Ilkay Gundogan has claimed Manchester City are good for Liverpool in the Premier League title race - and vice-versa.
The Reds have enjoyed a 100% start to the top-flight season and stand two points clear of City in the early standings.
Pep Guardiola's champions are aiming for a third successive championship with most pundits anticipating another straight fight between the two for the Premier League crown.
And Gundogan, who played under Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, admits that while the pressure on City comes from within, their expected latest battle with the Reds can bring the best out of both teams.
"I think we should always put ourselves under pressure because we are so talented and such a good team that we want to win every game, so the pressure comes from inside," said the Germany international midfielder.
"The fact that Liverpool does so well recently just shows that there is a team with a lot of quality that will also be a big contender for the season.
"That's good for the league, maybe also good for us but also good for Liverpool that we are there so it's going to be a fight.
"It's not going to be easy so we have to be there, we have to win and that's the game."
