Liverpool legend gives title verdict against Man City and Arsenal - 'It is their turn'

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson believes the top three in the Premier League will remain the same as last season "but in a different order" .

Manchester City were crowned top flight champions for a fourth season in a row back in May after pipping Arsenal to top spot, with the Reds propping up in third after losing pace in the final month of the campaign.

It meant Pep Guardiola's side finished just two points ahead of the Gunners and nine points clear of Liverpool in Jurgen Klopp's final season in charge, yet Lawrenson senses a change in the tide for the 2024-25 current campaign.

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As things stand, Liverpool tops the table after just seven games of the new season, winning six and losing one to accumulate 18 points from a possible 21. Sat just one point behind them in second and third-place, however, are Man City and Arsenal.

However, Lawrenson believes this is the year the reigning champions will finally give up their crown, and that it will be someone else lifting the trophy come the end of the campaign.

Speaking to Sports Casting , he said: “I think they can, definitely, but I think Arsenal will win the league this season – it’s their turn. I think the way that they’ve strengthened and how we’re not sure how the season will pan out for Man City with the charges etc, so the top three will likely be the same as last year but in a different order."

Speaking on his former side's chances of success under Arne Slot , however, Lawrenson didn't rule out Liverpool entirely and insists that all they can do is just keep on winning.

“Liverpool are in a very good place and long may it continue," the 67-year-old said. "They got beat by Forest and everyone’s been kicking up a fuss about that, but you’re allowed to lose a game occasionally – people need to realize that.

"Forest had a great half hour that game which won it for them but it’s all been very good so far this season for Liverpool and all they need to do is keep winning – that’s all you can do in football.”

Next up for Liverpool is a clash with Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday, representing a first reel test for Slot's side in the Premier League this season. The Blues currently sit fourth after a positive start to the campaign under new boss Enzo Maresca, having won four of those games.

As for the other two title challengers, Arsenal travel to mid-table Bournemouth in Saturday's late kick-off, before Man City take bottom side Wolves on Sunday ahead of Liverpool's clash with Chelsea, meaning the Reds could fall to third-place ahead of kick-off at Anfield if both sides win.