Pep Guardiola believes Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham will challenge Man City this season

Pep Guardiola believes Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham are the three frontrunners to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title this season.

City, who are aiming for their fourth consecutive Premier League title, currently lead the way in the table with 28 points from 12 games.

Liverpool, who travel to the Etihad Stadium to face City in Saturday’s early kick-off, are a point behind in second place.

Arsenal currently sit third, level on 27 points with Liverpool, while Tottenham are fourth with 26 points.

When asked if he thinks Liverpool will be City’s closest title challengers this season, Guardiola replied: ‘Absolutely.

Pep Guardiola says Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are’100 per cent contenders’ this season (AFP via Getty)

‘I think Arsenal will be too. They are so solid. Spurs, even the two defeats they have had recently, I think they will be there.

‘Chelsea have one game a week… so four or five contenders are there.

‘Newcastle will maybe join. Manchester United will maybe join. Many things can happen.’

Guardiola added on the Premier League title race: ‘What I learned when I arrived here, the Premier League never ends.

‘You think it’s over with 10 games to play, but you can’t relax because you could be relegated with so many points [to play for].

‘It’s so long. Many things are going to happen. Ask me the question in March or April. Many things can happen, exceptional things

‘Liverpool last season had a lot of problems in terms of injury. They have no Champions League this season. Liverpool have always been there. Maybe they have the ability to do it.

‘Liverpool will be contenders 100 per cent. Both teams in last seven eight years have been there.

‘We have to win it on the field and with our people who will perform.’

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Guardiola says five teams are in the race.