Michael Owen has insisted Liverpool can rival defending champions Arsenal for the Premier League title and backed Alexander Isak to deliver in their opener with his old club Newcastle.It has been a summer of change at Anfield, with Arne Slot sacked as manager in May after winning the title in his first season and star man Mohamed Salah departing for Turkey.Former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has replaced Slot as the man in charge and takes his team to St James’ Park on Sunday at the start of a new dawn for the Reds.‘It wouldn’t be the biggest surprise if Liverpool won the league,’ former Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle, Manchester United and England striker Owen told Daily Mail Sport.‘They’ve certainly got some great players and the opportunity of one or two joining as well in the next week or two. It’s absolutely not out the question.‘But Arsenal have got the better credentials at the moment. They had a good season last season and look very solid. With virtually every other team, there are big questions. Michael Owen praised Liverpool’s recruitment as the Reds prepare to win back the league The former England legend is appearing on a new reality show centred on his family alongside his Love Island star daughter Gemma‘I don’t think there are any question marks about Arsenal. Whereas Manchester City have lost Pep Guardiola and Rodri. That’s two huge blows. Liverpool have a new manager and with Salah leaving, there are big questions over where the goals are going to come from.‘Chelsea and Tottenham have new managers. Can United cope with the extra games they’ll have this season? They’ve also lost Casemiro. There are big questions about virtually every team bar Arsenal, but it wouldn’t be a surprise at all if Liverpool had a good season.’After lifting the title in Slot’s first campaign in 2024/25, Liverpool could only finish fifth last term with the Dutchman paying the price. Slot wasn’t helped by the fact Swedish hitman Isak – who joined from Newcastle for what was then a British record of £125million – saw his first season hit by injury.Isak will return to his old club for the first time as a Liverpool player on Sunday and is sure to be in for a hot reception from the St James’ Park faithful after what was an acrimonious departure.‘I love him (Isak). He’s some player,’ said Owen, speaking ahead of the launch of Meet the Owens, a six-part Amazon Prime documentary series detailing his family’s life both in football and his other big passion of horse racing. Owen continued: ‘I don’t think Isak is a question. He’s proven as it comes. He’s done it for a long period of time. He’s done it in the Premier League. He’s done it in the big games. I think he’s an exceptional player, but obviously injuries can occur and that was a nightmare for him in his first season. He really needs to be at the top of his game because with Salah gone and (Hugo) Ekitike out, Liverpool have limited options in attacking areas.‘So, the focus on Isak has really become even more important.’Owen will have a foot in both camps when Newcastle host Liverpool in Sunday’s late kick-off.It has also been a summer of upheaval for the Toon, after the departure of Eddie Howe as head coach and key players Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon all seeking pastures new. Matthias Jaissle has replaced Howe and, on the face of things, it looks like the German will face a tough baptism of fire in his first season in English football.Owen believes both Liverpool and Newcastle face defining campaigns.‘Neither of those clubs are in the position they were this time last year,’ he said.‘One was reigning champions and one had just won a cup and was in the Champions League.‘For both teams, last season was a bit of a downturn. It’s a new manager for both teams, lots of new players and lots of questions to answer. It’s a big season ahead.’All six episodes of Meet the Owens will be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video from August 28.