Former Reds star tips Liverpool for Premier League title | OneFootball

Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol has tipped his former club to win the Premier League this season, reversing his earlier prediction favouring Arsenal while speaking on ESPN. Nicol’s confidence stems from Liverpool’s strong start under new manager Arne Slot, who has guided the Reds to nine wins in their first 11 league matches. The Merseyside club currently sit at the top of the table, five points ahead of Manchester City and nine clear of Arsenal.Slot’s Liverpool side has set the pace in the title race, entering the final international break of 2024 with a healthy lead over their main rivals.

Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion also trail by nine points, further emphasising Liverpool’s commanding position. However, Nicol acknowledges the long road ahead and the challenges Slot faces in maintaining this momentum against the likes of Pep Guardiola’s City and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.“I’m very confident that Liverpool will win the league,” Nicol said. “If Arsenal lose this weekend and Liverpool win, the gap could be 12 points.

“Do you really think you can give this Liverpool side that kind of lead and still catch up? You can’t afford to stumble against a side this consistent.”Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures could prove pivotal in the title race. They resume their campaign with an away match at Southampton before hosting Real Madrid and Manchester City in crucial Champions League and Premier League games.Trips to Newcastle United and Everton follow, marking a demanding run of games that could test Slot’s squad depth and resolve.Injuries remain a concern, although Diogo Jota, Harvey Elliott and Alisson Becker are expected to return to full fitness, boosting the team’s options. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s availability is uncertain as he races to recover from a hamstring injury sustained against Aston Villa.