Former Manchester City and Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann says Pep Guardiola’s side won’t necessarily be out of the title race if they lose at Anfield this weekend.
The reigning champions could fall 11 points behind their rivals with a defeat against the Reds but, speaking to Genting Casino, Hamann thinks that there are still too many games left to go:
“There’s 75 points still to play for. I wouldn’t say Man City are out of the title race, but I think psychologically it would be a huge blow if they were to fall further behind. It’s a huge game. It’s probably not even clear whether it’s a bigger game for City because it is a great opportunity to go 11 clear. A draw is probably not the worst result for Liverpool, but if you were to win it would be huge.”
“On the other hand, you lose, it’s down to five and everybody says game on. It is a very important game, but nothing will be decided in November. Psychologically, because of the way Liverpool is going, you always feel they can do it when they need to.”
City team news ahead of the Liverpool game
The Cityzens currently have four players on the sidelines, with John Stones (foot), Mateo Kovacic (unspecified), Oscar Bobb (fractured leg) and Rodri (ACL) unavailable. Jeremy Doku has been seen back in training this week so the Belgian could make the bench.
Ruben Dias was an unused substitute during the 3-3 draw against Feyenoord midweek so the Portuguese international could be fit enough to start on Sunday.
City’s record at Anfield
Even when Guardiola’s team is playing well, they have struggled to pick up victories away at Liverpool. Since the Catalan’s appointment in 2016, they have only won once and that was during the Covid season.
For that reason, the bookies have not given great odds for them to secure all three points this weekend, with City being priced between 9/4 and 5/2.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
