Graeme Souness has insisted Liverpool have to be treated as favourites for the Premier League title as they possess a stronger squad than last year.
The Reds have made two huge additions in the last 48 hours, with midfield maestro Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota both arriving at Anfield to bolster their squad.
Heading into the season with only one new recruit in Kostas Tsimikas, there had been suggestions Manchester City could bring the title back to the Etihad Stadium.
However, when discussing the likely runners and riders for the league crown, Souness has insisted that Liverpool are much stronger than last season after their new signings and, as a result, should be titled as favourites.
Souness told Sky Sports: “I think if Liverpool are going to be so consistent, or anywhere near the consistency they’ve shown in the last two years, and City have got to be better, then they’re (Manchester United) not going to get anywhere near winning it.
"I think this year, finishing third and in the Champions League will be a success for them. I like Donny van de Beek, but is he going to make them a team to go from third to challenging throughout? I don’t think so
"If you look at it from a Liverpool angle, if we were sitting here a year ago and thinking we have a strong team, a great chance of winning it this year, we’ve got to say that we’ve got a bigger chance this year with the two signings we’ve made.
"Liverpool are stronger today than they were 12 months ago. They will still be the team to catch.
"I expect City to be more consistent, and not lose and drop points like they did last year. I don’t see how United can get any better than third.
"I would also expect Chelsea to push them all the way.”
