Liverpool icon John Barnes has dismissed the prospect of a title charge in Andoni Iraola's debut season, instead predicting the Reds will battle for a top-five finish.
The new Premier League campaign begins with champions Arsenal hosting newly-promoted Coventry City on Friday, August 21. Liverpool's opener sees them face Newcastle United on August 23, marking Iraola's first competitive game in charge.
Iraola's appointment as Arne Slot's replacement signals a return to a high-pressing, aggressive style reminiscent of Jurgen Klopp's tenure. However, Barnes believes this alone won't be enough to challenge Arsenal and Manchester City.
Barnes Predicts Top Five Finish
Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, via 247Bet, the 62-year-old predicted: "I think Arsenal and Man City will be the two favourites.
"Then it'll be Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, so I think that will be the top five. It'd be great if Liverpool can actually win or finish second, but I think in this transitional moment, I will not be too disappointed if we finish third in Iraola's first year."
Barnes drew parallels with Mikel Arteta's early struggles at Arsenal, suggesting patience may be required before Iraola can deliver silverware.
Patience Needed
Barnes explained: "Mikel Arteta finished 8th, 8th and 5th before he won the league, and they stuck with him and supported him and look what happened. So are we going to say, if you finish 3rd or 4th, we're going to sack the manager because we didn't finish first. I think that's how we have to look at it."
Liverpool aim to bounce back from a fifth-placed finish last season, while Manchester United look to progress under Michael Carrick after a third-place finish. Chelsea, now managed by Xabi Alonso, finished 10th in the 25/26 season and will play without European football.
