Former Star's Premier League Forecast
Louis Saha, the former Manchester United and Premier League striker, has shared his prediction for the final top-four standings as the English top flight resumes this weekend. In an interview with OLBG, Saha analysed the current title race and the battle for European qualification, offering a fascinating insight into how the table might look at the season's climax.
Arsenal currently lead the table by four points and face a crucial north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday. Meanwhile, second-placed Manchester City, fresh from a 3-0 victory over Liverpool, travel to face Newcastle United. Chelsea, sitting in third, have an away fixture at Burnley, while the defending champions, Liverpool, will be desperate for a win at home against Nottingham Forest.
Saha's Analysis of the Contenders
When pressed for his top-four prediction, Saha admitted his personal bias but acknowledged Arsenal's strength. 'I’m not a big supporter of Arsenal winning it so I don’t know. It’s a tough one,' Saha confessed. 'I will say that, yes, when you look at it now, Arsenal are definitely better equipped and they will get better.'
He did, however, sound a note of caution for the league leaders, suggesting that while a drop-off seems unlikely now, it remains a potential threat for any team that starts strongly. Saha also highlighted Chelsea's young squad as a potential surprise package. 'You still feel like Chelsea with all those youngsters getting more experience and confidence will get there. Who knows? They could surprise us and have a big run and come second.'
He was unequivocal about the perennial challengers, stating, 'You always think Man City, wherever they are, and Liverpool, they will be there.' For his former club, Manchester United, Saha expressed hope rather than expectation for a top-four finish, targeting a return to European football. 'I hope, this is the target, that Man United are going to be there to get into Europe.'
Louis Saha's predicted top-six is:
- Arsenal
- Chelsea
- Manchester City
- Liverpool
- Manchester United
- Tottenham
He concluded on United's prospects, 'Could they be title contenders? I don’t think so but I can see them finishing in the top-five.'
Ratcliffe's Backing 'Completely Changed' United's Season
In a separate development that underpins Saha's optimism for United, manager Ruben Amorim has revealed how public support from co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in October 'completely changed' the mood around Old Trafford. Amorim's position had looked precarious after a dismal start to the season, which included four losses in the first seven games and an embarrassing Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby Town.
The pressure was immense, and it was reported that a home defeat to Sunderland during the October international break could have cost Amorim his job. However, a 2-0 victory provided some respite. This was followed by a four-match unbeaten run, which featured a rare win at Anfield against Liverpool and a thumping victory over Brighton, propelling United back into Champions League contention.
Amorim believes the turning point was an interview Ratcliffe gave to The Times in early October, where the INEOS chief stated it could take the manager three years to make his desired impact. 'If you remember when Jim gave the interview, it settled down a lot around the club,' Amorim told Stan Sport. 'The noise around the club changed completely and that was really important for the team and it’s really important for the team and me. It had a huge impact... on the way people see what we are doing. So it was massive for us.'
While Amorim insisted he was not personally worried about being sacked, he acknowledged the significance of Ratcliffe's backing for the fans and the wider club environment. 'It’s always really important – but it’s more important for the fans to understand we have a clear path and we are going to continue to follow it,' he added.
Reflecting on his turbulent first year in charge, which culminates on the day of United's upcoming match against Everton, Amorim said, 'It’s been a journey, I’ve learned a lot... I think I’m a better manager now and I’m ready for the future and the present. A really tough journey but I see it was necessary and we are in a better place because of it.' United could potentially climb to third in the table if results go their way this weekend.
