Ex-Liverpool striker Michael Owen thinks Manchester City will once again be too strong in the Premier League title race next year, although he has tipped his former side to run Pep Guardiola’s men close for a second season running.
Liverpool were just a point shy of Manchester City’s 98-point haul last year (which Owen jokingly described as ‘meagre’), but the former England forward believes Kevin De Bruyne will be central to City’s title challenge after he spent a major part of the previous year on the sidelines.
Commenting on the season to come for BetVictor, Owen felt that record signing Rodri would also play a large role as City search for a third successive title, backing the club to overcome the departure of former captain Vincent Kompany (according to The Daily Express).
Speaking on the title’s potential destiny, he said: “They remain the team to beat, although they picked up a meagre 98 points last season compared to their century in the previous campaign.
“Champions League winners Liverpool look set again to be the main challengers to City as they continue their search for a, hitherto, elusive PL title.
“The Reds played their part in a magnificent title race last season and they are sure to have their supporters as they bid to go one better, but I just favour City in what looks a virtual match between these two great sides.”
Owen’s predictions are hardly bold, and looking at the rest of his tips, which included Tottenham and Chelsea finishing in the top four (like last year) with United and Arsenal missing out – the latter because of poor away form (which also occurred in 2018/19) – there’s nothing too controversial here.
With Owen seemingly predicting things to pan out how the previous season finished could arguably be described as an incredibly safe shout – or alternatively, a lack of imagination and foresight from the former England man.
