Merson’s Bold Top-Six Call: Arsenal Untouchable, Liverpool Resurgent, City Slipping

Here we go again then — fresh season, fresh predictions, and Paul Merson’s gone all-in. The ex-Arsenal maestro reckons the Gunners are set to go back-to-back, Liverpool will be the closest thing to competition, and Manchester City might just feel the aftershocks of a summer shake-up. Strap in.

Arsenal kick off as champions — and Merson says nobody touches them

Arsenal open their title defence at home to newly promoted Coventry City on Friday night, and Merson’s convinced Mikel Arteta’s men set the pace from the off. With stability in the dugout and a squad that knows how to navigate the grind, he’s calling it: the Gunners look a level above the rest.

City to fourth? Merson sees turbulence post-Guardiola

Now here’s the bombshell. With Pep Guardiola handing the reins to Enzo Maresca and midfield metronome Rodri off to Barcelona, Merson doesn’t fancy City across 38 games. He saw enough in the Community Shield to worry about their balance and believes the champions of habit could spend the year playing catch-up rather than setting the tempo. For a club that’s barely dipped below second in a decade, that’s some call.

United’s uphill climb under Carrick

Michael Carrick’s first full season at Old Trafford starts with plenty of optimism — and a reality check from Merson. Yes, United surged after his January appointment, scooping 39 points from 17 league matches, but Europe changes the equation. Merson questions the depth beyond the XI, wonders who marshals midfield if Bruno Fernandes is sidelined, and isn’t sold that Youri Tielemans alone tips the balance. Progress? Likely. A title tilt? Not yet.

Liverpool: Iraola’s high press, high ceiling

Here’s where Merson gets bullish: Liverpool as the main threat. Andoni Iraola’s blueprint is clear — intensity, front-foot, clever rotations — and if he unlocks Florian Wirtz and gets Alexander Isak humming, Anfield will bounce to a familiar beat. It’s a big ask to leap from last season’s stutters to a sustained charge, but the pieces look tantalising if they click.

Chelsea’s big bet on Xabi Alonso

Todd Boehly’s chequebook has done plenty of laps, and this time the dugout looks the real upgrade. After a hasty Liam Rosenior detour late last season, Chelsea have landed Xabi Alonso — fresh from an invincible Bundesliga triumph with Leverkusen. Merson fancies that, with the spend finally aligned to a top-class tactician, the Blues can muscle their way into third.

Tottenham to rocket up the table

Spurs have gone for the fast lane: Sandro Tonali’s authority, Mateus Fernandes’ spark, and Jan Paul van Hecke’s bite. From flirting with the wrong end of the table last term to a Champions League berth in fifth? It’s ambitious, but with the league’s expanded spots and serious summer investment, Merson sees a surge rather than a stumble.

The verdict — and where to put your money

Merson’s crystal ball has spoken, and he’s not shy about it. Arsenal to retain, Liverpool the runners-up, Chelsea revived, City to wobble, Spurs soaring to fifth, United clinging to sixth. If you’re weighing up outright punts and season specials, check trusted odds guides at best betting sites — but be ready for a season where the old certainties don’t look so certain.

Paul Merson’s 2026/27 Premier League Top Six

1) Arsenal
2) Liverpool
3) Chelsea
4) Manchester City
5) Tottenham
6) Manchester United

So there you have it: champions to stay champions, a resurgent Liverpool on their tail, and the Manchester giants taking their licks. It’s bold, it’s Merson — and it just might be bang on.