Who Is Most Likely to Challenge Liverpool This Season?
Liverpool begin the 2024-25 Premier League campaign as defending champions, riding high after a dominant season under new manager Arne Slot. With a record-breaking summer transfer window that saw them spend £269 million—including a club-record £100 million swoop for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz—the Reds have made it clear they intend to stay at the summit. However, the Premier League is renowned for its competitiveness, and their rivals have also strengthened. So, who is most likely to challenge Liverpool this season?
Let’s analyze the top contenders ready to test Liverpool’s resolve.
Arsenal: The Relentless Challengers
(2nd last season, 10 points behind Liverpool)
Key Summer Signings:
– Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting, £51m)
– Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad, undisclosed)
– Noni Madueke (Chelsea, loan)
– Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea, loan)
– Christian Norgaard (Brentford, £15m)
Why They’re a Threat to Liverpool:
Arsenal have been building momentum under Mikel Arteta, finishing as runners-up last season. Their summer business has been smart, addressing key weaknesses while adding depth. The acquisition of Viktor Gyokeres provides a clinical finisher capable of breaking tight defenses, while Martin Zubimendi adds composure and control to their midfield.
Arteta has refined Arsenal’s tactical approach, focusing on quick transitions and exploiting Gyokeres’ movement. With the likes of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and William Saliba forming a strong core, the Gunners have the balance to compete with Liverpool over a full season.
Arteta has emphasized that this campaign is pivotal, saying, We’ve come close—now it’s time to take the final step. If Arsenal can maintain their defensive solidity and improve their ruthlessness in front of goal, they could be Liverpool’s toughest competitors.
Manchester City: The Unrelenting Giants
(3rd last season, 13 points behind Liverpool)
Key Summer Signings:
– Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan, £45m)
– Rayan Cherki (Lyon, £30m)
– Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolves, £25m)
– James Trafford (Burnley, £15m)
Why They’re a Threat to Liverpool:
Despite a rare trophyless season, Manchester City remain one of the best teams in Europe. Pep Guardiola’s side has reinforced intelligently, bringing in Tijjani Reijnders for midfield creativity and Rayan Cherki to provide flair alongside Erling Haaland.
City’s last third-place finish back in 2017 was followed by a dominant title-winning season, so underestimating them would be foolish. Guardiola’s tactical flexibility and Haaland’s relentless goal-scoring ability ensure they remain a nightmare for any opponent.
With Kevin De Bruyne fully fit and new signings settling in, Manchester City could quickly reassert themselves as Liverpool’s biggest rivals.
Chelsea: The Young Wildcards
(4th last season, 15 points behind Liverpool)
Key Summer Signings:
– Joao Pedro (Brighton, £50m)
– Liam Delap (Ipswich, £20m)
– Jorrel Hato (Ajax, £15m)
– Jamie Gittens (Borussia Dortmund, £12m)
Why They’re a Threat to Liverpool:
Chelsea’s youthful squad shocked many by winning the Club World Cup last season, and under Enzo Maresca, they are developing into a formidable unit. The additions of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap provide more attacking firepower, while young stars like Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo continue to mature.
If Chelsea can find consistency and avoid injury setbacks, their expensive but talented squad could mount a serious challenge. They might just be the dark horses of this title race.
Newcastle United: The Disruptors
(5th last season, 18 points behind Liverpool)
Key Summer Signings:
– Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest, £25m)
– Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton, loan)
Why They’re a Threat to Liverpool:
Newcastle have proven they can go toe-to-toe with the best, as seen in their Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool last season. While their transfer window has been quieter than expected, Anthony Elanga adds pace and directness, while Aaron Ramsdale brings experience in goal.
With Alexander Isak leading the line, Newcastle can trouble any defense, but their challenge will depend on squad fitness and depth.
The Final Verdict: Who Poses the Biggest Threat?
While Manchester City remain the obvious challengers due to their blend of experience and talent, Arsenal look the most prepared to push Liverpool all the way. Their squad depth, tactical adaptability, and hunger for silverware make them a serious danger.
That said, Chelsea’s young stars could surprise everyone, and City’s squad is too strong to ignore. The Premier League title race is shaping up to be another electrifying battle—Liverpool won’t have it easy.
Who do you think will challenge Liverpool the hardest this season? Let us know your thoughts!
