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Michael Owen has shared his detailed top-six forecast for the forthcoming Premier League season, backing Arsenal to hold on to the title. The former England striker feels the Gunners will come under serious pressure from an improving Liverpool and a Chelsea side strengthened by heavy summer spending.

Owen backs Arsenal to defend their title

Arsenal finally brought their lengthy wait for major silverware to an end last season as Mikel Arteta guided them to a landmark first Premier League title in 22 years. The Gunners have already moved quickly to reinforce the squad ahead of their title defence, completing the headline signing of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United to add quality to their midfield.

Former Liverpool and Manchester United attacker Michael Owen believes Arsenal remain the side everyone has to chase, but he does not expect the title race to be straightforward.

Speaking to Metro, Owen set out his view on the fight at the top of the table. “I think there can be a few title challengers this season,” Owen said. “You look at Arsenal’s points tally and it wasn’t in the nineties so they only have to drop a little and with Chelsea not in Europe, they can mount a challenge.”

New managers could test the Gunners

The Premier League picture has changed considerably over the summer following a number of major managerial appointments. Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola as the successor to departing boss Arne Slot, while Chelsea have turned to Xabi Alonso after a disappointing domestic season.

At the same time, Enzo Maresca has returned to Manchester City in a prominent role. Owen is especially encouraged by the influence the new Spanish coaches could have at their clubs, and he sees Liverpool and Chelsea as the main sides capable of threatening Arsenal’s position at the top this season.

“Last season at Liverpool wasn’t great, the style of play wasn’t as good as it had been and they conceded far too many goals,” Owen said. “But Slot leaving and Iraola replacing him means a new style of play. He brings a lot of excitement from the way he played at Bournemouth, but Liverpool are a much bigger club and the pressure mounts up now.”

Chelsea and Manchester City outlook

Chelsea are the unpredictable element in Owen’s top-six call, particularly because they will not have European football to deal with this season. The Blues have again been busy in the transfer market, and Owen believes Alonso could finally be the coach to bring together a large and costly squad.

“Chelsea have once again spent big in the transfer window, but maybe this time, they have a manager who can control the dressing room and get the best out of the players, for them to play as a team and be consistent,” he said. “It is a big factor not having European football and should give them a chance to perform well during the season.”

Manchester United and Spurs to round off the top six

Further down the standings, Michael Carrick is preparing for his first full campaign as permanent Manchester United manager after stepping in on an interim basis last year. Although the Red Devils are aiming high, Owen feels their return to the Champions League could put too much strain on a squad he currently considers short of what is needed to compete strongly on multiple fronts.

Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, are being backed to finish in the European places under Roberto De Zerbi after an expensive summer of recruitment that has raised expectations in North London.

“I don’t think the squad is there right now,” he said. “They need to add a few more players to cope with the increased demands of all competitions, especially the Champions League. I would think Man Utd are looking to strengthen more and I would be surprised if they didn’t.”