Ray Parlour has predicted that both Chelsea and Manchester United will miss out on a place in the top four in the upcoming Premier League season.
The Blues have endured a challenging summer, missing out on a succession of transfer targets. Thomas Tuchel has seen Raphinha and Jules Kounde both join Barcelona, though Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly have arrived at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, Manchester United remain in a state of flux, with Cristiano Ronaldo having made his desire to leave Old Trafford clear. Three arrivals have come in, but a deal for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong is continuing to drag on.
That has seen the two clubs slip behind their rivals for a top four place, with most having made drastic improvements to their squads. Arsenal have added five new players, including Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Mikel Arteta's men now look to be in a stronger place than when they missed out on the top four last term. The team that beat them to the final Champions League place, Tottenham Hotspur, have also been active this summer.
Antonio Conte has brought in Richarlison, Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic and Djed Spence, with a title challenge potentially on the cards. Despite that business, Parlour still believes it will be straight shoot-out between Manchester City and Liverpool for the title.
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"I would go Manchester City to win it. Then Liverpool, definitely. I think Arsenal have to aim for third. That’s going to be their aim. If they can keep everyone fit, one more player coming in, then they have a decent squad," Parlour told talkSPORT.
"So I am going to go third for Arsenal and then Spurs will be good [for fourth]. But I think Chelsea are going to struggle this season. Unless they make some signings, they might make a couple before the window closes and then you might change your mind. However, Spurs have to win a trophy."
Parlour's prediction of a challenging season for Chelsea could also stem from their dreadful pre-season. Tuchel's men suffered a shock defeat to MLS side Charlotte before being hammered 4-0 by Arsenal.
They face Udinese in their final warm-up game on Friday night, before travelling to Everton in their opening Premier League game next Saturday. United meanwhile will take on Atletico Madrid and Rayo Vallecano before their curtain raiser and Brighton, with Ronaldo's future still casting a cloud over the club.
While those two sides may not be looking forward to the new campaign, Arsenal certainly will be. The arrival of Jesus has invigorated Arteta's side following their disappointing end to last season.
They travel to Crystal Palace a week on Friday in the first top-flight game of the new campaign. A day later, Liverpool will travel to Fulham while their title rivals City take on West Ham on Sunday evening.
