Micah Richards has backed Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool & Chelsea to challenge Manchester City in the Premier League title race next campaign.
City will attempt to win a fourth successive league title next season, having won the Premier League for the fifth time in six years this campaign.
Pep Guardiola’s side trailed Arsenal for much of the campaign but took advantage of the Gunners’ wobble to win to yet another title.
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Former Man City defender Richards believes his former team will face more competition next season, backing four others clubs to mount serious title challenges.
The 34-year-old expects Arsenal to compete at the top of the Premier League and believes Chelsea and Liverpool will make huge improvements after disappointing seasons.
Richards also claims Manchester United are well-placed for a league title charge after Erik ten Hag’s encouraging first season in England.
Speaking on the last day of the season, Richards’ Sky Sports colleague Jamie Carragher was asked who he expects to rival Man City and said: ‘I think Manchester United and Liverpool.
‘Liverpool have got a manager who has been there and done it before. There has to be a massive improvement but I think there will be.
‘There’s still players there that have won Champions League and Premier League titles. So I’ll say Liverpool and Man United.’
Richards said: ‘I think Arsenal as well, I don’t think Arsenal are done. I’m going to bring Arsenal into it as well.’
The former Manchester City defender added: ‘I think Chelsea are going to be really good next season under [incoming manager] Mauricio Pochettino.
‘I think they will be in the top-four and maybe challenging for even more with the players they’ve got.
‘They need a striker but if they get that sorted I think Chelsea will be challenging big next season. These players are only going to get better.’
On Liverpool, Richards said: ‘It has been a hugely frustrating season for them but don’t write them off. It’s only going to take a couple of tweaks and the right signings in midfield to restore balance.
‘Also, they have the power of Anfield – I’ll never forget my first game there and feeling so small under those stands – and a brilliant manager.
‘They are going to be right there again next season, believe me.’
