Jamie Carragher says Liverpool will become "big favourites" for the Premier League title they crave if they can win their next two matches.
The Reds sit six points clear of Manchester City having won nine and drawn one of their 10 matches thus far.
Despite that advantage Carragher says that the quality of City means Jurgen Klopp's men can only be considered "slight favourites" for the title at this time.
However, he says that will change if the Reds can win away at Aston Villa on Saturday and then, crucially, at home to City on November 10.
That would mean that they were at least nine points ahead of their title rivals, with City hosting Southampton at the Etihad Stadium this coming weekend.
"They've started brilliantly, on the back of what they did last season in the Champions League," Carragher told Sky Sports .
"But it might be difficult to replicate what they did, in terms of the 97 points to almost win the Premier League.
"At this moment, you'd probably have to say they're slight favourites for the title. But I can't help but think City will come back and go on a winning run.
"Both teams were in the same position last year and City came back at them.
"If Liverpool could win the City game, not just for the points, but psychologically, that would put them in a great position.
"In this moment, Liverpool are slight favourites, if they were to reach the international break on the back of two wins, that would put them nine points clear.
"They'd take some stopping then, they'd be big favourites."
The Reds host Arsenal in the Carabao Cup fourth round at Anfield on Wednesday night.
