Pep Guardiola believes that Manchester United and Chelsea will be strong contenders for a top-four finish in the Premier League this season, alongside Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
Despite the struggles both clubs faced last season, Guardiola expects them to bounce back and compete at the top level.
Last season, Manchester United had a difficult time, finishing in eighth place—their lowest-ever finish in the Premier League.
There were even rumors that manager Erik ten Hag would be sacked before he managed to beat Guardiola’s Manchester City in the FA Cup final, giving the Red Devils a much-needed boost.
Chelsea also faced challenges last season, missing out on a Champions League spot by finishing sixth.
A late surge in form gave Chelsea fans some hope, but uncertainty returned when the club parted ways with manager Mauricio Pochettino.
With Enzo Maresca now at the helm, Guardiola believes Chelsea still have the quality to compete for a top-four spot.
He praised Maresca and the squad at Stamford Bridge, saying they have the potential to be a strong force this season.
Guardiola also emphasized that Manchester United should not be underestimated.
Despite their ups and downs, United managed to secure a 1-0 victory over Fulham in their Premier League opener, thanks to a late goal from new signing Joshua Zirkzee.
Guardiola is confident that United will be in the mix when it comes to securing a Champions League spot.
Speaking about Manchester City’s goals for the season, Guardiola stated that their first target is always to finish in the top four.
He acknowledged the competition from other teams, including Newcastle, Arsenal, and Liverpool, as well as Tottenham, who have invested in young players and brought in a manager with experience.
Guardiola stressed the importance of staying consistent, noting that if any team drops their level, they could fall out of the race for the top spots. “All the six or seven teams are there. If you drop a little bit, you will be away,” he said.
While Guardiola’s public focus is on securing a top-four finish, the reality is that he is aiming to guide Manchester City to a fifth consecutive Premier League title—a feat that has never been achieved before.
However, some pundits, including former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, believe Arsenal could challenge City for the title this season.
Ferdinand pointed to Arsenal’s signing of Luca Calafiori as a key factor that could make the difference.
The left-back, who played under Thiago Motta at Bologna, is expected to bring balance and stability to Arsenal’s defense, an area that needed strengthening.
Ferdinand suggested that Arsenal’s hunger and the improvements they’ve made could see them edge out City for the title.
As the new Premier League season gets underway, all eyes will be on how these top teams perform and whether they can meet the high expectations set by their managers and fans.
