sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Peter Crouch Predicts A "Dog Fight" As He Names His Premier League Top Four

Peter Crouch Predicts A "Dog Fight" As He Names His Premier League Top Four

EXCLUSIVE: We spoke to Crouchy and got his thoughts on what could be the tightest top four battle yet.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

Peter Crouch thinks the Premier League top four race will be too close to call this year and has told fans to expect a "dog fight."

Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea made up the Champions League places last campaign, with Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal coming sixth and eighth respectively.

The top four race came down to the final day of the season and all sides involved have strengthened over the summer.

Speaking to SPORTbible ahead of the Premier League's return, BT Sport pundit Crouch explained that while Liverpool and City remain ahead of the pack, the final two spots will be difficult to predict.

Image
PA

Image
PA

"I just love the players Chelsea have signed, I really do. They've signed some top class players like Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell for example.

"I think Chelsea will finish third but it'll be a fight out for fourth between the other three [Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.]

"I also think Leicester City, Wolves and Sheffield United will be in and around that battle, so it will be a dog fight for fourth!"

Image
PA

Chelsea have added prolific forward Werner to their ranks this summer but when it comes to the Golden Boot race, Crouch has tipped a familiar name to come out on top in Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

"I don't think you can look past Aubameyang. He is a world class player and walks into any team in the land.

Image
PA

"You've got [Harry] Kane, [Sergio] Aguero if he's fit and [Jamie] Vardy who won it last year.

"But this year, it's Aubameyang for me."

When asked about a surprise package this season, Leeds United immediately sprung to Crouch's mind.

With legendary coach Marcelo Bielsa at the helm and a number of marquee signings raring to go, don't be shocked if they're challenging for the Europa League in a similar fashion to Sheffield United last time round.

"It wouldn't surprise me if Leeds had a season similar to Sheffield United. I'm not gonna say they're gonna be challenging for the top four, but you wouldn't have said that about Sheffield United.

Image
PA

"Realistically, I'd say top half. But Leeds will definitely surprise a few."

When asked about their chances of European football, the 39-year-old replied: "In my opinion, they'll be around Wolves, Sheffield United territory. Definitely higher than they should be. That is the ridiculous wildcard I would pick."

But at the top of the table, 'Crouchy' has backed former side Liverpool to retain their Premier League crown.

"I think it would have been different if City had signed Lionel Messi, but I don't think you can look past Liverpool.

Image
PA

"There was always going to be a drop off last season and people are taking that into this season for some reason. They won it at a canter last year, so why shouldn't they go and win it this year?

"I think it's a two horse race but Liverpool will edge it. I think City will be stronger, it'll be a lot closer than last season, but Liverpool will win it for me."

Make unlimited subs with flexible BT TV; Change your football packages, BT Sport, Prime Video & Now TV Sky Sports Pass, every month. Find out more at btsport.com/unlimited-subs.

Featured Image Credit: PA Images & BT Sport

Topics: Manchester City, Liverpool, Football News, Peter Crouch, Football, Premier League