Thierry Henry has warned former club Arsenal that they must hit the ground running this season if they are to end their 13-year wait for the Premier League trophy.
The Gunners have lost two of their last three opening-day fixtures in the top flight, despite regularly being backed among the favourites to go all the way.
Henry, who spent eight years as a player in North London, believes that Arsenal now have the perfect chance to win the title as each of their rivals go through a period of transition.
"Arsenal can set the tone for their entire season with a positive result against Liverpool at the Emirates on Sunday," he told The Sun. "After losing at home to West Ham on the opening day of last season, it's vital that there is no repeat.
"Manchester United, City and Chelsea are still adapting to the tactics and demands of their new managers and could take a few weeks to gel.
"The manager and the squad at Arsenal have been together for a long time and should be in tune with each other. So they have to take advantage of their rivals' uncertainty by putting early points on the board."
Arsenal follow up Sunday's home meeting against Liverpool with trips to Leicester City and Watford before the end of August.
Daniel Lewis
