Title race wide open, says Pep

This campaign has already proven unpredictable

Manchester City’s home clash with Liverpool offers the first chance for the two Premier League title favourites to go head to head this season, but Pep Guardiola believes this year’s race will have many more contenders.

City and Liverpool went toe to toe in an unprecedented battle in 2018-19 before City claimed the title with 98 points to Liverpool’s 97 but Liverpool walked away with it last season.

This campaign has already proven unpredictable with leaders Liverpool suffering a 72 defeat by Aston Villa and City, down in 10th place, winning only one of their opening six.

“(Liverpool) are the biggest favourites, but with the pandemic the situation is a bit different,” Guardiola told reporters ahead of today’s clash at the Etihad.

Leicester, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea “I see other teams strong, Leicester (City) maintained the level from most of last season, Arsenal made a big step forward to be contenders and Tottenham (Hotspur), (Jose) Mourinho has the team that he wants.

“Chelsea in the beginning is so stable now and has a huge squad for rotating top players. (Manchester) United in this moment is not in terms of results but we saw the quality they had last season, we suffered a lot in results and up front they are incredibly fast and clinical.

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

City will be without injured striker Sergio Aguero but Gabriel Jesus is fit for Sunday’s clash, which Guardiola says is important but far from decisive even if defeat would leave his side eight points behind Jurgen Klopp’s team.

“It is an important game but like presidential elections in the USA all the votes must be counted,” the Catalan said. “A lot of points to play for.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Klopp has heaped praise on Joe Gomez after the England centre back helped the club navigate a defensive injury crisis in recent weeks.

Liverpool have been shorn of defensive cover with Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and stand-in centre back Fabinho all suffering injuries. In their absence, Gomez has been a steadying influence and has helped steer Liverpool to five straight wins in all competitions.

Klopp said the 23-year-old has responded to the increased responsibility and shown maturity to guide youngsters Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams at the back.

“He’s still young. Impressive boy,” Klopp told a news conference ahead of today’s clash.

“He’s had so many different (centre back) partners but he was always the kid in the line pretty much and that changed now completely. Everybody in life, we have to grow in situations like this and he did that. He used the last few weeks. He was pretty much thrown in cold water. He used it really well. I’m really happy with his performances he put in.” —

I think this season will be a lot of teams being there Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager

Picture: Reuters Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, in red, scored a smashing header from distance and later got a second during yesterday’s clash against Everton at Goodison Park. In goal is Jordan Pickford.

Shining lights Diogo Jota, left, scored a superb hat-trick in midweek to serve notice that he does not intend to play solely a supporting role, while Raheem Sterling has been City’s top scorer this season.

The big test Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, left, and his Liverpool side present Pep Guardiola with an acid test to get out-of-sorts Manchester City back on track in the race for the Premier League title.