Liverpool may be Premier League title favourites, but Brighton boss Chris Hughton would not bet against Manchester City defending their crown this season.
Jurgen Klopp's table-topping Reds travel to the Amex Stadium on Saturday with a four-point cushion on champions Man City.
Liverpool had enjoyed a seven-point advantage over Pep Guardiola's side heading into 2019, but City sealed a vital 2-1 win at the Etihad on January 3 to cut the gap on the leaders.
Klopp's men have lost their last two games - the defeat at City was followed by a surprise FA Cup exit at Wolves - and Brighton coach Hughton sees the title race going down to the wire despite Liverpool's "outstanding" displays.
"At this moment, I think [Liverpool] are favourites simply because of the points difference, and I think they've been outstanding," said Hughton.
"But you certainly can't write off a Manchester City team that have been the best team over the last few seasons and arguably played the best football.
"I think Liverpool are favourites but I couldn't tell you who will win it. And certainly I wouldn't put money on it."
| Pos | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
| 1 | Liverpool | 21 | 17 | 3 | 1 | 39 | 54 |
| 2 | Man City | 21 | 16 | 2 | 3 | 39 | 50 |
| 3 | Tottenham | 21 | 16 | 0 | 5 | 25 | 48 |
| 4 | Chelsea | 21 | 13 | 5 | 3 | 22 | 44 |
| 5 | Arsenal | 21 | 12 | 5 | 4 | 15 | 41 |
| 6 | Man Utd | 21 | 11 | 5 | 5 | 11 | 38 |
Additional reporting by the Press Association.
