Jamie Carragher has backed Manchester City to win the Premier League title in Enzo Maresca's first season, while dismissing the chances of Liverpool and Manchester United.
City's New Era Under Maresca
Pep Guardiola ended his ten-year reign at City this summer, with Maresca stepping in at the Etihad. The Italian faces immediate pressure to deliver after two years without a title in Manchester.
City's board has supported Maresca with a club-record £116 million move for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, though he remains their only first-team signing. Experienced players like Bernardo Silva, John Stones, and Nathan Ake have left.
Carragher's Title Prediction
On the Football Ramble podcast, Carragher said: 'Where we are right now, and we know there's still a month to go transfer-wise, I can only see Arsenal or City.' He added, 'I think City. The reason I think City is that I think they were still close last year. I know Pep's gone, I get that.'
Carragher praised Maresca's tactical acumen, noting the problems Chelsea caused Liverpool under Arne Slot. He also highlighted Rodri's importance, saying, 'If Rodri left for Real Madrid then I wouldn't be saying that... What's £40m for City?'
Liverpool's Squad Concerns
Carragher believes Liverpool lack the squad to challenge, needing two central defenders and a top right winger to replace Mohamed Salah. 'Right now I don't think Liverpool are equipped to be thinking about a title,' he said.
He expressed worry over the pursuit of Bradley Barcola, noting the squad already has left-wing options but no right winger. 'They haven't got one player who plays right wing in the squad,' he added, though he trusts the club's transfer approach.
United's Transfer Approach
Carragher ruled out United, despite liking their summer business. 'Manchester United won't win the league,' he said. He praised moves for Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans as 'clever' and not obsessed with big names, calling it 'probably healthy for them.'
Champions League Distraction for Arsenal
Carragher thinks Arsenal might be distracted by the Champions League after their final defeat to PSG. 'I just think City with a new manager would be so invested in the Premier League,' he explained, adding that City have Erling Haaland, who will score 30 goals.
He remains skeptical of Arsenal's attack: 'I still look at them and think that front three shouldn't win the league.'
