Newcastle legend Alan Shearer says he has changed his mind on who will win the Premier League title this season.
Despite seeing both Manchester City and Arsenal lose at the weekend, Shearer said that he now feels the reigning champions are the “favourites”, despite backing the Gunners at the beginning of the campaign:
“I would still say the favourites are Man City, but it’s close. Liverpool have been much better than I thought they would be. I didn’t think they’d be challenging but they are, there’s no doubt about that. I don’t think they’re going to go away. I’ve been disappointed with Arsenal and I tipped them before the season started. You’d still say Man City are just favourites because they’ve been around the block.”
Both Lineker and Richards agree with Shearer
Shearer was speaking on the The Rest Is Football podcast alongside Gary Lineker. The Match of the Day presenter said he concurred with his fellow pundit’s opinion:
“I think I agree. City have been there, done it four times on the bounce now. You wonder if that will catch up with them at some point because it’s so difficult to keep having that absolute drive that gets them over the line. I would say they’re still favourites. I backed them at the start of the season and I wouldn’t change my mind now. Liverpool are genuine title contenders and I think that’s been a surprise. Following in the enormous shoes of Jurgen Klopp was always going to be difficult but Slot looks like a perfect fit.”
Ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards (who was also on the podcast), said he is also sticking with his former club:
“I would still go with Man City just because of what’s happened in the past. I would still say they’re favourites, just.”
What do the bookmakers think of City’s title chances?
Pep Guardiola’s side remain the bookies favourites, with most betting firms pricing them at around 6/4 to win the title, despite dropping to 2nd after their defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend.
Current leaders Liverpool have seen their odds shorten slightly, with some bookmakers having priced them at 13/8, while Arsenal are now third in the running, with odds as long as 4/1.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
