Manchester United legend Roy Keane has made Liverpool the leading contenders for the title this season.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Keane said that he has regularly backed Manchester City in recent years, despite the strong challenge they have faced from Arsenal. However, this season, he feels that injuries to certain players make it more likely that another team will win – with Arne Slot’s side now in the driving seat:
“I’ve never written off Manchester City over the past four or five years – even when Arsenal have been brilliant, I backed City all day. The circumstances are different now, though – Liverpool are doing well off the back off finishing third last year on 82 points.”
“Liverpool haven’t come from anywhere, where you can say they’ll be out of steam by Christmas, but you look at where City are – the injury to Rodri changed it. The worry at City, you look at certain players – Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish, and Kyle Walker off it – that sways it to Liverpool.”
The bookmakers agree with Keane
The Reds’ odds have been shortening by the week at the bookies, with some even pricing them at 11/10 to finish top of the table.
City’s recent poor form has seen them slip back to second favourites, with odds as long as 9/4, while Arsenal have seen their price stretch out to 4/1 at a few betting firms.
Liverpool have some huge fixtures after the international break
After facing relegation strugglers Southampton, Slot’s men host City at Anfield before travelling to face Newcastle and Everton. There is also the small matter of Real Madrid in the Champions League.
To say it could be a season-defining few weeks is an understatement. If they can get through that tough schedule relatively unscathed, they will be strong favourites for the title.
