Former Premier League striker Alan Shearer has tipped Liverpool to pip Manchester City to the title next year – but has warned that their lack of transfer activity could see them struggle to build on their performances of the previous season.
Liverpool finished just a point behind champions City as they were crowned champions of Europe at the end of a remarkable campaign that saw both clubs win every one of their final nine league games.
And Shearer believes that Liverpool’s success on the continent will spur them on to glory in the Premier League next year.
In an article for The Sun, Shearer outlined his expectations of last season’s top two to dominate the title race once again, although the void of departed captain Vincent Kompany could be an area that can be exploited.
He said: “Without doubt, it will be Liverpool and Manchester City once again fighting it out for the title. The standard of football last year was just incredible from both of them — the runs they went on after Christmas were unreal.
“I just can’t see anyone challenging these two when it comes to lifting the trophy in May. I’m going to stick my neck out here and say Liverpool might just pip City to the league.
“They are going to miss skipper Vincent Kompany as he has been a massive player with all his presence and experience. Fernandinho may even have to play in defence at times, like last season. That might just be the one area they come up short.
“My main concern for Liverpool is that City won the title and strengthened even further. That was our big mistake at Blackburn when we won the league, we didn’t go out and buy. I hope Liverpool don’t live to regret it.”
Liverpool may not have added much to their ranks this summer, but neither have Manchester City – despite the latter splashing out a club-record fee on midfielder Rodri.
Both clubs’ relative inactivity in the transfer market – having each spent over a combined £234.7m in the previous summer – suggests that perhaps both managers are happy with their squads, allowing a potential rerun of last year’s tussle to take place.
And as Liverpool now have the added bonus of being made European champions, perhaps that will be what swings the momentum their way with few changes at either club in the off-season.
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