Manchester City
Craig Burley backs Manchester City to defend their title or tips Chelsea will win it for the third time under Jose Mourinho. Getty Images

Former Chelsea and Derby County midfielder Craig Burley believes that Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have no chance of winning the Premier League title in the upcoming campaign.

The Reds finished second in the previous campaign two points behind champions Manchester City while the Blues finished third, four points clear off Manuel Pellegrini's men. Brendan Rodgers has signed six players in the ongoing transfer window but is unable to find a replacement for last season's top scorer - Luis Suarez.

Burley insists that the Merseyside club will struggle to replicate their performances without the Uruguayan international. The 42-year-old thinks that the Gunners must buy more quality players and feels next season's title race will only be between the current champions and Jose Mourinho's side.

"Arsenal won't win the league, unless he [Arsene Wenger] goes out and buys more players. They will be strong again, but I don't think they will win it. It will clearly be between Manchester City and Chelsea," Burley told talkSPORT.

"Liverpool have spent well but you can't quantify the loss of Luis Suarez. When you are in the tunnel and see Suarez, you know he is capable of winning the game out of nothing. They have lost that. They are going to have a good season, Liverpool, but it is a building process for them," he added.

United too are expected to be back in the fray for the title after a disappointing season under David Moyes. But Burley suggests that Louis van Gaal needs to recruit at least five more players to bring the title back at Old Trafford next year.

"Manchester United need five, six, or even seven new players. There will have to be some sort of movement before now and the close of the window. The best United can hope for is top four, unless something dramatic happens," the former Scotland international concluded.

The season commences on 10 August as Arsene Wenger's side and the Citizens battle it out for the Community Shield at the Wembley Stadium.

United begin their campaign at Old Trafford against Swansea City while the Gunners entertain Crystal Palace at the Emirates on the opening day i.e. Saturday, 16 August. Liverpool and City are in action against Southampton and Newcastle United at Anfield and St James' Park respectively on Sunday while Chelsea travel to Turf Moor to take on Burnley on Monday.