“Arsenal & Liverpool will be title contenders” believes Pep

Pep Guardiola is preparing his team for a highly anticipated fixture this coming Sunday against third-placed Arsenal. And while he explains that he doesn’t believe this game will define the title race for Man City, he knows Arsenal will be contenders for the Premier League title, alongside Liverpool.

Manchester City created history last season, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and their first-ever Champions League. And despite their early exit from the EFL Cup a few weeks ago, their ambition for those three trophies will remain strong, as even Pep found it baffling that many believed the team were even aiming for that particular trophy, as they still have ( many would argue, more important ) other competitions to play in. A reminder that City also have a FIFA Club World Cup trophy available.

During his press conference, pep confirmed that John Stones is not ready to play yet, but could possibly return as he heads to the England national team.

But on a more positive note, Guardiola told that Kevin De Bruyne is getting better, and hopes that he can return earlier than expected.

Moving onto Sunday’s game, as we all know, this won’t be a simple win for City, who currently claim first on the table, but Pep believes this game won’t define the title race, as he proceeded to explain his mindset, ” This won’t define a lot. In this month, the UCL is more important. If you qualify for the knockout rounds, then you can focus on the Premier League until it starts again. We made a big step on Wednesday; now we have Arsenal, the biggest rival last season. ”

” Arsenal will be title rivals, along with Liverpool. To analyse the contenders, the idea is the first 10 games; we haven’t played 10, we have to wait, but the big clubs are always contenders.”

Pep Guardiola and Man City face Arsenal this Sunday ( 8th ), at 16:30 (UK).