Wayne Rooney has tipped Manchester City to retain the Premier League title, and believes Erling Haaland will give them an advantage over Liverpool.
City begin their title defence as they kick off the 2022/23 season at West Ham later today. Pep Guardiola’s side will be aiming for a third successive championship this season, and their fifth over the past six seasons.
The Blues are expected to be run close once again by Liverpool, having pipped them by just a single point for a second time in recent seasons. Jurgen Klopp’s side have already claimed a scalp over City this season, having beaten them in the Community Shield last weekend.
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City, though, can claim an early advantage over their rivals in the race for the title, having watched Liverpool be held to a 2-2 draw in their opening game by Fulham. And they’ll be hoping their big summer signing can fire them to a perfect start against the Hammers.
All eyes will be on Haaland following his move form Borussia Dortmund, having been courted by Europe’s top teams. And Rooney believes the Norwegian will prove to be the difference between City and Liverpool this season.
“We’ve seen many players come to the Premier League with big expectations and it not work out but I just have a feeling that in Haaland’s case it will,” Rooney told The Times. “That he’ll make City better, handle it all and give them that advantage over Liverpool.
“If he has a good start to the season, I think he can kick on to be a superstar in the league. He is a major reason why I see City retaining the title.
“Liverpool are an incredible team and can beat anyone on their day but I just think, across the pitch, City have better players and that they’re a better side. Having that real goalscorer at No.9 gives City an extra fear factor and makes them a threat from almost anywhere.
“City don’t come under pressure often but now when they’re defending they have an outlet who they can play the ball up to, who is quick and powerful enough to run in behind anyone.”
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