Michael Owen has cast doubt on Manchester City’s chances of winning the 2025–26 Premier League title, instead backing three other clubs to lead the charge.
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The former England striker has tipped..Continue Reading
Under Arne Slot, Liverpool stormed to the title last season, matching Manchester United’s record of 20 top-flight championships.
They wrapped up the league with four games to spare and could have widened the gap over second-placed Arsenal had they not eased off after securing the trophy.
Owen has praised Liverpool’s aggressive recruitment this summer, believing the additions of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Hugo Ekitike have further strengthened their squad.
A potential move for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak could add even more firepower.
He’s firmly backing Liverpool to retain their title, identifying Arsenal and Chelsea as their main challengers.
Arsenal, runners-up for the third consecutive season, have reinforced their attack with the £64m signing of Viktor Gyokeres.
Chelsea, meanwhile, enjoyed a successful campaign under Enzo Maresca, securing Champions League qualification, lifting the Conference League trophy, and winning the Club World Cup.
Despite City’s pedigree, Owen remains unconvinced they can bounce back after finishing third last season in pursuit of a fifth straight league title.
‘Liverpool won the league by ten points last season despite getting two points from the last four games when they weren’t really trying,’ Owen said on talkSPORT.
‘They could have won the league by 20 points. That’s winning the league by a mile.
‘It’s going to take some effort for anyone else to catch them when it also looks like Liverpool will be stronger than they were last season. It’s going to be hard for anyone to catch them.
‘I just think Man City were far off it last season and there’s been so much change over the summer.
‘They’re almost unrecognisable given the amount of players they’ve brought in over the last year. I think that takes a little bit of time to bed in.
‘Rodri will be back of course but there’s no guarantee with him coming back from an ACL injury.
‘No, I don’t think they will win the Premier League. I don’t think so.
‘I’m firmly in Liverpool’s camp, if there’s going to be an upset I think Arsenal and the big outside is maybe Chelsea. I don’t think Man City can bounce back that quick.’
Asked about Arsenal’s hopes after the signing of Gyokeres, Owen added: ‘The pressure on him is incredible because Arsenal have been needing a centre forward for a long time now.
‘All of a sudden they’ve got one and everybody thinks it’s the missing piece of the jigsaw.
‘He’s then gone and taken number 14 [made iconic by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry], which just adds a load of pressure on.
‘But if, if he strikes and he’s good, then Arsenal are serious challengers again. But if not, then I can’t see anything but Liverpool. This lad needs to be good for Arsenal, doesn’t he.’
‘They can’t be as bad as they were and if you give them some leeway, they knew they weren’t going to go down so they both prioritised that competition,’ Owen, 45, said.
‘They won’t be as bad as they were but I can’t see them jumping straight back into the Champions League positions next season.
‘But you would expect a far better showing from both clubs.’
