Rio Ferdinand makes U-turn on Premier League title prediction with Liverpool verdict
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Rio Ferdinand has had a change of heart regarding the Premier League title race, now backing Arsenal as Liverpool's main competition, rather than Manchester City.
The Gunners were dealt a blow with a 1-0 loss to title contenders Liverpool prior to the international break, and they'll be keen to return to their winning form when they welcome Nottingham Forest this Saturday.
Arsenal has been big spenders this summer, shelling out a significant outlay on a raft of new signings, including Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke - yet Liverpool is still the bookies' favourites for the title.
Despite strengthening, Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola's management, has had a disappointing start to the season, suffering two losses in the first three matches.
Consequently, City has lost Ferdinand's endorsement as one of the primary challengers, and he now sees Liverpool and Arsenal as the main contenders for the title.
"I think you always have to have respect for the champions, no matter who it is,' Ferdinand told the Daily Mail.
"Champions normally go into the following season as the team to beat, that's inevitable.
"If you look at the way Liverpool has recruited in the summer, it has had the best window by far.
"If it had got Marc Guehi, I think Liverpool would have cleaned up everything, to be honest.
"I think the only team who will be anywhere near Liverpool this season is Arsenal
I think they've had a good window and if [Viktor] Gyokeres comes good, it puts them in a better position.
"I don't think we'll see anyone else