Stuart Pearce names who he expects to end Man City's title domination this season

Stuart Pearce has backed Arsenal or Liverpool to end Manchester City’s dominance at the end of a “brilliant title race” this season.

And the former City defender warned it would be the "end of a massive era” if were to leave at the end of his contract next summer. The Catalan’s side has lifted the trophy in the last four years - and five times out of six since 2017.

But coming back from the international break, under new manager Arnie Slot sit a point clear of last season’s top two. And former England star Pearce said: "At the start of the season I said and I have to stick with Arsenal but I think it looks like it will be a three-way split between Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City. I would go outside . I would go either Arsenal or Liverpool at this stage.”

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Guardiola did not make himself available for the England job but he has yet to commit to a contract extension beyond this season while City face 115 charges from the Premier League.

Pearce, who played for Kevin Keegan’s Manchester City in the Championship in 2001-02, said: “If Pep were to announce he is leaving at the end of the season, it would 100% have an impact on the race. It would be the end of a massive era at Manchester City. It will be interesting. It would worry me if I was a City fan to lose him because he is the figurehead at the club and so good at what he does.

“I think to keep driving a team to win, win, win is an incredible achievement. They have got the best manager in the there and it is because of him that they keep doing what they are doing. I don’t know why I say that - I think every year maybe I say that! - but who knows? It will be a brilliant title race.”

One of the next instalments in the race will be at Anfield on Sunday where Liverpool face a side unbeaten in seven matches and sitting in fourth place. “It is a big game for both teams and I think there will be a lot of goals in it,” Pearce added. “Both teams are outstanding at counterattacking but both teams can ship a chance and a goal.

Liverpool have had a great start but during games they have had efforts at their goal but they have turned out victories apart from the Forest game. Chelsea have improved from last year. did a good job while Enzo Maresca has been near enough faultless this season. If he gets them into a place this season, he will have done a good job and maybe a tilt at some sort of silverware.

“They have got a lot of talented young players in there who could win any game. I am going for a 2-2 or 3-3 draw - I think there will be goals.”

Ladbrokes, with the support of its owner Entain, has launched a multi-million-pound investment programme, Pitching In, designed to support and promote grassroots sports. For more details see: and to find volunteering opportunities near you, see: Pearce was speaking from Cheshunt FC to celebrate Pitching In’s Volunteer of the Season Award

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