Manchester City star David Silva believes the familiarity of already winning the Premier League title will assist his cub this season.

In that promises to be one of the tightest title races in recent history, City sit third on the table behind second-placed Arsenal who they meet on Monday night.

Leicester City are the surprise leaders after 17 matches of the campaign but Silva believes City have a slight advantage on their closest rivals as they have been on the winners' dais in two of the past four seasons.

"It has been complicated with injuries key players and obviously you have a better chance if you have everyone available," he said.

"We have been very unlucky with injuries but we can't use that as an excuse.

"We are seeing that unless you are 100 per cent you can lose a game. The intensity of the English game and the fact that every team is able to beat anyone else makes the league very, very interesting.

"But when you have experience of winning the title it gives you confidence because you know you have done it already."