Former Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp says Manchester City are the favourites for the 2012-13 English Premier League, while stating Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez are set for big individual seasons.
The experienced manager, who has coached Portsmouth, West Ham and Spurs among others, identified the champions as the favourites to win the title this term, although he admitted Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham wouldn’t be far behind, while stating an Arsenal side without Robin Van Persie will be in for a difficult campaign.
“I suppose City will be favourites and then Man Utd, Chelsea and Tottenham again,” Redknapp told Sky Sports. “Arsenal will be in for a tough season this year if they lose Van Persie, I think they’ve got it all to do and Tottenham could finish above them this year.
“(Sir Alex Ferguson) will want to win a trophy this year and they’ll push Man City all the way.”
Redknapp also said he believed Liverpool could push for the top four, before adding he believes Suarez and Torres could be the big standouts this term.
“I think Liverpool will do better. People say there’s a long rebuilding process going on at the club, but they’ll be there. They’ve got fantastic players in my opinion – Suarez, Carroll, Gerrard, Carragher, Glen Johnson, a great goalkeeper in Pepe Reina and some good central defenders. They should be pushing for the top four,” he said.
He added: “I think players like Suarez will be up there, he’s a good goalscorer and makes goals, he’s a fantastic talent. I also think Torres will get his chance to play this year now that (Didier) Drogba has gone, he could be a big goalscorer.”
Redknapp also said it was difficult to pick which sides could go down, with all three promoted clubs looking strong, as well as the bolstered QPR who finished one spot above the drop zone last term.
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