Former England defender Joleon Lescott has dismissed Liverpool's chances of clinching the Premier League title this season, instead backing Manchester City to take the crown.

The 42 year old is confident that his former club will rebound from a disappointing Premier League and Champions League campaign under Pep Guardiola's leadership, suggesting they have gained from the mental respite provided by last season.

Guardiola has been busy in the transfer market, securing the services of players such as James Trafford, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Sverre Nypan.

Manchester City achieved an unparalleled four consecutive Premier League titles between 2021 and 2024, but failed to maintain their momentum, ending the 2025 season without any silverware.

Arne Slot insists Liverpool can cope with being hunted as Reds hope their £250m summer spending spree will help defend Premier League title	Arne Slot says one thing isn't 'talked about enough' when it comes to Liverpool transfers	Joleon Lescott explains why Liverpool won't win title and makes bold Premier League prediction

Speaking at the launch of the new Topps Premier League 2025-26 trading card collection, the former defender said: "Regardless of how last season panned out, they are definitely going to be one of the favourites.

Lescott was speaking at the new Topps Premier League 2026 trading card launch in London, which features players from all 20 clubs in the league in their 2025/26 kits at the Fanatics flagship store on Thursday.

He was joined by other legends such as Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand to celebrate the new stand-alone range that features legends and current stars, with an extensive parallel programme and more autographs than ever before.

The showcase of Premier League talent among the collectibles also gave Lescott reason to be excited about his former club as he enthused over City's signing of 21 year old Cherki

Lescott was speaking at the new Topps Premier League 2026 trading card launch in London, where Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard were also in attendance

"But again, we can't get carried away and make judgements too soon, whether it's good or bad, there needs to be a bedding-in period."

Despite the buzz, Lescott also warned about setting high expectations for the young player who transferred from Lyon this summer.

"It's a big change for him, coming from the French league, it's going to be a different demand, physically, mentally, and also a tension
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