Alan Shearer pinpoints what Manchester City must do to prevent Liverpool from overpowering them at Anfield; predicts result

Alan Shearer has backed Liverpool to beat Manchester City in this Sunday's Premier League showdown. The pundit highlighted what City must do to prevent being overwhelmed by the in-form Merseysiders.

The Reds have had a stellar campaign so far under Arne Slot in his debut season. They sit at the apex of the Premier League with a substantial eight-point lead over their title race rivals while leading the Champions League standings as well.

Manchester City, who are a point ahead of Chelsea and Arsenal in second, have hit their worst run of form under Pep Guardiola. The Cityzens suffered five consecutive defeats across competitions before their disappointing 3-3 draw against Feyenoord in the Champions League this week.

A victory for Liverpool at the weekend would extend their lead to 11 points, placing the Merseysiders in an excellent position to win their first league title of the Slot era.

Given the Reds' excellent form, Shearer believes Manchester City have to hold the fort in the middle of the pitch, what with Rodri battling to return from injury before the season ends.

Giving his predictions for this weekend's league fixtures, Shearer told Metro:

"Unless City tighten up and strengthen up in midfield, Liverpool could overpower them there. There are so many great battles to look forward to. Whoever Pep decides to play at left-back has a huge challenge on hand also."

"With the form that Man City are in, Liverpool at Anfield and the forward options they have, I can’t see anything other than a Liverpool victory," he added.

Manchester City are 17th in the Champions League standings after two wins, two draws, and a loss.

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"They could take them apart" - Chris Sutton predicts Liverpool vs Manchester City game

Chris Sutton has made his prediction for this weekend's clash between the Reds and the Cityzens. The pundit has also backed the Merseysiders to secure all three points.

However, Sutton feels they could potentially break Manchester City down in a similar fashion to Tottenham Hotspur. Ange Postecoglou's men thrashed the Cityzens 4-0 at the Etihad last weekend, courtesy of a brace from James Maddison and goals from Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson.

Sutton believes Liverpool will carry on their momentum after beating Real Madrid 2-0 in the Champions League this week. The pundit told BBC Sport:

"Still, I think the intensity that Liverpool played with against Madrid will be too much for City, and I am expecting Slot's side to repeat that. Their midfield looks so strong and Curtis Jones really impressed me against Real."

"It's been a good week for Liverpool and a good season so far but a win to send them 11 points clear of the defending champions would make it a great week and a great campaign, and that's what I am going for."

"They might not just beat City, they could take them apart like Spurs did."

Sutton's prediction: 4-1