Barcelona boss Xavi makes Premier League title race prediction as Arsenal, Man City and Man Utd battle it out

Barcelona manager Xavi has given his verdict on this season's Premier League title race, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United all battling to lift the trophy.

Arsenal are currently in possession of the lead in the table, and are two points clear of second-placed City.

United have pushed themselves into potential title contention, having won seven of their last 10 Premier League games. They are a further three points back from the Gunners in third place.

Erik ten Hag's side face Barcelona in the Europa League on Thursday, in their second leg of their play-off tie.

The first leg at Camp Nou finished in a 2-2 draw, with United knowing that a win over 90 minutes at Old Trafford would guarantee them a spot in the next stage.

As a player, Xavi defeated United with Barca on two occasions in Champions League finals. And although Thursday's clash is on a different stage, it should still prove to be a thrilling game - if the first leg is anything to go by.

In an interview with The Times before the game at Old Trafford, Xavi was full of praise for the work Ten Hag has done at the club since being appointed last summer, and replied to a question on which team he believes can win the Premier League.

Xavi gives Man Utd, Man City, Arsenal title verdict

Xavi said he thinks the race will go all the way down to the wire: "Arsenal, City and United are going to have a very exciting finale.

"They are playing very well. They are strong, but the league is very demanding. I would not dare to give a winner. I have maximum respect for all three teams."

The Barca boss has previously admitted that he gave genuine thought to joining United at one stage of his playing career, when he was 18 and making his way at Camp Nou.

Speaking to Spanish football expert Graham Hunter for his book 'Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team In The World', Xavi explained (via ESPN): "There was a long time when I genuinely thought about accepting United's offer. I needed a change of scenery and things were not going well for me at Barcelona.

"I have always felt a real attachment to English football and Manchester United would be 'my club' there.

"For a long chunk of my career, when it looked to people like I was Pep Guardiola's successor in midfield, I was made to feel like an outsider, like a bad guy for taking over from the legendary captain.

"I thought about moving to United, but I dug my heels in. I said to myself, 'I need to prove myself here!'"