Gary Lineker believes Arsenal are clear favourites for the Premier League title and anticipates that Mikel Arteta's team will defend their crown with a significant advantage. The former England striker sees Chelsea as the club most likely to challenge the Gunners.
Lineker shared his thoughts on the podcast The Rest Is Football:
Some say winning the first title is easier than defending it, but I disagree. I think Arsenal will be champions again.
Elaborating on his prediction, he explained:
They've strengthened a team that already won the title last season, and they've done it well. Meanwhile, most of the other big clubs around them are in the midst of rebuilding.
That’s why I’m backing Arsenal—I reckon they'll win the title by at least 10 points.
As for the main competitor to the defending champions, Lineker believes it will be Chelsea, who have recently appointed Xabi Alonso as head coach.
Lineker stated:
I’m not quite sure if I can boldly predict a second place, but I think Chelsea could take it. I have a feeling Xabi Alonso has something special about him. If the club doesn’t fall apart from within—and that is a possibility—then I think he’ll do well. I believe he’s a good manager.
He also highlighted Chelsea’s attacking potential:
They have an abundance of talented players. If Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, and Joao Pedro are on the pitch together, that’s a very good trio.
However, Lineker doesn’t expect a serious title race from Manchester City or Liverpool, both having made managerial changes this season.
On Enzo Maresca’s City, he remarked:
City are definitely in a rebuilding phase, both on and off the pitch, and possibly more than any of the other clubs. Anything could happen this season. I still think they’ll qualify for the Champions League, but I don’t see them in the title race.
Talking about Liverpool under Andoni Iraola, he said:
A new manager has come in, and he needs to change their style. He’s mentioned that the team isn’t fully prepared to play the way he wants just yet. So, it will take time, and perhaps one or two more signings. They also lost a few experienced players. I think Liverpool will just scrape through to the Champions League.
Lineker also doubts Manchester United’s chances in the title race following their return to the Champions League.
He explained:
The big question is whether Michael Carrick can maintain the progress he made last season, especially now that the team will also be playing in the Champions League. In my view, the squad is a bit thin for competing on all fronts, so I see them finishing around fourth or fifth, alongside Liverpool.
