**Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that he was “surprised” to see Liverpool lose so many matches in recent weeks.**
The Reds have managed to recover their form with back-to-back wins against Aston Villa and [**Real Madrid**](https://walkon.com/blog/liverpool-transfer-news-alexis-mac-allister-2/) heading into Sunday’s game at the Etihad.
Some have labelled the fixture between City and Arne Slot’s side as a “must-win”, with Arsenal seemingly running away with the league, but Guardiola believes there is still plenty of time for things to change at the top of the table:
“Of course, it surprised me a lot that they lost a lot of games, but sometimes it’s about momentum. All the clubs are there except Arsenal, who are more consistent than anyone, but the season is long, so we try to be there and see what happens.”
Liverpool could slip 10 points behind Arsenal
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The league leaders will face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light the day before the Reds play. If they secure all three points against the Black Cats, Mikel Arteta’s side will have a commanding lead over their rivals.
Slot and his team will know if they do lose against City, it could well end any hopes of defending their title. Even at this stage of the season, a 10-point gap would be very difficult to claw back.
What are the odds ahead of Man City vs Liverpool?
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The Reds have been priced at between 5/2 and 13/5 to seal victory this weekend, with a draw having slightly longer odds at 3/1.
With City being at home, it is not a surprise that the bookies have made them the favourites. They are currently odds-on to grab the win.
Liverpool’s away form has been pretty poor so far, with 2 wins and three defeats in 5 matches. Those victories against Burnley and Newcastle came in the very last minute as well.
[**Read more about the Liverpool First Team Squad for 2025/26 here**](https://walkon.com/blog/liverpool-first-team-squad/)