Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has said that the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United could face competition from Leicester City and Everton in the race for the top four this season.

The Foxes have made a bright start to the current campaign with an unbeaten run and they are presently third on the table with eight points on the board.

On the other hand, the Toffees have already suffered a loss at the hands of Aston Villa, but they are just one point off the Foxes after the opening four games of the season.

Speaking to The Star, Merson said that there is no 'outstanding team' after Manchester City and Liverpool and the race for the final two Champions League positions remain very open.

He added that both the Foxes and the Toffees are in a much better shape when compared to the previous campaign and they could provide competition for the Champions League places.

"Leicester are riding partly because Jamie Vardy doesn’t play for England any more and they could do something special this year. Everton have a chance too if they can get themselves going. Getting beat by Villa was a blessing in disguise. I think it woke a few players up," he said.

Leicester return from the international break with an away game at Manchester United. Everton, meanwhile, entertain Bournemouth at Goodison Park next weekend.