Ex-Liverpool striker Michael Owen is backing his former club to win back-to-back Premier League titles.

The Reds won this season’s championship at a canter, streaking clear of their rivals, and Owen says he can see Arne Slot’s side repeating the feat next campaign, with Arsenal the only team likely to put up much of a fight.

“I can’t see anybody beating Liverpool next year. Manchester City are miles off it. Arsenal are possibly the only challengers for me.”

It’s a bold prediction from Owen. Many expect City, in particular, to be much better than this season – Pep Guardiola’s side are currently 18 points adrift of the champions.

Liverpool need to strengthen to ensure they are in contention

With Trent Alexander-Arnold having formally announced that he will be leaving Anfield on a free transfer, the Merseysiders will have to find a replacement for one of their key playmakers.

There isn’t another right-back on the market like Alexander-Arnold so the club’s recruitment team will need to add creativity in other areas.

Other positions will have to be reinforced too. A new No.9 will be required if Darwin Nunez is sold, while a younger player to succeed the ageing Andy Robertson should also be brought in.

The Reds are the bookies’ favourites to retain their crown

Pretty much every bookmaker agrees with Owen that Slot’s men are the leading contenders to win the title once again.

That is a stark contrast to last year, when many didn’t even make them favourites to finish in the top 4. It really is a testament to the job Slot has done in succeeding Jurgen Klopp.

The Dutchman has managed to negotiate the transition with a minimum of fuss. Of course, with a summer of change ahead, the club will need to make the right decisions in the transfer market in order to ensure they are competing for top spot again next campaign.

Click here to see Liverpool’s first team squad for the 2024/25 season