Ray Parlour makes Premier League title prediction involving Manchester City and Arsenal
Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has tipped Arsenal to win the Premier League, while admitting that Manchester City would be the bookmakers' favourites for another title. The Gunners haven't won the league since 2004.
Mikel Arteta's side pushed the Cityzens close last season, eventually falling short by two points on the final day of the campaign. While winning their final game, the Gunners needed Pep Guardiola's side to drop points against West Ham United.
While they kept their side of the bargain, City saw off the Hammers to create Premier League history, becoming the first side in English top-flight history to win four straight titles and six times in seven years.
With the 2024-25 season set to get underway on August 16, Parlour offered his early prediction for the title race, saying on talkSPORT (via TBR):
“It’s got to be Man City (favourites for the title), but I think Arsenal have got an excellent chance to win it.
“The bookmakers don’t get it wrong too often, and they will have Man City as favourites to win and win five in a row. But I am going to go with Arsenal to win it, but they will not be favourites at the start of the season.”
It's pertinent to note that Arteta's side have finished runner-up to City in successive seasons as they look to snap their Premier League title drought spanning two decades.
What's next for Premier League contenders Arsenal and Manchester City?
While Arsenal have one more game to go in their pre-season, Manchester City are done with theirs. The Gunners take on Olympique Lyon at the Emirates in their final pre-season friendly on Sunday (August 11).
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola's City open their 2024-25 campaign with an FA Community Shield clash with Manchester United at the Wembley in London on Saturday (August 10). City lost 2-1 to United in last season's FA Cup final, thwarting their bid to become the first English team to win consecutive domestic doubles.
Seven days later, City open their bid for an unprecedented fifth straight Premier League title when they visit Chelsea, having beaten Enzo Maresca's side 4-2 in pre-season earlier this month at the Ohio Stadium in Columbus.
Meanwhile, the Gunners open their bid for a first Premier League title in 21 years when they entertain Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates on August 17, a day before Manchester City travel to Stamford Bridge.