‘I’m not calling the title race just yet, I’ve been in football too long’

Guy Mowbray

The commentator looks ahead to a big week of Premier League football, with all games being shown live for the first time on Amazon Prime

Are you excited about the schedule for December?

We’ve got some terrific games across the two sets of fixtures. I’ve actually got the honour of commentating on the first live Amazon game on Tuesday, Crystal Palace v Bournemouth, but we’ve also got the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton the following night, plus Jose Mourinho’s return to Old Trafford with Tottenham.

The derby at Anfield should be gripping. Is the title Liverpool’s to lose now?

With Liverpool absolutely flying and Everton at a pivotal point over what they do next, with Marco Silva under such pressure, it is a massive game. But I’m not calling the title race just yet. I’ve been working in football for too long for that. I was at Liverpool’s win over Manchester City and there was no triumphalism from their fans. No big celebrations. I quite liked that.

What’s happened to Man City this season?

City are not as good as they were last season at this stage. Last year they were absolutely exceptional, bordering on invincible at times. Inevitably after that there is a dropoff but they have also lost Aymeric Laporte, Leroy Sane and now Sergio Aguero to injuries. That has undoubtedly played a part in their form, where Liverpool are almost untouched by such problems.

Are the Reds simply a winning machine?

If you look at the progress year on year since Jurgen Klopp (pictured) arrived, and started by Brendan Rodgers, it has been steady, culminating in their Champions League win. That has made them believe they can win the league. It’s ironic Rodgers is back as their nearest challenger at this point with Leicester.

Could Leicester remain Liverpool’s biggest rivals?

They are doing what they did when they won the title in 2016. Jamie Vardy is in the form of his career and I don’t think they’re going to go anywhere. Caglar Soyuncu was written off as ‘not good enough’ when he signed but has formed a great partnership at centre-back with Jonny Evans.

Have Sheffield United been the big surprise package for you?

If you’d told me at the start of the season that after 14 games they would be seventh, I’d have disagreed with you. I don’t know where they will end up but, like Leicester, they haven’t got European football to worry about.

Which sides have you enjoyed watching the most during this campaign so far?

I’d probably have to say Liverpool are the best, I’ve seen them a lot, but also Chelsea. They have had to go with young players and that could be the best thing that has happened to them. I’ve really enjoyed watching Newcastle, too.

And tonight sees the debut of Amazon Prime’s Premier League coverage.

It’s come round very quickly. It’s the first time you can watch every single game, and every team is afforded the same coverage. For a commentator it is business as usual but I’m really excited to be a part of it.