Carragher dismisses Liverpool’s title hopes and selects a winner between Manchester City and Arsenal

Jamie Carragher has weighed in on the Premier League title race, asserting that Liverpool is not positioned to compete for the title this season. He speculates on whether Arsenal or Manchester City will be crowned champions and makes a bold prediction about Arne Slot’s potential success in the future.

Liverpool appointed Slot this summer as the replacement for Jurgen Klopp, who stepped down after nearly nine years due to exhaustion. Since taking over, Slot has led the team to five victories in six matches, with 13 goals scored and only two conceded. This has reignited hopes that Liverpool, who last won the Premier League in 2020, could reclaim the trophy, suggesting that the managerial change has benefited the club.

Despite the promising start, Carragher believes Manchester City will again be champions, stating that even Rodri’s anticipated absence won’t significantly impact them. After City managed a late 2-2 draw against Arsenal, Carragher shared his views on the Gary Neville Podcast: “I think it’ll be a little bit similar to last season where Liverpool are just slightly behind these two teams… really go for it next season when the manager knows everything about his squad and he looks at exactly who he wants to bring in.”

He elaborated on Liverpool’s shortcomings, noting, “He [Slot] hasn’t really bought anyone… it’s still last season’s team. I think Liverpool are the third-best team.”

Carragher discusses why Manchester City holds an advantage over Arsenal in the title race.

Carragher believes there is little separating Arsenal and Manchester City, as demonstrated by their recent 2-2 draw, but argues that Pep Guardiola’s team has the advantage. He stated, “Always when I look at the squads… I think they’ve just got a little bit more in those attacking areas.”

He noted that if Arsenal had secured the win, it would likely have been from a set-piece, acknowledging their proficiency in that area. However, he remarked, “you can’t win the game on set-pieces every week. I think Manchester City have the edge there.”

While Carragher is optimistic about Liverpool making the top four this season, his colleague Neville surprised many by predicting that Liverpool might not even finish in the top six. “The top four will look like?” Neville asked on *Stick to Football*. “We have to go Arsenal and Manchester City because we all collectively agree… I am not sure [on Liverpool getting top four].”

Carragher responded with surprise, asking, “Do you think Manchester United will get in, but Liverpool won’t?” Neville replied, “maybe,” prompting Carragher to quip, “You say this every season without fail. Bookmark this.”

Neville added, “Every season, yeah. I am quite often wrong as well… Surprise: Liverpool don’t finish in the top six.”

Liverpool identifies potential successor for Alexander-Arnold / Romano offers update on Zubimendi

Although Liverpool may not contend for the title this season, concerns about Trent Alexander-Arnold potentially leaving at the end of his contract have prompted the club to compile a list of possible replacements.

At the top of Slot’s wishlist is Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking right-back Jeremie Frimpong, who has a €40m exit clause set to activate next summer. Reports indicate that Frimpong is one of three Leverkusen players Liverpool is monitoring in preparation for the 2025 summer transfer window.

Additionally, Martin Zubimendi, a summer target who turned down a move to Liverpool, remains on the club’s radar, especially since he reportedly regrets his decision. Fabrizio Romano has provided an update, confirming that Liverpool still has interest in Zubimendi, though they have not yet received any official word about a change in his stance.