Ex Arsenal Star Names 4 EPL Clubs That Could Win the League Next Season
- Paul Merson believes the 2021/22 Premier League edition could be one of the tightest in recent memory
- The former Arsenal star backed Chelsea, Man United, City and Liverpool all to go head-to-head for the title
- Merson, however, suggested the Blues need to sign a prolific goalscorer to stand the best chance while United should add a midfielder within their ranks
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Arsenal legend Paul Merson has named four teams he believes stand the best chance to win the Premier League next season. Last term, Man City emerged champs after beating rivals Man United to the title by 12 points.
The Pep Guardiola-tutored side ended the campaign with 86 points to storm to victory, with Liverpool, who had won the title the previous season finishing third with 69 points.
Merson now contends next season will be a closely contested affair, describing it as a four-way battle.
The former England international noted City, United, Chelsea and Liverpool all stand an equal chance to cart home the domestic title.
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"As we edge closer to the 2021-22 edition of the Premier League, I strongly believe this could be one of the tightest ones in recent memory," Merson told Sportskeeda.
"Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea can all win the title – that’s a four-way battle for the Premier League crown and I don’t expect any of them to run away with it by a margin of double-digit points," he added.
However, according to the 53-year-old, the Blues will have to sign a prolific goalscorer to stand the best chance.
The former attacking midfielder argued the Thomas Tuchel-tutored outfit will have to find a replacement for Timo Werner following the German's struggles in front of goal last season.
"In my opinion, Chelsea need a forward. I don’t know what the deal is with Erling Haaland, but they need someone who can score 20 Premier League goals a season," he said.
As for Man United, Merson believes they need to bolster their midfield as the signing of Jadon Sancho is not enough.
The 2021/22 Premier League season is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, August 14.
Yerry Mina says that there's no bad blood between him and Lionel Messi
Earlier, Briefly News reported Yerry Mina has stated that he holds no grudge with Lionel Messi after the Argentine seemed to have taunted during the Copa America semi-final game against Colombia.
The Albicelste defeated Colombia on penalties after both sides played a 1-1 during regulation time and went on to shoot-outs. Everton star Mina lost his spot-kick and Messi appeared to have repeatedly shouted 'dance now' as his teammates celebrated the save made by Emiliano Martinez.
In Colombia's quarter-final clash with Uruguay, Mina sucked his thumb after scoring his spot-kick which is believed to have been the reason Messi was taunting the centre-back.
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Source: Briefly News
Kelly Lippke (Senior Editor) Kelly Lippke is a copy editor/proofreader who started her career at the Northern-Natal Courier with a BA in Communication Science/Psychology (Unisa, 2007). Kelly has worked for several Caxton publications, including the Highway Mail and Northglen News. Kelly’s unique editing perspective stems from an additional major in Linguistics. Kelly joined Briefly News in 2018 and she has 14 years of experience. Kelly has also passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative. You can reach her at kelly.lippke@briefly.co.za.
Thando Mpembe Thando Mpembe is a sports journalist who has a passion for all things entertainment. In her spare time, Thando enjoys reading and spending time with family. She is an advocate for mental health and believes that a healthy body starts with a healthy mind. Thando holds an Honours Degree in Journalism from the University of Johannesburg. Her favourite quote is "Gentle reminder - you are not for everyone and that is a blessing". Email: thando.mpembe@briefly.co.za