Manchester City believe they can beat 'world's strongest team' at fortress Anfield

The day we've all been waiting for so long is slowly arriving as two historic sides will meet on Super Sunday to deliver a spectacle you can't find anywhere else.

City took four points from Liverpool last term and had Riyad Mahrez not blazed over a late penalty, they would have won both clashes. "He played such an important part in our run to the World Cup semi-final, on the way to the Nations League and then had a really hard period at the end of last season and beginning of this with injuries", Southgate said.

City have suffered surprise losses to Wolves and Norwich this season and De Bruyne says these results would be just as culpable for a failure to win the title as a negative one at Anfield.

So, how do the media's national pundits see the match going? If they are to inflict Liverpool's first defeat in 29 league games, particularly with Claudio Bravo in for Ederson and question marks lingering over David Silva and Rodri, they will need to put their best foot forward.

It is a tribute to City's growth and consistency under Guardiola that it could be argued they have not had the credit they deserve for this feat.

Within Liverpool, eyebrows are raised when stories emerge about fears of another attack on City's bus as happened in the Champions League quarter-final in 2018, and there was incredulity at Guardiola's comments about Sadio Mane's diving.

"It is one of these games, after the miserable feeling of the last one, which will give everyone a "wow" moment".

High stakes drama awaits on Merseyside as Liverpool are aware that if they can put Manchester City to the sword then they will establish a nine-point lead over the Citizens heading into November's global break. "That's the only way I believe we can do it, not just at Anfield but all the stadiums around the world".

Liverpool FC have made a stunning start to the new Premier League season and they have won all but one of their 11 games.

"A draw would see Liverpool maintain their six-point lead over City while Pep Guardiola's side would surely settle for a point with Aymeric Laporte out with a long-term injury".

The Reds head into the game looking to claim all three points and extend their lead at the top of the table to nine points after 12 games.

Although it is very early in the season a nine-point gap at the top would be very significant.