Kenny Dalglish has claimed that ‘if you finish above Manchester City’ then he thinks ‘more than likely’ you will become Premier League champions, as the Liverpool legend wrote in his Sunday Post column.
The Anfield hero thinks both Liverpool and Man City will once again be ‘the teams to beat’ ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
The title race went down to the wire last time out, and in truth, given how much the two push each other, then it wouldn’t be a surprise if it goes to the final few weeks again.
Albeit a small sign, the Reds beat Man City in the Community Shield over the weekend, which was a positive step heading into a scheduled-packed season.
Nonetheless, when sharing his thoughts on the Premier League title race, Scotland and Liverpool legend, Dalglish, thinks it will be the same faces making noises again.
“But, of course, at the end of the EPL campaign, I hope Andy (Robertson) has another winners’ medal,” said Dalglish. “Manchester City start the defence of their title away to West Ham, while Liverpool travel to Fulham.
“Tough fixtures for both as they look to try and reproduce another mouthwatering campaign of excellence and consistency. The standards set by Pep Guardiola’s team last season were exceptional.
“Jurgen Klopp and the lads gave it their all to overtake them, but just couldn’t quite get there. I would imagine both clubs will be the ones to beat this season, and if you finish above City in the table, then you are more than likely to be Champions.
“City added Erling Haaland to their squad, and his goalscoring stats as a No. 9 are incredible. There is no doubt that the powerful and skilful Norwegian will improve the Etihad team.”
CAN ANYONE ELSE CHALLENGE?
Tottenham’s name is being thrown about because they have Antonio Conte in the dugout and they have had a pretty healthy summer transfer window, so far.
Chelsea finished third last season, and despite adding Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly to their ranks, the mood around the club isn’t as positive.
Either way, for the first half of the campaign, a number of teams outside of the top two could probably keep up with Manchester City and Liverpool.
It’s during the second half of the season where they start to slip away and Guardiola and Klopp showcase why their teams have been putting up ridiculous 90+ points for so many seasons now.
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