Manchester City defender Kyle Walker says that he is expecting a tightly contested battle for top spot in the Premier League this season.

When it was put to him by talkSPORT host Andy Goldstein that pundit Darren Bent was backing Arsenal to win the title, Walker replied:

“Listen, I think the league this season is probably a lot more open than it has been in recent years, but I think if we do what we need to do and do what we can do over recent years we’ll be well.”

Arsenal face Brighton later today, with fellow title contenders Liverpool and Aston Villa also in action, having played in the Europa League on Thursday night.

City have made the title race a more open contest

While Walker is right in terms of the current state of play at the top of the table, you can’t help but think that, if the Cityzens were at their best, they would be already quite some way ahead of the chasing pack.

Pep Guardiola’s side have dropped points in an uncharacteristic manner over the last month or so, and they need to show their mettle over the Christmas period.

De Bruyne’s return will aid the team’s title chances

There can be no disputing the fact that the absence of Kevin De Bruyne has impacted City’s results. The reigning champions are considerably weaker without their main playmaker in the starting lineup.

The Belgian is, however, closing in on his return from a hamstring injury which he sustained on the opening day of the campaign against Burnley.

Guardiola confirmed last week that De Bruyne was back out on the grass, building up his fitness away from the first team. After being named in the squad for the Club World Cup, it was hoped that he could be involved in the tournament, although his participation has since been played down, with his comeback now expected at the beginning of January.