Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has shared his outlook on the upcoming Premier League season in an interview with Metro. He believes that despite considerable changes in the coaching staff of rival clubs, the battle for the gold medals will ultimately be a contest between just two sides.
Following their long-awaited title win, Arsenal have bolstered their squad with the additions of Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tsolis, and Illan Meslier. Meanwhile, their main rivals are undergoing serious shake-ups: Enzo Maresca has taken over at Manchester City, Andoni Iraola has stepped in at Liverpool, Xabi Alonso is restoring order at Chelsea, and Michael Carrick is gearing up for his first full season in charge of Manchester United.
Smith is firmly convinced that Manchester City remain the primary threat to the Gunners:
I think Manchester City are Arsenal’s main competitors. Of course, they have a new manager, so there’s a bit of a question mark over how Maresca will gel with the players, but I still see them as the only other contenders.
At this point, I’d say it will be a race between Arsenal and City.
Smith's top-six predictions
Smith argues that the departures of key figures such as John Stones, Bernardo Silva, Nathan Ake, and the potential transfer of Rodri to Barcelona could provide Arsenal with an added advantage:
I’m leaning towards Arsenal winning the title again, hopefully. Then Manchester City. Manchester United finished third last season, and I think they will be even better this time around. Carrick is settling in, so maybe United will be third, Liverpool fourth, and Chelsea should have a much better season under Alonso. They’ve made some good transfers, so I see them in the top five, with Aston Villa as the favourites for sixth.
The first head-to-head match between the favourites will take place this weekend in the FA Community Shield clash in Cardiff.
