Pep Guardiola does not expect Liverpool to dominant Premier League again after finishing 18 points clear of Man City last season

Man City boss Pep Guardiola insists the Premier League title race will be closer than last season.

Liverpool finished 18 points ahead of second-placed Man City as they won a first top-flight title in 30 years.

getty

Liverpool were by far the best team in England last season

Jurgen Klopp’s side suffered just three defeats and amounted a club record 99 points.

Now, the Reds are top of the table by a point after seven matches, while City are in 10th place with a game in hand.

Tottenham and Chelsea have been tipped to challenge City and Liverpool for the title after significantly strengthening their squads in the summer.

Speaking ahead of his side’s clash with the Reds on Sunday, Guardiola said: “They [Liverpool] are the biggest favourite.

“But I think, with what happened with the [coronavirus] pandemic, the situation is a bit different. I see other teams strong.

“I think this season there will be a lot of teams there. The last five to 10 games will be important to arrive there to fight for the title.

“Hopefully we can be there and arrive at the end with a chance to fight for the title.”

AFP

Guardiola is looking to win a third Premier League title this season

Man City secured a 4-0 win over Liverpool at the Etihad in July.

However, Guardiola expects his men to struggle at times against the reigning champions this weekend.

The Spaniard added: “When you play against teams like Liverpool you always have moments where you have to suffer.

“We know it. We have to do it and try to play to our strengths as much as possible.

“We know each other quite well. We have played many times. I don’t expect a game of 90 minutes where we will be there, or where they will be there for 90 minutes. There will be ups and downs.

News

Jose's Arsenal worry over Bale, Klopp backs Firmino, Thiago blow, Ole on his future

gameday

West Ham v Fulham commentary and teams: London rivals faces off in Premier League

gameday

Chelsea v Sheff United commentary and teams: Blues look to pile misery on Blades

Safe hands

Edouard Mendy could match another clean sheet record vs Sheffield United

Close

The 18-year Leeds record Bamford can equal with goal against Crystal Palace

gameday

Everton v Man United live: Solskjaer's job on the line as Pochettino waits in wings

clash

Man City v Liverpool kick-off time and live stream: How to watch Etihad blockbuster

Fighter

Solskjaer adamant he won’t ‘fall like house of cards’ amid Pochettino speculation

tease

Rangers legend Butcher delights in Celtic struggles as Brazil makes Liverpool wish

XIs

Pogba out, new role for midfielder, Cavani starts - Pochettino's Man United line-ups

“We have to be stable in the bad moments and, in the good moments, take our good chances and be clinical.

“It’s always nice to play against the strongest teams and last year they were stronger.

“They are an exceptional team, they have had the same manager for a long time and it is nice to face him all the time to improve our level.”

from Football - news, transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures https://ift.tt/3n0ti0g
via IFTTT

• Share
• Share
• Tweet
• Pin It