"I say that with a laugh" - Gary Neville predicts Premier League top 4 with Liverpool missing out

Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes Liverpool will miss out on the top four in the 2024-25 Premier League season. He shared his prediction, backing his former side to improve massively and make it into the top four.

Liverpool finished third in the Premier League last season, nine points behind champions Manchester City and seven behind Arsenal. They finished 14 points above fourth-placed Aston Villa and a massive 22 points above eighth-placed Manchester United. It was the Red Devils' worst-ever finish in the league.

However, Gary Neville believes his former side will show massive improvement this season. He also backed Arsenal to finally get their hands on the title after two failed attempts in the last two seasons. Predicting the Premier League 2024-25 top four, Neville said (via TBR Football):

“I’ve gone for Arsenal. Like I did last year as well. Thinking they’re going to go that one step further and they’re getting closer every time. This could be their year.

“Manchester City second, Manchester United third, although I say that with a laugh, Tottenham fourth. I mean, Manchester United the season before had a good season. The last one was a disaster. I do think they’ll improve enormously.”

Tottenham Hotspur finished fifth last season, missing out on the top four by two points.

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Arne Slot on Liverpool's first game of the 2024-25 season

The Merseysiders are set to begin their new era under Arne Slot on Saturday, August 17. They will face newly promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road to commence their 2024-25 Premier League season.

In a pre-match press conference, Arne Slot was asked about his thoughts ahead of their first meaningful game. He answered (via Liverpoolfc.com):

"For me the games in pre-season meant something as well; although you don’t get points for it, but I think it’s important to prepare the team for the Premier League.

"Now we’re excited to start the season against a promoted team that did really, really well in the last few years under their manager. It’s interesting to see what’s going to happen tomorrow."

Liverpool had an excellent pre-season under Arne Slot as they won four out of five games, drawing the other. They beat Real Betis, Arsenal, and Manchester United on their US tour before beating Sevilla 4-1 at Anfield. They then played out a goalless draw against Las Palmas at home in their final friendly.

Notably, Liverpool remain the only club in Europe's top five leagues to have not made a signing this summer so far.