Arsenal are hoping to push on from a hat-trick of second place finishes to win the title this season, but a Premier League legend does not see it happening.
The Gunners have been consistent over the last three campaigns but have fallen short in their title challenges, twice to Manchester City and last season to Liverpool.
They have made big moves in the transfer market this summer, with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke arriving as they hope to make that final leap to glory.
Former Liverpool and Manchester City goalkeeper David James does not think they will manage that this season, in fact, he expects them to go the other way.
The 53-cap England international fancies both Chelsea and Man City to improve on last season, with the Gunners dropping down to a disappointing fourth-place finish.
Your ultimate guide to the football season
In The Mixer: Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk sent straight to your inbox every week – sign up, it’s an open goal.
‘This season will be unique in so many ways because of the Club World Cup,’ James said at the launch of Final One Standing by William Hill.
‘That tournament allowed Chelsea – and to a lesser extent Manchester City – an opportunity to get their summer signings integrated into the team in competitive fixtures. That would suggest those two teams come into the first game of the season in a strong position, with somewhat of a head-start compared to their rivals.
‘Looking at Liverpool’s pre-season, their new signings such as Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike look very good. If Arne Slot has learned from last season and continues to improve not only the players he inherited but the talent they’ve signed and can find a good chemistry in the squad, then they should make a flying start to the season.
‘There will inevitably be a lot of expectation but Liverpool are better than their rivals and even if they do not make a spectacular start, they have a great chance to win the Premier League again – the title is theirs to lose.
‘I can see Man City finishing second, Chelsea third and Arsenal falling back to fourth.’
Premier League title odds
Liverpool 13/8
Arsenal 9/4
Man City 10/3
Chelsea 8/1
Man Utd 22/1
Newcastle 50/1
Tottenham 50/1
Aston Villa 80/1
Nottm Forest 200/1
Brighton 200/1
Crystal Palace 300/1
Bournemouth 300/1
Everton 300/1
Fulham 500/1
Leeds 500/1
West Ham 500/1
Wolves 500/1
Brentford 500/1
Burnley 1000/1
Sunderland 1000/1
Odds courtesy of Betfair
The bookmakers agree with James that Liverpool are favourites for the title, although don’t see the Gunners falling behind City and Chelsea.
Arsenal are second favourites to win the Premier League behind the defending champions, followed by Manchester City, Chelsea and then a substantial jump in the odds to Manchester United.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was asked last month about his team’s title chances and suggested that as many as nine teams could challenge for the top prize.
‘Every year we have to see how things develop but I see the right balance in terms of maturity, experience, youth, hunger and all these ingredients are there,’ he said.
‘The thing is there are another six, seven, eight clubs in the league that have the right ingredients to win and there is only going to be one winner. So we have to focus a lot on the things that we can control, that we can do, to achieve what we want at the end of the season.’
Title favourites Liverpool were beaten on penalties by Crystal Palace after a 2-2 draw in the Community Shield on Sunday, with boss Arne Slot admitting his defence is a bit of a concern after conceding regularly in pre-season friendlies as well.
‘It’s a bit mixed feelings. If you look at our attacking play against a team who is so compact, it is maybe a bit better than last season,’ Slot told TNT Sports.
‘But on the other hand we conceded two goals, which we did against Bilbao and two more against Milan and that’s something we need to do better.
‘I think we are able to create more now but we are conceding more at the moment and if you want to compete to win the league, one of the things is not to concede chances, let alone goals.’