Liverpool could clinch their 20th league title on Wednesday if Arsenal fail to overcome Crystal Palace.
Should Arsenal win, it would postpone Liverpool’s title celebrations, though Arne Slot’s side would have another opportunity to seal the title this weekend when they take on Tottenham at Anfield. ..Continue Reading
At the beginning of the campaign, Liverpool were considered the third-most likely team to win the league, behind reigning champions Manchester City and Arsenal.
However, City have endured an unexpected slump under Pep Guardiola, and Arsenal seem set to finish runners-up for the third consecutive season under Mikel Arteta.
There were initial concerns about how Liverpool would perform following the departure of iconic manager Jurgen Klopp, who had led the club to both Premier League and Champions League glory.
Nonetheless, the Reds have looked like the dominant force in English football this season, dropping points in just a couple of league games and clearly outpacing their competitors.
With Guardiola having extended his contract earlier this season, City will aim to bounce back next year and challenge once again for a title they had claimed four years in a row before this season’s dip.
Arsenal, on their part, will be striving to finally lift the Premier League trophy for the first time since 2004, while clubs like Chelsea and Newcastle United may also have ambitions of mounting a title bid.
Despite the competition, Saha remains skeptical about these challengers and considers Liverpool the leading contenders to retain their crown next season.
‘This year, Liverpool have been the most consistent, so they’ve got the most points,’ the ex-Premier League striker told Mega Dice.
‘They had a successful transition, losing an amazing manager, but they have a new one who has gelled really well.
‘So based on that they are probably still favourites, while you can see Man City still have some changes to make in the summer.
‘There are others like Chelsea, who had a better than expected season, but a difficult one still. Given the numbers of players and transfers they had to accommodate, they’re still not quite there.
‘Of course, you have to mention Arsenal too, but I still think that Liverpool is the strongest and based on what happened.
‘I would have always said Man City usually have a chance, but they’re losing De Bruyne, and maybe Gundogan, so there are changes ahead.
‘Liverpool also now have Van Dijk and Salah on new contracts. Van Dijk is key for their consistency this season, and he will be again next year.’
Newcastle have had a remarkable campaign, lifting the Carabao Cup and positioning themselves as strong contenders for another Champions League spot.
Their impressive performances under Eddie Howe have led Jamie O’Hara to believe that the Magpies could be serious title challengers in the Premier League next season.
‘I’m going to put it out there now – don’t write off Newcastle next season to be Premier League title contenders,’ he told Grosvenor Sport.
‘They need to keep that squad together, and if they add a new keeper and a centre half, they can do some damage and challenge for the league.
‘They really have flown under the radar this season. Arsenal are currently in second, they’re going to have their full focus on the Champions League and rightly so, but if Newcastle keep doing what they’re doing – they could clinch second place.
‘What a season that would be for the club. Signing a top keeper is a priority for them; you’re not going to win a Premier League with Nick Pope in goal.
‘I’m sorry to have to say it. He’s a good shot stopper, but his distribution is poor, and he makes mistakes.
‘That’s the area they need to improve the most and if they can bring a top goalkeeper in, I believe they can win the Premier League.’
