Dimitar Berbatov on how Spurs could be the surprise in the title race

Dimitar Berbatov has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur could cause a surprise in the Premier League title race this season.

The North Londoners found themselves at the top of the table at the start of December, only for a poor run of form to see them drop out of the top four.

Berbatov does not expect his former side to be frontrunners for the title, but has instead suggested that Jose Mourinho’s side will be happier in the shadows and playing without the pressure.

The Bulgarian named Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool as likely frontrunners but warned that Tottenham and Leicester City cannot be underestimated.

With the Premier League taking a break this weekend for the FA Cup, Spurs find themselves in fifth place in the table and are seven points behind leaders Manchester United despite having played a game less than the Old Trafford outfit.

Spurs face Liverpool on Thursday evening which could see Mourinho’s men move back into the top four.

He told Betfair: “For me, they are still in the mix with Leicester and the others, it is tight at the top and it is interesting.

“The chase is going to be great to watch. They will be there in the shadows. There is not too much stress on them to be mentioned as contenders, but they will be playing better if they are not under pressure and could surprise people.

“In my opinion, I think the main teams need to keep an eye on each other. It’s very tight up there and it will be so interesting as teams will keep losing, drawing and winning games.

“Honestly, it is going to be tight and a must watch until the very end. You talk about United, City and Liverpool but you cannot underestimate Leicester or Spurs.”