected top six in the Premier League next season, Owen replied: “At this stage, I’d go for Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, then Tottenham.”

Manchester City are set to begin a new era under their new manager Enzo Maresca following the departure of Pep Guardiola. Guardiola oversaw a remarkable 10-season period at the club, during which Manchester City did not finish outside the top three in the Premier League.