Football

Liverpool legend Phil Thompson makes Premier League title and top four predictions


Phil Thompson has made his Premier League predictions (Picture: Getty)

Phil Thompson is backing Liverpool to pip Manchester City to the Premier League title this season and has predicted where Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham will finish.

The Reds narrowly missed out on the title last term despite amassing 97 points and losing just one league game throughout the 2018-19 campaign.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are bidding to win a third successive title but Thompson believes they will fall short, with Liverpool coming out on top.

He told Sky Sports: ‘I think it is Liverpool’s year. This time last year when I got asked the same question, I went with Manchester City but predicted Liverpool would be a lot closer.

‘I said if they didn’t win it last year, they would this year, and I won’t change my mind on that. The likes of David Silva and Fernandinho are getting older, while the injuries pile up.

‘It is a good opportunity for Liverpool, so they will win the league. I think Man City will still have a good season and come second, with Tottenham in third and Chelsea earning fourth spot.’

Chelsea and Tottenham finished third and fourth respectively last season and Thompson expects the London rivals to swap places during the 2019-20 campaign.

That would mean another season of disappointment for Arsenal and Manchester United.



Phil Thompson’s Premier League predictions

1. Liverpool

2. Manchester City

3. Tottenham

4. Chelsea

5. Arsenal / Manchester United

6. Manchester United / Arsenal

‘I think Frank Lampard will get the honeymoon period out of the team and players,’ Thompson added.

‘There was something that needed to happen in order to unite Chelsea and it may be a bit too early for Lampard but needs must, and there is still a great group of players to work with here.

‘The transfer embargo will impact upon them, as will the departure of Eden Hazard, but for the first time in a while he will bring the fans, players and whole club together.

‘These players have proved, with more experienced managers than Lampard, that they can make it very difficult for the manager.’

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Manchester United spent £80million on England defender Harry Maguire this summer but Thompson still doubts the Red Devils will be able to break into the top four.

He said: ‘There are still problems at Manchester United.

‘Even if Harry Maguire has half the impact that Virgil van Dijk did at Liverpool then they will do well.

‘I think they needed someone up front. Romelu Lukaku has left so they could have done with another forward.

‘Their midfield is not any stronger but keeping David de Gea was a massive boost for the club. They need more if they are to crack on and finish inside the top four.’

On Arsenal, who broke their transfer record on Ivory Coast winger Nicolas Pepe last week, Thompson added: ‘I am unsure why Arsenal didn’t go for tried and trusted in Zaha.

‘He knows the Premier League, unlike the £72m Nicolas Pepe, who does not. I don’t know where they are getting that money from.’

Thompson also tipped Sheffield United, Norwich City and Brighton to be relegated from the Premier League this term.

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