“It’s close” - Alan Shearer makes new Premier League title prediction after assessing Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool 

Alan Shearer has named Manchester City as his favorites to win the Premier League this season ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool. The pundit, however, did acknowledge the Merseyside outfit's chances given their form this term.

Liverpool sit at the summit of the league table as they continue to shine under Arne Slot this campaign. Despite reservations over whether the Dutch boss could fill Jurgen Klopp's shoes, the Reds remain strong challengers for the title.

Manchester City trail by two points in second after their 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth over the weekend. Meanwhile, Arsenal have probably had the worst start to the title race, lagging behind in fifth place with a seven-point gap to the league leaders.

The Gunners suffered a 1-0 loss at the hands of Newcastle United this past gameweek, having previously dropped points against Liverpool, Manchester City, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Bournemouth.

Giving a fresh title prediction after last weekend's fixtures, Shearer said on The Rest is Football podcast (via Football365):

“I would still say the favorites are Man City but it’s close. Liverpool have been much better than I thought they would be. I didn’t think they’d be challenging but they are, there’s no doubt about that. I don’t think they’re going to go away."

“I’ve been disappointed with Arsenal and I tipped them before the season started. You’d still say Man City are just favorites because they’ve been around the block.”

Manchester City will win a record-extending fifth consecutive Premier League should they lift the title this term.

Gary Lineker and Micah Richards' title race predictions involving Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City

Speaking on the aforementioned podcast, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards also weighed in on the title race this season. The pair have agreed with Shearer's prediction, backing the Cityzens to defend their crown once again this term.

Lineker said:

“I think I agree. City have been there, done it four times on the bounce now. You wonder if that will catch up with them at some point because it’s so difficult to keep having that absolute drive that gets them over the line. I would say they’re still favorites. I backed them at the start of the season and I wouldn’t change my mind now."

Praising Liverpool's performances so far under Slot, Lineker added:

“Liverpool are genuine title contenders and I think that’s been a surprise. Following in the enormous shoes of Jurgen Klopp was always going to be difficult but Slot looks like a perfect fit.”

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards added:

“I would still go with Man City just because of what’s happened in the past. I would still say they’re favorites, just.”

Arsenal and Liverpool were involved in a heated three-horse title race last season with the Cityzens. However, Pep Guardiola's side emerged victorious as both sides faltered in the final stretch of the campaign.

Arsenal came close to ending their 20-year drought for a league title in the 2022-23 campaign as well, but experienced a similar fate, finishing second behind City.