Manchester City winger Samir Nasri has backed both Chelsea and Manchester United to mount a title challenge, reports the Daily Express.
The Frech international believes that the Red Devils will pick up under Louis Van Gaal, and also that Chelsea will be City’s main title rivals, however, he has dismissed both Arsenal and Liverpool as serious contenders.
Speaking in a recent interview, the former Arsenal player was quoted:
“I think our two main rivals will be Chelsea and Manchester United,” he said. “Chelsea have made some good signings and Cesc Fabregas will be the guy to replace Frank Lampard. He is a great player, I know that because I was with him at Arsenal.
“Chelsea had a weakness up front last year but have signed Diego Costa. They will be really dangerous.
“United have a new coach, have strengthened as well and don’t have any European competition – so I expect them to come back stronger, too.”
Nasri, aged 27 then went onto claim that Arsenal will not be challengers this season, and that Liverpool will not be the same side as last season, due to the sale of Luis Suarez to Spanish side Barcelona.
“Arsenal could be in there, too, and bringing in players like Alexis Sanchez will make them stronger,” added Nasri.
“Liverpool will find it tougher because they have lost Luis Suarez and they will be playing Champions League football so it will be different for them.
“Last season they only had the Premier League to go for in the final months and it gave them a real advantage because their players were going into games fresher at a vital stage of the campaign.”
By Ben Reardon
@BenReardon1
