The new Premier League season has gotten off to an explosive start with a string of upsets, impressive performances and great games to digest. All 20 clubs have been involved but there are four, above the rest, who are considered to be the frontrunners in the race to win the actual title.

It’s going to be a while yet before we’ve got a clear idea of what’s going to happen next and there are contenders who are bound to fall away eventually, but the fact that there are four clubs in the mix is a sign that the run up to January – and then May – is going to be pretty fascinating.

Chelsea – 16 points

While there have been a few stumbles in recent weeks both domestically and in Europe, Thomas Tuchel has shown an ability to adjust and adapt his system in a way that makes his team pretty difficult to beat. The Blues have built on their Champions League success of last season by adding Romelu Lukaku into the mix and if that doesn’t scream “we’re serious about going after the title”, we’re not so sure what does.

Liverpool – 15 points

Liverpool have been unable to secure all three points against Brentford and Manchester City in their last few fixtures which, yes, may harm them in the long run – but they’re still one of the most consistent and efficient teams in world football. Jurgen Klopp has put together a well-oiled machine that, at this point, could probably function even if they didn’t have a manager on the touchline. They’ll be there or thereabouts right until the very end and who knows, with a bit of luck they may pinch it.

Manchester City – 14 points

Manchester City possess a terrifying ability to get out ahead of other clubs when it truly does look like all hope is lost which, in itself, is a fairly terrifying trait to possess. Pep Guardiola knows how this league works by now and by the time we hit January, the rest of the teams in the title race mix had better hope City are lingering on the edge of the top four. If that isn’t the case then it’s a problem because they turn the burners on at exactly the right time most years, with the only big concern being their lack of a natural striker.

Manchester United – 14 points

Manchester United Football Club have progressed in many ways over the last few years under the tutelage of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, mainly through their dealings in the transfer market. With respect to what they’re doing on the pitch you’d have to say things are still a bit underwhelming, to the point where we contemplated whether or not to even feature them in this list. Solskjaer knows by now that he’s received a lot more time than most of his post-Fergie era comrades and without a piece of silverware to his name, things could begin to unravel if they don’t start putting some pressure on their rivals after the international break.