As we approach the Christmas period of this years Premiership season, it looks set to be one of the most exciting title races in many years. With Leicester City's incredible title win last season, it looks like the big boys have well and truly got their act together.

Riyad Mahrez picked up thePFA player of the year last season but he looks nowhere near the player of last campaign. So who are the men firing this time around? We take a look at the top five.

5) Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City

Eye brows were raised when Manchester City splashed outa club record fee of £55million for Wolfsburg attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne last summer but the Belgian international is proving to be a driving force in this new look City attack.

His dynamic play and fluidity in the City attack has made him one of the most highly rated players in the world. You only had to watch his performance in the 3-1 win over Barcelona to see that this is a player who is flourishing under the guidance of Pep Guardiola. In his debut season in England, he managed 9 assists in the league but already has 6 this campaign.

4) Phillipe Coutinho, Liverpool

Another attacking midfielder who has looked scintillating this season, helping Liverpool mount a serious title challenge under Jurgen Klopp in his first full season as the Anfield boss. The little Brazilian has linked up with Sadio Mane and Roberto Firminio brilliantly well and has been one of Liverpool's most consistent performers.

One criticism which has been made of Coutinho in the past is that he may not be clinical enough but he looks lethal in front of goal this campaign, netting five goals from 10 games, including a double at The Emirates against Arsenal.

Still only 24, Coutinho is a player who many deem underrated and its often forgotten that he cost only £8.5 million - a snip in todays market.

3) Eden Hazard, Chelsea.

Legendary commentator John Motson described Chelsea's 5-0 win over Everton as the best league performances he's ever witnessed. This was mostly down to the skill, tempo and pace offered by Chelsea's skillfull Belgian winger, who has been given a new lease of life under manager Antonio Conte.

He has already overtaken his goal tally from the whole of last season where Chelsea finished 10th in the table and looks like the player who won PFA player of the year two years ago.

In the new 3-5-2 formation under Conte, Hazard has been given a free role along with Pedro to express his sublime skill and has been extremely clinical in front of goal.

2) Sergio Aguero, Manchester City.

Much to the surprise of the watching footballing world, Manchester City legendry goal scorer Sergio Aguero was left out of the teams crucial group stage match against Barcelona in the Champions League. After going down 4-0 at the hands of his old club, its unlikely Guardiola will leave out the Argentinian for a high profile match again.

On his day, there is only a handful ofstrikers in the world who can compare to Sergio Aguero. His strength, close ball control and low centre of gravity makes him unplayable.

After a stop start 2015/16 campaign ,he looks back to his best with 14 goals in 15 games in all competitions so far this season. He has netted a goal every81 minutes under Pep's regime so far and looks a frontrunner to win the golden boot.

1) Diego Costa, Chelsea.

Like Hazard, Costa suffered because ofdressing room unrest last season but still managed to net a credible amount of goals. His passion and desire for successmakes forthe perfect mix with Antonio Conte as they look to get Chelsea back winning trophies after a disastrous 2015/16 season.

Costa leads the goal scoring charts with 9 strikes so far and also has 3 assists to his name. Not only in Costa contributing in attack, he is willing to track back and help out and do his bit for the team. His rugged and bullish displays are a nightmare for defenders.His range of goals has proven that he isthe complete striker and there is nolimit to what he can achieve this season.