4 hours ago
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Rio Ferdinand has had a change of heart regarding the Premier League title race, now backing Arsenal as Liverpool's main competition, rather than Manchester City.
The Gunners were dealt a blow with a 1-0 loss to title contenders Liverpool prior to the international break, and they'll be keen to return to their winning form when they welcome Nottingham Forest this Saturday.
Arsenal has been big spenders this summer, shelling out a significant outlay on a raft of new signings, including Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke - yet Liverpool is still the bookies' favourites for the title. Liverpool has not been shy in the transfer market, spending big on players such as Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, bolstering an already impressive squad.
Despite strengthening, Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola's management, has had a disappointing start to the season, suffering two losses in the first three matches.
Consequently, City has lost Ferdinand's endorsement as one of the primary challengers, and he now sees Liverpool and Arsenal as the main contenders for the title.
"I think you always have to have respect for the champions, no matter who it is,' Ferdinand told the Daily Mail. "Champions normally go into the following season as the team to beat, that's inevitable.
"If you look at the way Liverpool has recruited in the summer, it has had the best window by far. The intentions were pure and clean and transparent from the get-go, and managed to execute everything apart from Marc Guehi.
"If it had got Marc Guehi, I think Liverpool would have cleaned up everything, to be honest.
"I think the only team who will be anywhere near Liverpool this season is Arsenal. They've got a great squad, real good depth with who they've bought. I think they've had a good window and if [Viktor] Gyokeres comes good, it puts them in a better position.
"I don't think we'll see anyone else. Anyone you think might be a surprise, a Newcastle or a Chelsea, I think European football hinders them a little bit in that respect. Just the demands it puts on the squad."
Arsenal will encounter a Nottingham Forest outfit that is gearing up for its maiden fixture under new manager Ange Postecoglou after Nuno Espirito Santo's dismissal.
The Gunners have secured two victories from their opening three matches, netting six goals whilst conceding merely once thus far.
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