Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson is expecting Liverpool to retain the title next season. The Reds finished 18 points ahead of Manchester City after winning 3-1 against Newcastle on the final day.

Speaking ahead of the new campaign, which kicks off on September 12th, Merson predicts that Jurgen Klopp side’s consistency will mean they will finish ahead of City and their other rivals once again:

“I would be surprised if they [Liverpool FC] didn’t go on and do it again next season. Manchester City are a brilliant team, make no mistake and they can blow anyone away on their day. But Liverpool are more consistent.”

“They can win games when they are not playing well and City haven’t been able to do that because their defence hasn’t been as good.”

Merson is a big fan of Frank Lampard and his young Chelsea team so it is a surprise that he doesn’t even mention them in his prediction, along with Manchester United who rallied since the restart to finish third.

However, considering the points gap this season, the difference between Liverpool and the other teams at the top is pretty big, and you would expect Klopp’s side to build on their success.

Of course, there could be extenuating factors, such as injuries and the lack of crowds that could affect performances, but Merson is right to make the Reds the favourites going into the new campaign.