Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has predicted the games between the main title contenders will be critical in deciding who wins the Premier League .
Gundogan scored his first goal of the season as reigning champions City swept aside Cardiff 5-0 on Saturday, while leaders Liverpool maintained their 100% record with a 3-0 home win against Southampton .
Third-placed Chelsea are level on points with City and two adrift of Liverpool after being held to a goalless draw at West Ham on Sunday.
The trio look a cut above the rest of the Premier League, and table-topping showdowns are on the horizon with Liverpool meeting Chelsea and City in the next fortnight.
"It looks like those games will be important," Gundogan said.
"We play Liverpool in a couple of weeks and it will be a real test for us at Anfield.
"Liverpool is a very strong team and Chelsea are very strong.
"We played an incredible Premier League season last year, gaining 100 points, and we are aware that it will get more and more difficult.
"Our opponents are stronger than they were last year and we are the champions, so everyone wants to beat us."
