Jamie Carragher has put Manchester City just ahead of Arsenal in his latest title prediction, but only with a big caveat. He said there is still a month to go in the transfer window, and that he would change his pick if Rodri left for Real Madrid. City finished 2nd in the 2025 Premier League with 78 points, scored 77 league goals and conceded 35, which explains why Carragher still sees them as the strongest bet.

Carragher's City pick

Speaking to metro.co.uk, Carragher said: "I think City. The reason I think City is that I think they were still close last year. I know Pep's gone, I get that. When you've had the same manager for ten years, the flip side of what people will say is that it's hard to come after him. Just something a little bit new, a little bit fresh. I think if Rodri left for Real Madrid then I wouldn't be saying that."

That is a fair position. City were close enough last season to stay in the conversation, and the data behind that finish is solid enough on its own: 2nd place, 77 goals scored, 35 conceded and a +42 goal difference. Rodri is the hinge point in Carragher's thinking because the City call is clearly tied to his availability.

Liverpool and Manchester United are out of the picture

Carragher was blunter about the other two big names. He said: "Right now I don't think Liverpool are equipped to be thinking about a title. I think Liverpool need two defenders and a top right winger to be in the chat or be in the chase. They haven't replaced Mohamed Salah."

He was just as direct on Manchester United: "Manchester United won't win the league." That leaves Liverpool and United outside his title conversation for now, while Arsenal remain the only other club he is willing to put in the frame.

The transfer window still has a month left, which is why Carragher's view is not locked in yet. Manchester City's case is built on what they have already shown, but the Rodri-Ral Madrid question is still there in the background.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →