Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have made their predictions for the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.
After almost missing the game through injury, 37-year-old Jamie Vardy rescued a point for Leicester against Tottenham on Monday to close out the first round of matches of the new campaign.
However, despite failing to hold on to their lead at the King Power Stadium, Carragher insisted Ange Postecoglou’s side have the quality to secure a top-four place this season, having come so close to doing so in the Australian’s first campaign in charge.
The former Liverpool defender backed Arsenal and Liverpool to finish ahead of Spurs in the chasing pack but found no room for Manchester United.
Neville returned the favour shortly after as Liverpool were conspicuous by their absence from his top four.
Jamie Vardy headed in an equaliser to deny Tottenham a winning start to the Premier League
Jamie Carragher says Spurs have what it takes to finish in the top four next season
The former Liverpool defender did not find a place for Manchester United in their predicted top four
The Reds have only missed out on a Champions League place twice in the past decade but Neville claimed the turmoil following Jurgen Klopp’s departure could have serious consequences for Arne Slot’s side this season.
“My view is that Klopp’s impact will be felt based on historical evidence alone,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“That’s it. It’s proof that a manager like that leaves at some point. I think Liverpool will suffer this season and it could cost them dearly.”
Neville went on to insist that while Liverpool have a better forward line than United, Erik ten Hag has the edge when it comes to strength in depth in midfield.
“Liverpool have much better strikers, that’s what they have,” Neville added.
“If I look at the Manchester United midfielders, if I add I think equal coaches, we don’t know how Erik ten Hag and Arne Slot will compete.
‘I think Liverpool, with Endo, Szoboszlai and MacAllister, have done an incredible job to get those three to the level of performance that Jurgen Klopp has.
Neville said Jurgen Klopp’s departure could have big consequences for Liverpool this season
The Reds started with a win on Saturday against Premier League newcomers Ipswich.
But Neville claimed United’s midfield gives them the edge over their bitter rivals this season.
“I really doubt that midfield will last the whole season and if they do again, I take my hat off to them. Well done. Unbelievable. Prove me wrong.
“I think Manchester United have more in midfield. I think they have more depth and good players. Kobbie Mainoo, who is coming into the team now, along with Casemiro, Fernandes, Mason Mount and McTominay.”
Meanwhile, last season, Arsenal again beat Manchester City in the final minute, with Mikel Arteta’s side on the verge of securing their first Premier League title in two decades until the final whistle of the final day.
But in the end it was City who maintained their place at the top of the table, becoming the first club in top-flight history to win four titles in a row.
Both last season’s contenders started their respective campaigns with flying colours this weekend, but Carragher and Neville were split over who will top the table in May.
Carragher backed Pep Guardiola’s side to maintain their dominance, while Neville insisted Arsenal are capable of going all the way.
The two pundits were also divided on who they think will lift the Premier League trophy in May.
Neville claimed this could be the year Arsenal finally break City’s run of dominance
“They are getting better, they are getting closer and I don’t know, I feel like they will make it,” said the former Manchester United star.
“I feel like they will at a certain point. And look, you can never be 100 percent for what Pep Guardiola does. He wins all the time.
“But I feel like Arsenal are getting closer and closer and are so consistent that this could be the year.”
While both pundits have predicted that both Southampton and Leicester are doomed to an instant return to the second tier, Carragher insisted Ipswich have what it takes to survive and has placed Nottingham Forest on the rejection list.
Neville predicted all three promoted sides would suffer relegation this season but warned that if this were to happen for a second successive season it would serve as an indictment of the growing financial disparity between Premier League and Championship clubs.
“My fear is that all three teams will be relegated again,” he said. “Actually, my fear is not that, but that it is becoming more difficult.”
‘The gap between the Championship and the Premier League, I think, is getting bigger.
Both said that promoted teams are in great danger of being relegated again.
‘I also think there’s an element of Championship clubs coming up now who are using it as a fund to rebuild finances, to rebuild the stadium, to use the money, rather than spending it all on the playing squad and still potentially getting relegated in a year or two.
“They’re actually using it as a profit centre to pump money back into the club, which I’m not saying is wrong, but that’s my fear of what could be happening at the moment.”