According to Daily Mail, Owen believes Liverpool have a chance to compete for the Premier League title against defending champions Arsenal, and he also backs Isak to perform well in the opening match of the new season against his former club Newcastle.

Anfield has undergone significant changes this summer. Arne Slot departed after winning the title in May, having guided the club to the championship in his first season, while star player Mohamed Salah has departed for Turkey.

Former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has replaced Slot, and on Sunday, he will take his team to St James' Park, beginning a new chapter for the Reds.

"It wouldn't be a huge surprise if Liverpool ended up winning it," said Owen, the former Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle and Manchester United striker and England international, in an interview with Daily Mail's sports section.

"They certainly have some excellent players in their squad, and there's still an opportunity to bring in one or two more in the next week or two. That's certainly not impossible.

"But at the moment, Arsenal are in a stronger position. They had a good season last year and look very stable. Most other teams have big question marks.

"I don't think there are any questions about Arsenal. On the other hand, Man City have lost Guardiola and Rodri, which are two massive blows. Liverpool have a new manager, and with Salah gone, where the team's goals will come from is a big issue.

"Chelsea and Tottenham have also changed managers. Can Man United handle the increased fixture list this season? They've also lost Casemiro. Most teams have big questions except Arsenal, but if Liverpool have a good season, I wouldn't be surprised at all."

Liverpool won the trophy in Slot's first season managing the club in 2024/25, but finished fifth the previous season, and the Dutch manager had to pay the price. Slot's difficulties were compounded by the fact that Swedish striker Isak's debut season was hampered by injury after joining Liverpool from Newcastle for a then-British transfer record fee of £125 million.

On Sunday, Isak will return to his former club's stadium for the first time as a Liverpool player. Given the acrimonious nature of his departure, he will certainly receive a strong reaction from home supporters at St James' Park.

Owen, speaking at an event promoting Amazon Prime's six-part documentary "Meet the Owens," shared his thoughts on Isak: "I really like him, he's a very good player. I don't think there's any issue with Isak. He's proven himself over a long period. He's proven himself in the Premier League and in big matches. I think he's a very special player, but injuries can happen, and that was a nightmare for him in his first season. He needs to perform at his best because with Salah gone and lack of backup options, Liverpool don't have many alternatives up front.

"So the focus on Isak is now even more important."

When Newcastle host Liverpool on Sunday evening, Owen's emotions will be divided between both teams.

Newcastle have also experienced upheaval this summer, with manager Eddie Howe departing, and key players such as Guimarães, Tonali and Anthony Gordon all seeking moves away. Matthias Jaissle has replaced Howe, and on the surface, the German manager will face a tough challenge in his first season in English football.

Owen believes both Liverpool and Newcastle are heading into a defining season.

He said: "Neither of these clubs is in the position they were in at this time last year.

"One was defending champion, and the other had just won the cup and qualified for the Champions League.

"For both teams, last season was a slight decline. Both have new managers and many new players, and there are many questions to be answered. This will be a crucial season."

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