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Phil Foden believes Manchester City are again the favourites to win the Premier League ahead of the new season and is relishing the challenge of trying to win back-to-back titles.

City stormed to the title after a disastrous title defence from Liverpool and stop-start campaigns from Manchester United and Chelsea.

And they have strengthened their star-studded squad by bringing in Jack Grealish for a Premier League and British record transfer fee of £100million.

Phil Foden was in confident mood and believes Man City are 'the team to beat' this season

Foden helped City win last season's Premier League title but knows it will be tough to retain

Foden celebrates a third title in four years with Kyle Walker, John Stones and Raheem Sterling

'I believe once you've won it it's really hard to retain it so going into the season we're going to be the team to beat,' the City midfielder told Sky Sports News.

'But we're gonna have to live up to that with the players we've got, I'm confident and just can't wait to go.'

City were beaten 1-0 by Leicester in the Community Shield last Saturday and begin their campaign with a testing trip to Tottenham on August 15.

They should also expect a tougher title race this season as Liverpool have recovered Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez after being ravaged by injuries last season while Manchester United have made two huge signings in Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are sure to target a first league title since 2017 in their first full season under Thomas Tuchel after the German led them to last season's Champions League, beating City in the final.

City made a statement this summer by signing Jack Grealish for a league record £100m fee

But Man United have also made big moves such as buying England winger Jadon Sancho 

Liverpool should also be stronger after recovering defensive leader Virgil van Dijk from injury

Foden was reluctant to say which team will pose the biggest threat to City and is expecting strong competition from across the board. 

'I dont really know there's so many great teams, that's the fun of the Premier League,' he added. 

'Everyone's strengthened so it's going to be a really challenging season.'