Fresh from reclaiming the Premier League crown, Liverpool begin the 2025-26 season with sky-high expectations.
Some pundits are confident that Arne Slot’s squad has the strength, depth, and summer signings to defend their title, though the challenge in the league remains fierce.
Here’s how the experts are tipping Liverpool this season.
Alan Shearer – 1st
Former England striker Alan Shearer believes Liverpool are well-placed to retain their crown, praising the club’s transfer business.
Writing in his Betfair column, Shearer wrote:
“Liverpool have been very, very strong in the transfer market, and they’ll be very strong again next season. Their business has been incredible, and whether they can do any more remains to be seen.”
Gary Lineker – 1st
Gary Lineker praised Liverpool’s “remarkable” summer signings and believes the squad can cope with key departures.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker said:
“Liverpool, blimey. What a window they’ve had. Mo Salah had a remarkable season, 29 goals. This is who they’ve brought in: Jeremie Frimpong for £29m, Florian Wirtz for £100m, Milos Kerkez for £40m, and Hugo Ekitike. We’ve lost Diaz and Trent, big loss. I think they’ll miss Trent because of his creativity, but Frimpong and Kerkez are strong additions. I think they’re going to win it again.”
Adrian Kajumba – 1st
Among a panel of six Premier League.com writers, only Adrian Kajumba expects Liverpool to defend their crown.
He wrote:
“From an already strong position as champions, Liverpool have only improved further with impressive, big-money summer buys such as Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong. With more arrivals potentially to follow, they are the team to beat again.”
Joe Cole – 1st
Former England international Joe Cole believes Liverpool are the most obvious title favourites in a decade.
On The Breakdown: Premier League Season Preview Special (TNT Sports), Cole said:
“I think they are probably the most clear favourites to win the league than we’ve seen in the last 10 years. The best have got better again, and they’ve raised the bar.”
Micah Richards – 1st
Micah Richards singled out Florian Wirtz as a key signing for Liverpool’s title defence.
On The Rest Is Football podcast, Richards said:
“With Liverpool, I have to go with Liverpool bringing in Verts. People don’t understand how good this player is. He’s been good in pre-season as well.
Around the box, it’s little one-touch, two-touch, cute passes around the corner. I just think they’re going to be unstoppable at times if he gets up to speed straight away in the Premier League… I think he’s got all the tools to unlock all the doors.”
Robbie Fowler – 1st
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler believes the squad has improved offensively but acknowledges challenges.
On the talkSPORT BET Kick Off Preview Show, Fowler said:
“I think when you look at Liverpool last year, the Premier League champions absolutely deserved. I don’t think this year it’s going to be a foregone conclusion. I think they’ll have to work hard for it.
The players they’ve signed, I think, are going to make the team a little bit better, certainly from an offensive point of view. I have a few worries if I’m being honest, but as the season comes on, I think they’ll work it out. I think Arne Slot’s a great manager, I think he’ll bring out the best in this team.”
Ally McCoist – 1st
Ally McCoist echoed Fowler’s optimism, highlighting Slot’s management and last season’s style.
On the talkSPORT BET Kick Off Preview Show, McCoist said:
“I think Arne Slot’s been a breath of fresh air. And you’re right, I’ve gone for Liverpool as well. I thought it was fantastic last year, lovely and consistent. The style was brilliant. And I like the signings — I love the signings.”
Liverpool icons Steven Gerrard, Jermain Defoe, and Rio Ferdinand all tipped the Reds to win the Premier League again, joining Theo Walcott and other former players in showing widespread faith in Slot’s squad.
Liverpool head into the 2025-26 season as favourites, armed with new signings, a proven manager, and a squad that has already tasted success. The challenge will be tough, but experts and former players alike believe the Reds have what it takes to defend their crown.
