World Cup winner names surprise favourite to win the Premier League ahead of Liverpool
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Liverpool manager Arne SlotMarco Materazzi, Italy’s 2006 World Cup hero, has made a bold prediction for the season — tipping Chelsea as surprise favourites to edge Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
The ex-Inter defender shared his thoughts with FUTBIN, where he not only praised Chelsea’s resurgence but also suggested Liverpool could turn their focus toward lifting the Champions League trophy.
The former Inter defender said:
“Liverpool probably will focus on the Champions League because last season they lost on penalties and found Donnarumma in incredible form.
They’re now in a good position to win the Champions League.”
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While the comments may raise eyebrows, both Chelsea and Liverpool’s recent records highlight why Materazzi sees them as frontrunners
Speaking about the race for the English crown, Materazzi said:
“Chelsea or Liverpool will win the Premier League.
The Blues finished 4th in the 2024/25 Premier League season with 69 points (20 wins, 9 draws, 9 defeats).
Their revival was led by Cole Palmer, who scored 15 league goals and established himself as their top attacking threat.
For comparison, Liverpool secured the Premier League title last season with a commanding 84 points (25 wins, 9 draws, 4 losses).
At Anfield, the Reds proved near unbeatable, recording 14 home wins out of 19 matches, with just a single home defeat.
These numbers underline the gulf that still exists between the two clubs, yet Materazzi believes Chelsea’s big-game pedigree – highlighted by their Club World Cup triumph – puts them in position to mount an even bigger domestic challenge.
Liverpool, however, enter this season as far more established contenders than Chelsea.