Arsenal legend Paul Merson claims that Manchester United could put Manchester City in "major trouble" by losing to Liverpool at Old Trafford, handing the Merseysiders the advantage in the title race.
Liverpool have won all eight of their Premier League fixtures so far after a last gasp James Milner penalty handed Jurgen Klopp's men all three points at home to Leicester at the weekend.
Surprisingly, City were defeated at home against Wolves meaning Liverpool extended their lead to eight points at the top of the table heading into the international break.
Liverpool face Manchester United in their first game after the international fixtures and Merson thinks United losing would hand Klopp a significant advantage in the title race.
"At the start of the season you are probably looking at this game and thinking a point at United is a good result," he wrote for Sky Sports .
"You don't know how bad United are going to be, and you have a bit of a plan along the way as to what points you expect to get.
"Liverpool are ahead now. They've got points where they probably thought they weren't going to get them, so a draw would be okay for Liverpool in this game.
"If Jurgen Klopp's side took four points from the next two games, I think Manchester City would be in major trouble."
United find themselves in 12th place after a dismal start to the season but will take solace in the fact that Klopp has never won at Old Trafford as Liverpool manager.
