Liverpool are set to do Man Utd a huge favour in the coming days - major claim
LIVERPOOL will inflict a first defeat of the season on Manchester City this weekend.
That’s according to Paul Merson, who has backed the Reds to upset Pep Guardiola’s Premier League leaders with or without Philippe Coutinho.
Coutinho has finally left Liverpool for Barcelona and Jurgen Klopp’s side will begin life without him by hosting City on Sunday.
City have a woeful record at Anfield and Merson believes Liverpool’s remaining firepower will see Guardiola’s side lose for the first time this term.
He told Sky Sports: “I think Liverpool could be the team that finally beat Manchester City.
GETTY
Premier League done deals: January transfer window
REUTERS
“I fancy Liverpool - I didn't think I'd ever say that!”
Paul Merson on Liverpool vs Manchester City
“I know Philippe Coutinho is not there anymore but they've still got the firepower to beat them, with Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
“City haven't won at Anfield since 2003, although you've got to remember what City were like back then, they're not the team they are now that's for sure.
“But I fancy Liverpool - I didn't think I'd ever say that!”
Manchester United remain City’s closet rivals at the top but are currently 15 points behind their neighbours.
GETTY
Merson reckons that gap will close slightly this weekend with United set to see off a manager-less Stoke with ease.
He added: “With Stoke yet to appoint a successor to Mark Hughes, I fear for them at Old Trafford.
“They're in disarray and to get beaten at Coventry in the FA Cup was unbelievable, no disrespect to Coventry.
“They're in major trouble and I see a routine win for United to maintain their top-four challenge.”