Liverpool legend John Barnes has made a bold prediction for this Premier League campaign by claiming that Manchester City would retain their title while his beloved Liverpool only manages to secure a runners-up finish. In a recent interview with the Daily Express, Barnes was quoted to have said, “They [Liverpool] can challenge City, but they are the favourites.
“You can’t finish 25 points behind them last season and be favourites to win it this year.
“I think Liverpool will finish second. City will win the title but we will be closer to them.”
Early Signs Favour Liverpool Over Man City
The Reds have made a flawless start to their league campaign by earning four successive wins in a row. On the other hand, the Citizens have also looked well-equipped and have made a steady beginning to their Premier League title defence. However, the Manchester giants were held to a 1-1 draw away at Wolves which indicates that teams are slowly starting to cope with City’s threat effectively and are managing to grind out a result, which would be welcome news for any of their title challengers.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have conceded just one goal so far this season while Man City have shipped in three. The early signs are favouring Liverpool but only time will tell if the Reds can continue their good run after the international break. With some testing fixtures coming up, it won’t be easy for Klopp’s team to keep up with City’s results over the next few weeks.
Is It A Two Horse Race For The Premier League Title?
There is no doubt that the Merseyside giants have a strong squad but is it better than their fellow competitors? On paper, Klopp’s starting XI is stronger than most other teams in the league except City. So it is a fair assessment that it would be a straight shootout between the Reds and Guardiola’s Citizens for the league title.
However, Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea made an excellent start to this season and looks like they can be one of the closest competitors for the title. Moreover, Tottenham Hotspur also have a strong enough squad for a title challenge and shouldn’t be ruled out.
Is John Barnes Right With His Prediction?
Logic and history dictate that the Liverpool legend could be right with his prediction. On paper, both City and Liverpool are the strongest, and it is likely that the Citizens of Manchester would edge the Merseysiders out as they know what it takes to win a title. However, in football, anything is possible so it wouldn’t be a surprise if Liverpool or even Chelsea find a way to finish above Guardiola’s team on their road to Premier League glory.
