04 April 2024 , 07:51
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Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester City will win the Premier League this season, but both Martin Keown and Joleon Lescott are backing Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp's side received a major boost last weekend when they beat Brighton 2-1 while title rivals City and Arsenal played out a 0-0 draw. City and Arsenal have since picked up an additional three points with wins over Aston Villa and Luton respectively, leaving just one point now separating the three sides ahead of Liverpool's clash with Sheffield United this evening.
And Ferdinand reckons City have the easiest run of remaining games this season and that their experience in previous title races could prove crucial. "On paper, I think Man City have got the easier run-in," he told TNT Sports.
"The experience is going to play a big part. I think Liverpool and those three away games at Fulham, Everton and West Ham are difficult. I think Arsenal have the toughest run-in. I've said Man City from the beginning of the season and I continue to say it now."
However, former Arsenal defender Keown feels Liverpool are now the "firm favourites" and that their upcoming game against Manchester United on Sunday could be key. "It's wide open between now and the end of the season," he said.
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"Liverpool have the points; they look favourites. But Arsenal have to get the job done. City, we know, are quite magnificent. They're born winners in that group and their manager is a serial winner.
"The difference this year is that they can win every game, but it doesn't mean that they're going to be champions. Liverpool have the points. I think they look better but all three of them have got to play Spurs.
Martin Keown and Joleon Lescott are backing Liverpool to win the league (Getty Images)"I'd be going into their game against Manchester United saying 'If we can beat Man United, who finished our season in the FA Cup, we can be Premier League champions.' It's that big. I definitely feel that [it could be the turning point].
"It's quite a tough game; they want payback. There's lots of motivation for many reasons. Liverpool being two points ahead of Arsenal makes them firm favourites." Former City star Lescott is also backing Liverpool to "get the job done", stating: "In a sense, it's gone into Liverpool's hands [after the weekend results].
"For them to have to lose a game now, not just drop points from a City perspective, I don't see that. I think they have a slightly tougher run-in potentially, but I think they get the job done because they've been in a position similar to this before. You don't want Man City chasing you obviously, but overall I believe - and it pains me to say it - Liverpool get the job done."
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