Jamie Carragher names Premier League title favourites as Liverpool and Man Utd doubts revealed

Jamie Carragher believes Manchester City are the team to beat in this season's Premier League title race, backing Enzo Maresca to deliver the championship in his first campaign at the Etihad Stadium.

The former Liverpool defender expects the title battle to develop into a straight contest between City and reigning champions Arsenal, while insisting neither Liverpool nor Manchester United are currently equipped to mount a serious challenge.

Speaking on the Football Ramble podcast, Carragher argued that Maresca's arrival could provide City with the fresh impetus they need following Pep Guardiola's departure.

Replacing Guardiola after a decade of success represents one of football's toughest jobs, but Carragher believes Maresca has already shown he has the tactical quality required.

"Where we are right now, and we know there's still a month to go transfer-wise, I can only see Arsenal or City," Carragher said.

"There's a question because he's new to the role, but I'm a fan of Maresca in terms of what he does on the pitch.

"The problems they caused Liverpool at times, when Liverpool won the league under Arne Slot, the two Chelsea games, I was looking at them and thinking, 'This fella knows what he's doing.'"

Carragher also believes City could benefit from a change after ten years under Guardiola, particularly if Rodri remains at the club despite continued speculation over his future.

Pressed to name his champions, Carragher's answer was clear.

"I think City."

While Carragher is optimistic about Liverpool's future under Andoni Iraola, he believes the Reds still have significant work to do in the transfer market before they can compete with City and Arsenal.

"Right now I don't think Liverpool are equipped to be thinking about a title," he said.

"I think Liverpool need two defenders and a top right winger to be in the chat or be in the chase.

"They haven't replaced Mohamed Salah."

Carragher questioned Liverpool's reported pursuit of another left-sided attacker, arguing the squad lacks natural options on the right flank following Salah's departure.

Despite those concerns, he admitted he still trusts Liverpool's recruitment team to address the issues before the transfer window closes.

Carragher was equally dismissive of Manchester United's title hopes, although he praised the club's recruitment strategy.

He believes United have moved away from signing high-profile names for the sake of reputation and are instead targeting players better suited to the team's needs.

"Manchester United won't win the league," Carragher said.

"What I've probably liked about United this summer is it doesn't feel like they're obsessed with this big name anymore.

"It's not about the name, it's about what is right for the team and the club."

Although Carragher expects Arsenal to challenge again, he believes the Gunners' ambitions in the UEFA Champions League could ultimately undermine their domestic title defence.

After reaching last season's final, he expects Mikel Arteta to prioritise Europe during the decisive months of the campaign if Arsenal remain in contention.

Carragher also questioned whether Arsenal possess the elite attacking firepower usually associated with title-winning sides.

"I still believe with Arsenal that they haven't got a superstar up front," he said.

"I still look at them and think that front three shouldn't win the league."

With a month of the transfer window still remaining, Carragher acknowledged plenty could change before the new season gets fully underway.

However, based on the current state of each squad, he expects Manchester City and Arsenal to separate themselves from the chasing pack, with Liverpool and Manchester United still needing further improvements before they can realistically enter the title conversation.