Micah Richards has backed Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea to challenge Manchester City in a thrilling title race next season.
Man City will attempt to win a fourth consecutive league title next term, having .
’s side trailed title rivals Arsenal for much of the campaign but took advantage of the Gunners’ wobble to storm to yet another title.
Ex-Man City defender Richards believes his former club will face more competition next season, backing four others teams to mount title challenges.
The 34-year-old expects Arsenal to once again compete at the top of the Premier League and believes Chelsea and Liverpool will make massive improvements following disappointing seasons.
Richards also reckons Manchester United are well-placed for a title charge after Erik ten Hag’s encouraging first season in England.
Speaking on the final day of the season, Richards’ colleague Jamie Carragher was asked who he expects to rival Man City next season and said: ‘I think Manchester United and Liverpool.
‘Liverpool have got a manager who has been there and done it before. There has to be a massive improvement but I think there will be.
‘There’s still players there that have won Champions League and Premier League titles. So I’ll say Liverpool and Man United.’
Richards then said: ‘I think Arsenal as well, I don’t think Arsenal are done. I’m going to bring Arsenal into it as well.’
The former Manchester City and England defender added: ‘I think Chelsea are going to be really good next season under [incoming manager] Mauricio Pochettino.
‘I think they will be in the top-four and maybe challenging for even more with the players they’ve got.
‘They need a striker but if they get that sorted I think Chelsea will be challenging big next season. These players are only going to get better.’
On Liverpool, Richards said: ‘It has been a hugely frustrating season for them but don’t write them off. It’s only going to take a couple of tweaks and the right signings in midfield to restore balance.
‘Also, they have the power of Anfield – I’ll never forget my first game there and feeling so small under those stands – and a brilliant manager.
‘They are going to be right there again next season, believe me.’
Arsenal finished just fifth last season but improved massively to sit top of the table for 248 days during the 2022-23 campaign.
Manchester United started the season poorly but soared up the table to finish third, while winning the League Cup and booking a place in next weekend’s FA Cup final against Man City.
Liverpool enjoyed a productive run-in to almost break into the Champions League places but had to settle for fifth, while Chelsea finished 12th after a dismal run under three different managers.
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