Former Premier League goalkeeper David James has told William Hill that he expects Manchester City and Chelsea to be Liverpool’s closest rivals this season.
Speaking at the launch of Final One Standing by William Hill, James said: “This season will be unique in so many ways because of the Club World Cup. That tournament allowed Chelsea – and to a lesser extent Manchester City – an opportunity to get their summer signings integrated into the team in competitive fixtures. That would suggest those two teams come into the first game of the season in a strong position, with somewhat of a head-start compared to their rivals.
“Looking at Liverpool’s pre-season, their new signings such as Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike look very good. If Arne Slot has learned from last season and continues to improve not only the players he inherited but the talent they’ve signed and can find a good chemistry in the squad, then they should make a flying start to the season.
“There will inevitably be a lot of expectation but Liverpool are better than their rivals and even if they do not make a spectacular start, they have a great chance to win the Premier League again – the title is theirs to lose. I can see Man City finishing second, Chelsea third and Arsenal falling back to fourth.”
Leeds can avoid the drop
James also believes newly-promoted Leeds can stay up, with Wolves and Everton expected to have a difficult season ahead.
He added: “The teams promoted from the Championship face the biggest tests. Burnley had a fantastic defence last season but six home goalless draws suggest they’ll struggle in front of goal. It’s a cliché but you need to be strong at home to avoid the drop, it’s a massive step up.
“I also think Wolves will struggle. They’ve lost some very decent players in Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri, after a season where they did look in trouble in January, albeit finishing well under Vitor Pereira.
“Everton may find things tricky too – teams that go to a new stadium tend not to start too well. Whether it’s because they are not used to their new surroundings, or whether opponents feel like they are competing on a level playing field I don’t know, but it will be interesting to see what happens.
“Burnley and Sunderland will both go back down but I can see Leeds staying up and potentially Wolves going down.”
David James was speaking at the launch of William Hill’s new free-to-play game Final One Standing. Players have the chance to win a share of £500,000, with jackpots to be won every week through the 2025/26 Premier League season. Learn more about Final One Standing here.
