With the Premier League season set to resume, football's leading voices are once again divided over which clubs will secure Champions League qualification, in what promises to be another fiercely contested campaign.
This season carries added intrigue as a host of major clubs enter a period of transition. Manchester City face life without long-time boss Pep Guardiola, while Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham have all appointed new managers in Xabi Alonso, Arne Slot's successor Iraola, and Roberto De Zerbi respectively. Manchester United, meanwhile, have placed their faith in Michael Carrick. Notably, both Chelsea and Tottenham will be without European football this term, a factor several pundits believe could work heavily in their favour.
Jamie Carragher believes the absence of continental fixtures gives both London clubs a genuine chance to climb back into the top four. Speaking on The Overlap, the former Liverpool defender pointed to the upheaval facing their rivals as a key opening. "There's a real opportunity for Spurs and Chelsea, without European football next season, to make a real fist of it," he said, citing United's increased European commitments, Iraola's arrival at Liverpool, and Aston Villa's loss of key players under Unai Emery as reasons for optimism.
Ian Wright echoed similar sentiments regarding Chelsea, telling Metro that a strong start under Alonso could see the Blues mount a serious challenge, provided they tighten up defensively. Wright also flagged Nottingham Forest, now managed by Oliver Glasner, as a team worth monitoring, while acknowledging City's transition following the departures of Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Rodri and Guardiola himself. Despite the upheaval, Wright noted that having Erling Haaland in the squad would carry City a long way regardless.
Former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero suggested Aston Villa could once again disrupt the traditional hierarchy under Emery, while highlighting that reduced fixture congestion should benefit Chelsea. "Chelsea will be playing in fewer competitions and that will work in their favour in the Premier League. There will be less physical strain and fewer rotations," he told Stake, while also praising Arsenal as deserving champions.
Chelsea legend Claude Makelele was more cautious about his former club's prospects, acknowledging the difficulty of managing in London but expressing hope for Alonso's project. He named Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Liverpool as likely top contenders, while suggesting a surprise package could emerge, as has happened in each of the past five seasons.
Didi Hamann was more direct in tipping Chelsea to shock rivals this term, again citing their lack of European distractions. He placed Arsenal as clear favourites, with City, Liverpool, United and Villa jostling for the remaining places, but singled out Chelsea as the team most capable of surprising everyone.
Emmanuel Petit offered a more specific top four, naming Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United as his picks, while expressing doubts over both Aston Villa's ability to repeat last season's finish and Liverpool's prospects. He suggested United's growing confidence under Carrick could see them edge out Liverpool for the final Champions League spot.
Not everyone shares such optimism for Tottenham, however. Alan Hutton, speaking to BOYLE Sports, cautioned that despite a productive transfer window, a leap from consecutive 17th-placed finishes to the top four remains a significant ask. Still, he credited De Zerbi's appointment and suggested a top-six finish, or perhaps better, would represent a positive campaign for Spurs.
With so many clubs undergoing managerial change and squad rebuilding, this season's race for Champions League qualification appears more unpredictable than ever.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport.