Jamie Carragher has dismissed the idea that Liverpool are favourites to beat Manchester City this weekend following their guilty verdict. The two domestic rivals meet at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, just over two weeks on from City being found in breach of 114 financial rules.
Given the charges brought against them by the Premier League, a hostile atmosphere awaits in Merseyside which many believe will see the result go in Liverpool's favour. However, Carragher is not seemingly of that opinion given the form and displays of both teams so far this season.
Carragher's Verdict on City's Form
He wrote in his column for The Telegraph. "One of the most striking consequences of the City verdict is how quickly attention turned towards Anfield, and how many are now predicting a home win in front of a vibrant, intimidating home crowd.
"Given City's poor Anfield record, perhaps that was always going to be the case. Pep Guardiola's late win last season was his only Anfield success with supporters present.
"But the assumption of City suffering a Liverpool backlash has suddenly elevated. It is illogical for anyone to declare Liverpool favourites all of a sudden. City are currently much better.
Mixed Form for Liverpool
"Rewind to the start of the international break, and there would have been cause for trepidation about City's imminent arrival as Liverpool struggled to a win at Bournemouth without playing well.
"Maresca's side head to Merseyside with a 100% record. They have a well-balanced team in good form.
"Iraola's team are yet to show any consistency. He is trying to build on encouraging moments more than any back-to-back excellence. Now the whole country seems to be licking its lips for what is in store for City.
"It feels like Liverpool must deliver, or there will be a sense of deflation that the first punishment has not been meted out to the Abu Dhabi hierarchy."
Injury Blows for Liverpool
Iraola has claimed victories against Ipswich and Bournemouth in the Premier League so far, but has been held to draws against Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Fulham.
Manchester City, meanwhile, have won every fixture since by the Community Shield since Enzo Maresca succeeded Pep Guardiola in the dugout over the summer.
Liverpool head into the fixture having delivered mixed performances so far this season but key players Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo, who have combined for most of their goals have been ruled out through injury.
