Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva says there are as many as five teams competing for the Premier League title this season.

The Brazilian does believe that Liverpool will be in contention, but he says he is also interested to see how the likes of Spurs fair over the coming weeks and months:

“I think Liverpool are an obvious side who are going to be up there. They’re still obviously very strong. I’m interested to see Leicester this year. Manchester City and Chelsea will be, too. It’s hard for me to say, but I think Tottenham are going to be another horse in the title race. Jose Mourinho knows the game very well and he knows how to handle the pressure.”

Liverpool’s injury crisis does mean that the race is wide open currently but if the Reds do manage to stay in touch over the festive period, it will still make them heavy favourites to retain the title as they, hopefully, begin to see some of their injured players return to fitness.

Gilberto is reluctant to include Tottenham, given his connection to Arsenal but, as he says, the experience of their manager Jose Mourinho does make them strong contenders.

Chelsea and Manchester City are, of course, major challengers but some would take issue with the ex-Gunner mentioning Leicester, especially after they succumbed to a shock 2-1 home defeat to Fulham at the weekend.