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Reigning champions Manchester City were realistically out of the picture well before Christmas, while nearest competitors Arsenal have faltered to now sit 15 points behind.

Both will expect to mount a much more serious challenge from August, while some of the chasing pack will look to have their say too.

And that's why The Rest Is Football trio Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards are in agreement that Slot won't get as easy a ride next time out.

Speaking on their podcast, Lineker began: "What I think will happen is that both Manchester City and Arsenal will put up a better fist of things, and probably not have the amount of injuries that both clubs have had this season, and it'll be a lot tighter.

If they're gonna win it next season, it won't be as easy."

Lineker, Shearer and Richards anticipate stiffer challenges for Liverpool's title defence(Image: The FA via Getty Images)

Lineker feels fans are in for a hotly-contested title race for 2025/26, suggesting City in particular won't stay down for long.

If the new players were to have another season under their belts, I really think Man City come strong next season.

So all of these questions need answering.

"But I just think the way City have fizzled out the league, even the fact they're still challenging to get into the top five for Champions League next season, I just know that won't sit right with Pep and next season they're going to come out firing, so it should be exciting."

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