Jaap Stam predicts where Man Utd, Arsenal & Chelsea will finish this season

United have managed just three wins from their opening seven league fixtures and currently sit 10th in the table ahead of a crucial showdown with Liverpool on Sunday.

Amorim’s team has already exited the Carabao Cup after a humiliating loss to League Two outfit Grimsby Town.

Despite their poor form, Stam insists the beginning of the season ‘has not been a disaster’ for his former side and believes they can still secure a top-four finish.

Arsenal lead the standings going into the weekend’s Premier League action, holding a one-point advantage over reigning champions Liverpool, who have surprisingly lost three consecutive matches.

Stam predicts Liverpool will reclaim the top spot and retain their title, while notably excluding Club World Cup winners Chelsea from his top-four picks.

‘I would pick Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United for the top four, with Chelsea in close contention,’ Stam told Sky Bet.

‘These five have the squads and consistency to compete for the Champions League places.

‘Bournemouth or Crystal Palace could make a push, but it’s hard to maintain that level through the season.’

Jaap Stam’s Premier League top-four prediction:
– Liverpool
– Arsenal
– Manchester City
– Manchester United

‘The big clubs will end up there again because of the quality of players they have in their squad.’

When asked about United’s prospects, Stam added: ‘At the start of the season, I said the top four should be the target for Manchester United.

‘They’re only a few points off that, so it’s not a disaster. It’s still early; a few wins can change everything. Momentum and confidence come from back-to-back victories.

‘If they can build that, they can finish in the top six, maybe even top five, though it’ll be tough. Winning games is always the best medicine.’

Arsenal are determined to finally clinch the Premier League title after finishing as runners-up for three consecutive seasons.

The Gunners strengthened their squad over the summer with more than £250 million spent on new additions, including prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres, Euros champion Martin Zubimendi, and England international Noni Madueke.

‘Arsenal can win the league this season,’ said Stam, who lifted the Premier League trophy three times with Manchester United.

‘Mikel Arteta has built a team with quality and a clear playing style that’s hard to play against. The owners have backed him, and you can see the progress.

‘They’ve spent a lot to strengthen, which shows ambition. Now they need to make that next step and by spending the amount they have, they’ve shown they want to take that next step.

‘With their depth, they can rotate and keep up the quality. They’re consistent with how they’re playing; they are top of the league and now they need to keep it up until the end of the season.

‘I wouldn’t say Mikel Arteta’s job should immediately be on the line [if Arsenal don’t win any trophies], but there will be pressure.

‘When you’ve been backed and invested heavily, expectations rise. The club will expect progress and trophies. When you are the manager of Arsenal, that’s what you know and that’s what you’re there for.

‘If that doesn’t happen, of course questions come. That’s normal in football. But there’s still a long season ahead, and they’re in a strong position.’