14 August 2023 , 22:12
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Gary Neville reiterated his belief that Arsenal will pip Manchester City to the Premier League title - although Jamie Carragher is backing the champions to retain their crown.
Last season's top two both started the new season with a win as City saw off newly-promoted Burnley while Arsenal edged out Nottingham Forest at the Emirates.
Arsenal had led the way for large points of last season but fell short in the final few months as City pulled clear before going on to win a historic Treble.
But Neville believes Mikel Arteta's side could go all the way this season and end their long wait for the title
Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, Neville said: "I’m banking on three things for Arsenal. Post-treble, a little bit of a *sigh*. Although there was no sign of that against Burnley. More competitions this season, they don’t have the biggest squad.
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"And Haaland getting injured, if he does miss 12-13 games, that could give Arsenal an advantage especially with the likes of Declan Rice now there. Havertz, Timber and Rice do improve them enormously - but losing Timber will be a big blow."
His fellow pundits Carragher and Karen Carney insisted City can make it four in a row come May. Carragher added: "I just look at Pep Guardiola and he’s been a manager for about 15 years - I’m not sure if he’s ever had an off-season where his team hasn’t scored 90-odd points.
"I don’t see them dropping off, I think someone has to get up to their level. If they get back to their normal selves, it’s probably another five or six points above what they got last year."
Bukayo Saka celebrates his goal on the opening day (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)The pundits all agreed on the top four although there was some split on the order, while Neville suggested Aston Villa will pip Newcastle to a European spot despite being thrashed by them on Saturday.
He added: "Newcastle were amazing over the weekend and they could be the type of teams that could catch the Champions League clubs off guard. But I think it could consume them so much after not being in it for so long so for me, it could distract them."
MNF predictions
Jamie Carragher
Champions - Man City
Top four - Arsenal, Man Utd, Liverpool
European places - Chelsea, Newcastle
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Relegated - Sheffield Utd, Luton, Burnley
Gary Neville
Champions - Arsenal
Top four - Man City, Man Utd, Liverpool
European places - Chelsea, Aston Villa
Relegated - Sheffield Utd, Luton, Bournemouth
Karen Carney
Champions - Man City
Top four - Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd
European places - Chelsea, Newcastle
Relegated - Sheffield Utd, Luton, Burnley