Danny Murphy explains where Chelsea, Man Utd and Liverpool will finish this season

Man Utd: Danny Murphy reveals club’s ‘biggest problem’

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Danny Murphy thinks Manchester City will win the Premier League title this season. And he feels Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United will make up the rest of the top four. The new campaign gets under way on Friday when Brentford and Arsenal lock horns.

Manchester City cruised to title glory last term, with Pep Guardiola’s side claiming the prize for the third time in four years.

And Murphy, speaking to BBC Sport, thinks they’ll retain their title.

The former Liverpool star has placed City at the top of his predicted table, believing Jurgen Klopp’s side will rival Guardiola’s team for the trophy.

And he then thinks Chelsea will be third, with Manchester United fourth.

Murphy said: “My gut feeling is that City are going to be really difficult to knock off their perch.

THINK YOU KNOW SPORT? Test your sporting knowledge with our tricky quiz

“They and Liverpool will just about have the edge on everyone but not by much – the top four will be really tight.”

Murphy also addressed Liverpool’s squad, insisting they must do everything to keep hold of Jordan Henderson.

The England international has just a year left on his current Anfield deal, leading to talk of a potential departure.

And Murphy said: “It is hugely important that Liverpool get Jordan Henderson’s contract situation sorted out.

“They have already lost Georginio Wijnaldum, who has been under-rated for the past few years.

DON’T MISS

Man Utd set Kane price by Tottenham chief Levy ‘convinced’

Barcelona’s strong XI with Ronaldo and two other signings

Arsenal’s amazing squad if Edu seals six more deals

“I do expect Henderson to stay, because he has been so pivotal to their success, but they need to put those concerns to bed quickly. Losing both now would be unthinkable.”

The former Fulham midfielder also thinks Arsenal may surprise a few people this season.

“If anyone might surprise a few people it’s Arsenal – they are not in Europe, and they have got some fantastic forward players,” he said.

“People forget that last season was the first in Aubameyang’s career where he didn’t score a bagful of goals, and nothing suggests to me that is going to continue.

“They have a tough start but their young players are going to keep getting better.”

Do you want an exclusive pre-season preview for YOUR club – both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy.

Murphy isn’t the only pundit backing City to win the title again.

Micah Richards also thinks Guardiola’s side are there favourites, even if they aren’t able to land Harry Kane from Tottenham.

“It’s tougher than ever to call it this season but I am still going to say City, even if they don’t get Kane,” he said.

“John Stones has signed a new deal and, with him and Ruben Dias, the defence is sorted.

“When you look at their options in midfield and going forward, it’s just not fair on the other teams and, with the form that Raheem Sterling was in at the Euros, they still have to be favourites.”

Richards also thinks Manchester United’s need for a new centre-forward rules them out of the title race.

“United have shown that they can beat anyone but they seem to have too many off-days over the course of the season and for me they are a couple of players short of being a title-winning side – including a centre-forward,” he said.

“Edinson Cavani is 34 and at the stage of his career where he needs looking after.

“He can’t play every week and they don’t have another striker like him.”

Source: Read Full Article