• Premier League

Nasri: Liverpool will struggle this season

Samir Nasri has lifted the Premier League trophy twice as a Manchester City player © PA Photos

Enlarge

Samir Nasri has claimed Liverpool will find it difficult to mount a Premier League challenge this season after they narrowly missed out on the title in May.

Liverpool finished a close second to City as they lifted the Premier League trophy last season, but Nasri claimed so much had changed at Anfield over the summer that they would struggle to compete this term.

"Liverpool will find it tougher because they have lost Luis Suarez and they will be playing Champions League football so it will be different for them," Nasri said.

"Last season they only had the Premier League to go for in the final months and it gave them a real advantage because their players were going into games fresher at a vital stage of the campaign."

The midfielder also said he expects the greatest threat to City's chances of retaining their title to come from Chelsea and Manchester United.

City finished 22 points ahead of United last season and are already four points clear of them as the former Champions are yet to record their first win under new manager Louis van Gaal.

However, Nasri - who was won two league titles with City - thinks United can feature prominently in the title race.

"I think our two main rivals will be Chelsea and Manchester United," Nasri said. "Chelsea have made some good signings and Cesc Fabregas will be the guy to replace Frank Lampard. He is a great player, I know that because I was with him at Arsenal.

"Chelsea had a weakness up front last year but have signed Diego Costa. They will be really dangerous.

"United have a new coach, have strengthened as well and don't have any European competition - so I expect them to come back stronger, too."

Nasri is more concerned about United than his former club Arsenal, although he conceded they have strengthened since last season.

He added: "Arsenal could be in there, too, and bringing in players like Alexis Sanchez will make them stronger."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd