With the 2025/26 Premier League season on the horizon, former Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen has shared his confident outlook for the title race. The ex-Reds forward believes Liverpool are clear favourites to retain their crown, backing them with a 70% chance of lifting the trophy once again. He also weighed in on Arsenal’s continued progression and Chelsea’s growing threat — with Manchester City notably slipping in his predicted top four.
Owen Backs Liverpool as Title Favourites Once Again
After a dominant campaign last season under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool reclaimed domestic supremacy with their 20th league title — and with two games to spare. The Reds capitalized on inconsistent spells from both Arsenal and Manchester City, finishing the season 10 points clear at the top.
This summer, Liverpool have emerged as Europe’s biggest spenders in the transfer market, further strengthening a squad that already looked a class above. According to Owen, that combination of quality and momentum makes them overwhelming favourites for another Premier League triumph.
“I think Liverpool are far and away the team with the best chance of winning it.
Owen told The Metro. “I think they’ve got like a 70% chance of winning it. I really fancy them.
Owen pointed out that Liverpool could have stretched their winning margin even further last season had they not eased off in the closing weeks.
Arsenal Still Strong, But Second Best Again?
Despite finishing second for three consecutive seasons, Owen remains a firm believer in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal project. He praised the Gunners’ consistency and resilience, especially considering the injury troubles that plagued key attackers like Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz last season.
Owen highlighted the club’s recruitment of a proven striker this summer as a move that could finally push them closer to a title. However, he still believes Liverpool will edge them once again.
They’re a serious team. Arteta is knocking on the door, and it’s going to bang open soon. Whether it’s this season or not remains to be seen.
Michael Owen
He also dismissed talk of Arteta being under pressure, even if Arsenal face a tricky start to the campaign. For Owen, stability and continued improvement should keep the manager firmly in charge.
Chelsea’s Revival Continues – Ahead of Man City?
Perhaps the most surprising part of Owen’s prediction is Chelsea leapfrogging Manchester City into third place. While Pep Guardiola’s side have been the dominant force in English football for much of the last decade, Owen believes the Blues are rapidly closing the gap.
Reflecting on Chelsea’s late surge into the Champions League spots last season, he noted how the narrative around Enzo Maresca’s job dramatically shifted thanks to a key win against Nottingham Forest on the final day.
Now all of a sudden, in the blink of an eye, [Maresca’s] qualified for the Champions League, and he’s won two trophies. Now the whole picture is different.
Michael Owen
Chelsea went on to lift the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup, and Owen is convinced their youthful squad is on the rise.
Owen’s 2025/26 Premier League Top Four Prediction
Here’s how Michael Owen sees the Premier League table shaping up at the top:
- Liverpool – Champions
- Arsenal – Runners-up
- Chelsea – Continued resurgence
- Manchester City – Slipping slightly, but still top four
