Steven Gerrard names five Liverpool title rivals and makes Man Utd prediction

Steven Gerrard names five Liverpool title rivals and makes Man Utd prediction

Liverpool are the team to beat in the Premier League next season, according to former Reds captain Steven Gerrard - who has named the sides to worry about

Steven Gerrard has offered his thoughts about next season (Image: PAUL BARKER/AFP via Getty Images )

Steven Gerrard has issued a heads-up to Liverpool, pinpointing Manchester City as their main contenders for the Premier League crown next term — while downplaying Manchester United's chances of being in the mix. The Merseyside club are set to defend their 20th league title in the 2025/26 season after Arne Slot's impressive first year at the helm — and Gerrard has identified the teams that could pose a threat.

Liverpool ended the season with a comfortable 10-point lead over Arsenal, clinching their first championship since 2020 following a decisive victory against Tottenham on April 27. Their formidable attack was spearheaded by the league's leading scorer Mohamed Salah — who netted 29 goals — complemented by a robust defence.

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With ambitions to bolster their ranks during the summer transfer window, Liverpool have already secured Jeremie Frimpong and are pursuing Florian Wirtz, another talent from Bayer Leverkusen. While Slot will spend the summer crafting his squad, ex-Liverpool skipper Gerrard anticipates stiffer competition in the upcoming campaign.

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Speaking to TNT Sports, via the Mirror, Gerrard remarked: "It's the most difficult league in the world. Liverpool will be well aware that City are going to come back, Arsenal are looking stronger again, the likes of Chelsea are building nicely, Newcastle, Villa are coming in behind.

"Liverpool will be well aware that they're going to be the ones that are hunted now. But evidence suggests that Liverpool are going to be strong in the transfer market, so Liverpool are the team to catch for sure."

City bounced back to secure a third-place finish in the Premier League, ending just three points shy of Arsenal — who for the third consecutive year claimed second place – but saw their championship ambitions diminish early on in the season. Nevertheless, Pep Guardiola is staying put after penning a fresh contract, and City will welcome back Ballon d'Or-winning midfielder Rodri — fit for the onset of the upcoming season.

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Mohamed Salah top scored for Liverpool (Image: Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images )

Gerrard shared his views: "I think you've got to be wary of City and Guardiola. The best manager in the world. They've done it four years on the spin, they lost Rodri, which was a big blow to them.

"I think with a fully fit squad, and they're going to recruit as well, the team that finishes above City will win it again and hopefully, that's Liverpool."

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United ended up 15th in Ruben Amorim's opening season, and following their loss in the Europa League final against Tottenham, they will miss out on European football next term. They're facing the most significant squad transformation across all Premier League teams this summer, with Matheus Cunha tipped to lead the influx once his £62.5million transfer is locked in.

However, United need additional time to reach the competitive level under Amorim to vie for the title anew. "We are not ready to play in the Premier League, be competitive, and to be in the Champions League," he openly acknowledged last month.

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