Liverpool host rivals Manchester City at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday
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Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool looks on with Erling Haaland of Manchester City
Former Watford striker Troy Deeney has warned Sunday's clash against Liverpool at Anfield presents the perfect opportunity for Manchester City to turn things around and force their way back into the title race. Pep Guardiola's side have struggled for form in recent months and are without a win in six games, having drawn 3-3 with Feyenoord in the Champions League midweek.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are top of both leagues, both domestically and in Europe, after a strong start to the campaign. Sunday's showdown gives Liverpool the chance to move 11 points clear of their bitter rivals, while a victory for City will put them five points behind the Reds and back within touching distance.
Deeney believes the underdog status City will have for this game, as a result of their significant dip in form, could create the perfect conditions for them to flip the script.
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"I think City are going to be better organised," Deeney told talkSPORT. "I think this is the perfect game for them. I know that's a weird thing to say.
"But Liverpool just beat Real Madrid, so their fans are expectant. But this is the first time Man City have been underdogs in a game for the betting companies. So everyone is writing them off.
"I think they will be more together, more solid. I can see them nicking it, 2-1."
City's status among the favourites to claim the league title this season has slipped in recent weeks, with some placing Arsenal as firm contenders to claim the prize. However, Deeney highlighted the one key advantage City hold over their rivals in the form of one of the most devastating strikers in the country.
"People were telling me today, Arsenal are more favourites to win the league than Man City, and Man City are second," he added. "I don't know what's going on. And they still have the best striker in the world [Erling Haaland], right? I'm confused."