Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy believes Manchester City won't retain the Premier League title as they'll be so focused on winning the Champions League. But added that he can see Manchester United sneaking a fourth place finish.
Pep Guardiola 's side were almost unstoppable last year, becoming the first side since 2009 to defend the title, as well as becoming the first team to win the domestic treble in England.
Despite their success on English shores, City couldn't better their performances in Europe and were knocked out of the Champions League by Tottenham at the quarter final stage.
There is no doubt that Guardiola and the City hierarchy are desperate to add the European Cup to their trophy cabinet - the one major honour that has eluded them in recent years.
As a result, Murphy feels that Liverpool have the advantage in the title race, as City will be so focused on continental success.
"I think Liverpool will win the league this year," he told Mirror Football . "Only one club had done it three times on the trot and I think Man City will be so Champions League focused.
"So I'm going Liverpool, City and then Tottenham, I think they'll take third."
The former England international feels that City's local rivals Manchester United have strengthened their squad enough during the summer transfer window to make a return to Europe's elite competition.
Murphy added: "I actually think fourth will go to Man United. I think Chelsea will do all right and Frank Lampard is a great appointment.
"But United have gone big in the market and the quality they have in the final third - I mean there is doom and gloom around them, but I think they'll surprise a few."
