Paul Merson has named his ‘favourite’ to win the Premier League title, with Chelsea and Arsenal in pursuit of current leaders Liverpool.
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Contrary to expectations, Liverpool have thrived under Arne Slot’s management, following Jurgen Klopp’s departure. ..Continue Reading
Slot’s team has only suffered one loss – a surprising home defeat to Nottingham Forest – amidst an otherwise stellar run.
Liverpool lead by two points and have a game in hand heading into the festive period, while Chelsea have emerged as strong contenders under Enzo Maresca.
Despite predictions of another turbulent season due to a busy transfer window and new manager, Chelsea has been among Europe’s top teams.
Their impressive form has seen them overtake Arsenal, who have been consistent Premier League challengers under Mikel Arteta.
Meanwhile, defending champions Manchester City find themselves in fifth place, nine points behind Liverpool, following a disappointing run of results under Pep Guardiola.
‘This weekend has all the potential to end up being the one that initiates some shift in power in the Premier League title race,’ Merson wrote in a column for Sportskeeda.
‘I say that because Liverpool were in action in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday and now face a tricky assignment away at Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday.
‘I know they rested a lot of their main players for that cup game against Southampton, but by the time they face Spurs, they could drop down to second-place if Chelsea beat Everton.
‘For their own good, Liverpool have to forget about that game in hand. If you keep thinking of it as an advantage, it can only work against you in my opinion.
‘Not long ago, Liverpool were six points ahead of Chelsea. Back then, no one would’ve thought it could become this close! That’s how quickly things can change in the Premier League.
‘If I were to pick the favourites to win the Premier League right now, I would still choose Liverpool. But believe me when I say Chelsea are not a million miles behind them.’
While discussing Chelsea’s surprising title push, Merson added: ‘If you ask me if Chelsea are favourites to win the Premier League, 100 million per cent they are not.
‘But they are definitely in it, no matter what their manager says. You can’t deny it now.
‘Liverpool and Arsenal have so many big games coming up, especially in the Champions League. The more games you play, the more injuries you could pick up.
‘If Chelsea go out and keep doing what they are doing now, they will push these teams till the end.’
Meanwhile, Merson has warned Arsenal they have to ‘keep winning’ to maintain the pressure on Liverpool and Chelsea, though he expects them to do just that when they face Crystal Palace on Saturday.
‘Arsenal need to keep winning if they are to put pressure on Liverpool and Chelsea,’ he said. ‘I expect them to win but this will not be a walk in the park.’
