Michael Owen's Premier League prediction shocks fans - despite good Liverpool finish

Former striker Michael Owen's Premier League predictions will surely leave Liverpool fans simultaneously angered and pleased.

The Ballon d'Or winner went out on a limb to predict the top four (in this order): Arsenal , Liverpool, Aston Villa, Manchester City . Owen drew the ire of Liverpool fans last season when he criticized striker Darwin Nunez 's unbelievable finish against Brentford.

While many praised the Uruguayan, Owen questioned his decision-making. "You cannot score like this, or you cannot think like this I should say, on a one-on-one with a goalkeeper. It just shouldn't enter your head," Owen said on TNT Sport.

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Owen gave his prediction to the Premier League's social media team ahead of the new season, which starts on Friday. Other pundits, including Tim Sherwood, also offered their opinion. Sherwood, the former Blackburn midfielder who helped Rovers pip Liverpool to the Premier League title in 1995, was the only pundit to not include Liverpool in the top four.

Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City have all had quiet summers. Liverpool is yet to announce a senior signing, while Arsenal has made the loan of David Raya permanent and signed defender Riccardo Calafiori.

Villa has had a busy summer, spending over $200 million on an assortment of Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen, Cameron Archer (buying him back from Sheffield United), Ross Barkley, and more. City has brought in winger Savinho from sister club Troyes.

Fans in the comments were confused by Owen's selection. "What is Owen doing?" one said, "City might not win but there's no way they are going below 3rd position."

Fans were split on how to view his predictions. Many agreed with the comment "Owen decided to (be) a comedian," while others sided more closely with the take. One fan wrote: "Michael Owen is the only reasonable one, up the Villa."

City also faces the potential looming threat of relegation, as its alleged Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches may lead to punishments. City has denied the 115 charges brought against it by the Premier League, with a resolution expected during the new season.