It is no secret that Micah Richards used to be an Arsenal fan while growing up.
The Englishman has changed his allegiance to Manchester City because he is their ambassador, but he has often admitted that he is still a Gooner off-air.
Despite that, Richards is refusing to back Arsenal to win the Premier League title this season, unlike Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer.
Opta says Arsenal have an 80 per cent chance of winning the Premier League this season. What percentage chance would you give the Gunners?
Micah Richards disagrees with Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker about Arsenal
Before the start of this Premier League season, many pundits revealed their predictions.
A majority of people backed Liverpool to retain their title after seeing them spend a fortune, and most of them felt Arsenal would finish second again – for the fourth season in a row.
Lineker, Shearer and Micah Richards all did the same, but after watching how well the Gunners have done since the start of this campaign, two of them have changed their mind.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: “I actually think Arsenal win the title. I can’t see them slipping up in two or three games.
“I think they are a very, very strong team, exceptional defensively as well, and they will always find a way. I think they will still be OK for the title.”
Shearer agreed with Lineker, but Richards didn’t.
When asked if Arsenal will finish first or second, he said: “I’m going to go just second.”
If Arsenal could only win one trophy out of the Premier League and the Champions League this season, which one would you pick and why?
William Saliba prefers the Champions League. What about you?
Pep Guardiola and Manchester City have responded to Arsenal’s brilliance
Pep Guardiola would’ve hoped to win the Premier League title this season after an impressive summer transfer window.
However, the Sky Blues have slipped up on a few occasions already this season, and Arsenal have established a six-point gap as a result.
Guardiola realised that his side cannot keep pace with the Gunners, which is why he has responded by making two huge signings in the winter window – Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi.
That will give City a much better chance of pipping Arsenal in the title race, but the Gunners cannot worry about them.
Arteta’s side just need to focus on themselves, and as long as they continue doing what they are doing, they will get over the line.
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