Former Liverpool and Chelsea right-back Glen Johnson has named Chelsea as Manchester City’s biggest rival for the Premier League title next season.

Pep Guardiola’s City will go for a fourth successive league title and sixth in seven years next term while Chelsea haven’t won the Premier League since the 2016-17 season.

“I obviously believe that Liverpool are going to improve next season, but I believe there’s a big gap between Manchester City and everybody else,” Johnson told Betfred.

“I don’t believe they’ll challenge for the Premier League title next season, but I do believe that Chelsea will be the surprise package if I’m being honest.

“Chelsea have a fantastic squad but they weren’t firing at all last season, but now they have a good manager and a good squad, I believe they’ll have a point to prove and they’ll be challenging more than anybody expected.

“I don’t believe they’ll be good enough to take Manchester City all the way, but I believe Chelsea will be their closest rivals.”