Roy Keane is backing Manchester City to retain the Premier League title but he is expecting another closely tested battle with Liverpool at the top of the table.

The former Manchester United captain was talking with Graeme Souness about possible title contenders. His fellow Sky Sports pundit expects Chelsea to be in the mix but Keane was having none of it:

“I don’t think they (Chelsea) will close the gap. I think they’ll be a bit better, they have quality, the recruitment but I think you can’t look beyond Liverpool and Man City (for the title).”

Keane also explained why he is giving City the edge over Jurgen Klopp’s side in the battle for first:

“Brilliant players, they’ve obviously improved, an unbelievable striker and they’ve got one of the greatest managers ever in Pep (Guardiola).”

Souness, meanwhile, went for his former team. After finishing just one point behind last season’s winners, the Scot is backing the Reds to go one better this campaign:

“I think Liverpool will win it. They came so close last year.”

In terms of title credentials, it really is hard to see beyond Liverpool and City again. Their consistency over the past few years has been quite extraordinary and, while the likes of Tottenham and Chelsea could close the gap, it would be a surprise if they had the strength to maintain a challenge throughout the season.