Former Liverpool star John Barnes gave his predictions on this season’s Premier League. He believes that City will win once again and Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham will finish the top four. Barnes left out former champions Chelsea and Arsenal out of the top four.
Barnes said, “Well I think Man City are favourites once again, because of the way they played last season. I don’t expect them to get as many points, score as many goals and be as dominant. But I think they will win.
Regarding his former club’s chances, the Jamaican-born England international said, “I actually think Liverpool will get the closest. Not just because of the harmony they’ve had since Jurgen Klopp has been there, but also the signings they’ve done early. They got Naby Keita, Fabinho, Xherdan Shaqiri – they’ve done their business early. Had they not got to the final of the Champions League last season I actually think they could have finished second. But with a stronger squad now and the harmony and together that they have, added to the quality that they already have, I make them second favourites.”
Regarding Manchester United, Barnes said, ”Manchester United, you know the harmony isn’t great there, but they’ve obviously got great players, a great manager. But the harmony is so important and if they get caught too far behind they’ll have trouble catching up.”
Tottenham Hotspur also made it to Barnes’ top four. He said, “Tottenham have signed anybody. But they’ll want to get the players and team already have to challenge for a top four spot.
The former Liverpool star left out both Chelsea and Arsenal from his top four because of the managerial changes. The 54-year old said, “Arsenal are an interesting one, because with a new manager coming in he will change things… but with largely the same players. That will take time. Chelsea with a new manager coming in as well – and I think they’ll both be battling it out for fourth.”
