PREM: Liverpool v Manchester City preview

Liverpool v Manchester City preview

Liverpool and Man City go head to head this weekend as last season's champions face their nearest challengers.

The Reds got the better of Pep Guardiola's champions in three out of their four meetings last season and the two are already early title favourites, with Man City currently first on goal difference.

But Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes it is too early for title talk and has tipped this weekend's opponents for another good season.

"I don't think it makes sense at this moment to think about the title. There are a lot of games to play," Klopp said. "But, it is a home game against Man City and that is a tough one. Last year they were really special and I expect them to be like this again.

"Teams that play like them can lose focus, but it never happened to City last year so they have all my respect. We have to be on our best to keep them away from our and create some chances in front of their goal."

Man City manager Pep Guardiola wants his side to keep improving when they play Liverpool, but insists no meeting between the sides is the same.

"Every game is completely different," he said. "In the Champions League, the first game we made a good performance except at the end of the first half. At home we made a very good game as well. It doesn't matter that we lost.

"They are a top side in the way they play. Liverpool beat a lot of sides not just City [last season]. Liverpool is one of the two greatest teams in England. We try to be close to them. They are a top side and we try to be closer every time."

Liverpool are waiting on the fitness of midfielder Naby Keita after he was carried off with a back spasm during the Champions League loss to Napoli on Wednesday. Klopp was unsure whether he would be able to train ahead of the match.

If Keita does not make it, Jordan Henderson is likely to start while Adam Lallana is back in full training after a groin problem.

Kevin De Bruyne has a chance of featuring as Man City after returning to training following a knee injury.

Benjamin Mendy is also back in contention after recovering from a foot problem but Ilkay Gundogan (hamstring) is doubtful and Fabian Delph is still on the sidelines. Claudio Bravo is a long-term absentee with a ruptured Achilles.