Liverpool return to Premier League action against Manchester City in just over a week, with Andoni Iraola's side set to be the first team to face the league leaders since they were found guilty of breaching top-flight financial rules.
The Reds finished runners-up in two of the seasons City won the title between 2009 and 2018. Both sides remain unbeaten in the league, with Liverpool on two wins compared to City's five.
Isak Paying Back Fee
Alexander Isak has enjoyed a return to form this season after an injury-hit debut campaign at Anfield. The Swede became Liverpool's most expensive player ever when he signed for £125million last season, managing just four goals in 22 games across all competitions.
The 27-year-old has already matched that tally this season in the Premier League alone, with four goals in five games. Former Reds striker Emile Heskey believes Isak is finally showing the form that prompted the nine-figure fee.
"I'm not sure about what to add to his game because he is what he is," Heskey told Rekatochklart.com. "I like his movement. He's getting chances, and creating chances. You're going to miss some anyway. I love the runs that he's making. He looks sharper now, like he was when he was at Newcastle."
"That comes with games, the more and more you play. I like his movement, I like his runs. I think he's coming back to his best now because people are seeing him making the runs now. The second goal against Ipswich where he made the run in behind for Cody Gakpo who passed it with the outside of his boot."
"If you go back a little bit, just before he makes that run for Gakpo, he's made a run for Virgil (van Dijk) who doesn't play it. He turns around and he's like throwing his hands around and then he realises Gakpo's got it, and he comes back onside and makes the second run."
Klopp's Guardiola Respect
Jurgen Klopp has admitted his reluctance to comment on Manchester City being found guilty of serious financial breaches stems from respect for Pep Guardiola. Despite being found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges by an independent commission, the club insists they are innocent.
The two managers enjoyed a healthy rivalry for years, with their former clubs going head-to-head in numerous title races. Despite previously joking he would attend a parade if the Reds were retrospectively awarded titles, Klopp admitted he no longer holds this view.
"I haven't given it much thought, even though I've seen it of course. I also know what I said about it in the past and how if there's ever a parade I'll be there, but it doesn't feel like that anymore," the Germany boss said.
"My respect for Pep Guardiola and the football played at City during the time we played against each other... plus what an opponent they proved to be for us at the very highest level is far too great for me to be able to say anything now."
