Sports News of Friday, 9 August 2019

Source: dailypost.ng

EPL: Phil Thompson names club to win Premier League title, finish top-four this season -

Liverpool legend, Phil Thompson has backed Jurgen Klopp’s men to finally get their hands on the Premier League title this season.

He also predicted Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea to finish in the Premier League top-four this term.

Liverpool narrowly missed out on the Premier League title to Man City last season despite amassing 97 points, but Thompson believes this season is meant for the UEFA Champions League winners to win it ahead of Pep Guardiola’s side.

“I think it is Liverpool’s year. This time last year when I got asked the same question, I went with Manchester City but predicted Liverpool would be a lot closer,” Thompson told Sky Sports.

“I said if they didn’t win it last year, they would this year, and I won’t change my mind on that. The likes of David Silva and Fernandinho are getting older, while the injuries pile up.

“It is a good opportunity for Liverpool, so they will win the league. I think Man City will still have a good season and come second, with Tottenham in third and Chelsea earning fourth spot.”

Thompson added: “I think Frank Lampard will get the honeymoon period out of the team and players.

“There was something that needed to happen in order to unite Chelsea and it may be a bit too early for Lampard but needs must, and there is still a great group of players to work with here.

“The transfer embargo will impact upon them, as will the departure of Eden Hazard, but for the first time in a while he will bring the fans, players and whole club together.

“These players have proved, with more experienced managers than Lampard that they can make it very difficult for the manager.

“There are still problems at Manchester United. Even if Harry Maguire has half the impact that Virgil van Dijk did at Liverpool then they will do well.

“I think they needed someone up front. Romelu Lukaku has left so they could have done with another forward.”