Pundits now backing Man City to win fourth Premier League title in five years this season

Manchester City will win a fourth Premier League title in five years this season, insist former Chelsea star Joe Cole and ex-Tottenham midfielder Jermaine Jenas.

Six players were on target in the 7-0 win against Leeds, with Kevin de Bruyne striking twice, and Newcastle’s creaky defence will not be relishing City’s visit on Sunday.

Liverpool kept up the pressure at the top as they came from a goal down to beat Newcastle 3-1 on Thursday, despite having Virgil Van Dijk, Fabinho and Curtis Jones missing because of positive COVID tests on the day of the game.

Chelsea’s surprise home draw with Everton left them four points behind City and Thomas Tuchel’s side face a tough task at Wolves, who sit eighth after a midweek win at Brighton.

Chelsea have won only two of their last five league games as they lost ground on City and second placed Liverpool.

Former Chelsea star Cole now believes the experience Guardiola’s men have in winning the title will see them lift the trophy for a fourth time in five seasons.

When asked on BT Sport who will win the league in May, Cole said: ‘I am gonna say Man City. That is the first time I have deviated from my [initial prediction of Chelsea].

‘The fact Chelsea have dropped these points… and when I watched Man City the other night [against Leeds], they were just sensational.

‘One of the main things I am gonna say is that they have got the experience where they have done it before in recent years.’

Jenas also tipped current champions City to defend their crown, but believes Jurgen Klopp’s side could be successful on the continent this season.

‘Chelsea are going to be back, it is a wobble,’ the ex-Tottenham midfielder said. ‘Liverpool are going to be strong in Europe and in the league definitely. I fancy Liverpool in Europe this year.’

Meanwhile, former City defender Joleon Lescott sent out a warning to Chelsea that they must keep pace with the top two if they want to harbour hopes of ending their five-year wait for the title in May.

‘I see them three teams running away with it but Chelsea need to be careful,’ Lescott said.

‘I’m seeing City on a eight game winning streak, Liverpool on a six, Chelsea’s best run is four games so they need to keep momentum and in the chasing pack.’