Former Premier League defender William Gallas believes Manchester City will retain their title this season.

Pep Guardiola’s side currently sit in 2nd, two points behind leaders Liverpool, and after coming from 2-1 down to beat Newcastle last weekend, Gallas has backed them to finish first ahead of their rivals once again. In an interview with Gambling Zone, he said:

“Man City will win it. Then Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham will make up the top four. Aston Villa will finish fifth and Chelsea will finish sixth. To qualify for the Europa League, Chelsea have to finish sixth and I think they’ll qualify for it. It will be between United and Chelsea for sixth place.

“When the season started, I look at Arsenal and I said they won’t be champions this season. I said it will be City and look what happened on Saturday. They were losing 2-1 and then won 3-2, so it looks like they have the champions mentality. I think it will be City this season but next season I think Arsenal has a good chance.”

City’s victory at St James’ Park could prove all-important

If Guardiola’s men had lost against Newcastle, Liverpool would have had the chance to go 8 points clear with a win versus Bournemouth this weekend.

As it is, City are right back in the mix and there should be confidence that the Manchester club can now go on a winning streak that will put pressure on their title rivals.

De Bruyne’s return may end up being the deciding factor

The Belgian international came off the bench to score the equaliser and provide the assist for the winner versus the Magpies last Saturday.

City are far less effective in the final third without De Bruyne and the X Factor that the Belgian provides may well help his team secure another Premier League title.