Darren Bent backs Arsenal to lead Premier League top five this season

Darren Bent has predicted Arsenal will finish first in the Premier League this season, with Liverpool second, Chelsea third, Manchester City fourth and Manchester United fifth. The former England striker’s forecast comes before the league begins on Friday, August 21.

Arsenal enter the campaign as defending champions after securing their first top-flight title in 22 years last season. They finished seven points clear of Manchester City, with five successive victories at the end of the campaign helping them hold off their main challengers.

Bent’s selection places Liverpool as Arsenal’s closest expected rival. Chelsea are third in his order, while City are fourth and United fifth. His forecast therefore keeps all five clubs among the leading teams in the division, but gives Arsenal the advantage over the clubs that challenged them last season.

The title was Arsenal’s first since the 2004 campaign, when Arsène Wenger’s side completed the season unbeaten. Mikel Arteta’s squad has since been strengthened during the summer transfer window, while the other leading contenders have also added to their groups before the new league season.

Bent believes those changes will not prevent Arsenal from retaining their crown. A second consecutive league title would be the club’s first back-to-back success in England’s top division since their previous championship era.

Three of the clubs named by Bent have changed managers. Liverpool have appointed Andoni Iraola, Manchester City have brought in former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, and Chelsea will be led by Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool midfielder and Real Madrid coach. Arsenal and Manchester United are the other two teams in Bent’s predicted top five.