Alan Shearer Tips Manchester City to Edge Manchester United In Title Race

Alan Shearer has tipped Manchester City to pip cross-town rivals Manchester United to the title this season, with the club currently leading in the Premier League table and favourites to win the domestic trophy.

City are currently two points ahead of United, but the Red Devils have had their chances to overtake the Blues, particularly over the turn of the year, and now the title race is tighter than ever.

Tottenham haven't been discounted from the race just yet, sitting seven points from City, but Shearer believes that the club will have the last laugh over both Spurs and United when the final whistle is blown for the season.

"I think the top three - Manchester City, Manchester United and Spurs - will finish where they are at the moment but there will be one place that is up for grabs," he told Goal.com.

"Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal will all have their eyes on that fourth spot as well [as Newcastle]. Whatever happens, it certainly makes for an exciting end to the season."

Shearer has a vested interest in who will finish fourth in the table, with the former Newcastle superstar hoping that his old club prove all the critics wrong and shore up Champions League qualification for the first time since the 2002-2003 season.

"Let's be honest, at the start of the season, no-one really expected Newcastle to be where they are and if anyone says they did then they are lying and even the manager will tell you he didn't expect it," he explained.

"But they are up there on merit. They are winning games and they are entertaining the public and scoring goals. Where can they finish? I really don't know.

"I was thinking maybe they will end up in sixth or seventh place but the more I see of them then it makes me think I can't be certain where they will be come May.

"I will be keeping my fingers crossed on that one. Top four? Well why not. They have got nothing to lose, have they? No one gave them a prayer of actually getting there and everyone thought they would fall away after that unbeaten start to the season.

"I would love to see them finishing in the top four and it would be great to have Champions League football back at St James' Park."

Newcastle have been trying to keep a lid on any suggestions that they may finish in the top four, with their success far surpassing any predictions at the start of the season.

And their match up with Tottenham this weekend will be all important, with both sides in Champions League contention.