Some Liverpool fans believe that the performance of Curtis Jones against Porto midweek means he will be a certainty to start against Man City at Anfield on Sunday.
The Reds' display in Porto on Tuesday night was the perfect way to put Saturday’s draw with Brentford behind them as they demolished a side that was yet to taste defeat so far this season.
Porto will be sick of the sight of Liverpool, who have now scored 14 times in just the past three games in Portugal.
Despite conceding once, Liverpool looked back to their assured self at the back while Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino all got on the scoresheet to ensure they are flying heading into Sunday’s game against the Premier League champions.
Any match against Pep Guardiola’s side is up there with one of the toughest tests in European football with Man City winning three of the last four Premier League titles and reaching the Champions League final last season.
Liverpool currently sit just one point above City at the summit of the Premier League as the two prepare to do battle and Jurgen Klopp will be well aware that a four-point gap at this point could be huge.
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On Tuesday night's Post-Game podcast, Liverpool fan Mike Holt outlined why he believes the Reds are ready for Sunday: "Curtis Jones put in a real stand out performance once again.
"The 3-3 on Saturday against Brentford could have knocked the wind out of the sails, but Jones was brilliant on Saturday and again in Porto.
"He's so composed and so confident. He's got that swagger that we need in the midfield. I thought he was sublime. There was the hiccup of the goal we conceded with Joe Gomez being rusty coming off the bench, but we scored five goals.
"Roberto Firmino came on and got two and Mohamed Salah contributing again. At the moment, on form, I think he's the best player in the world.
"I was really delighted with Sadio Mane – I was a bit too critical of him on Saturday, but I was delighted he got a goal.
"Going into that City game, he's got a little boost of confidence that he needs."
Other Liverpool fans took to Twitter to praise Jones' performance, too.
"Straight up baller," @StevesWorldLFC tweeted. "Curtis Jones is a better footballer than Mason Mount but the world doesn't want to hear that," added @DublinOriginals.
Liverpool’s 5-1 win in Porto was a huge statement as to where that at this current moment as they achieved a fantastic achievement with scoring 20 goals in a single month.
Salah is on fire with the rest of the forwards backing up the Egyptian with their goals. The confidence is flowing and the Reds have City in their sights.
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After a fine win at Chelsea, City made the trip to Paris as they lost 2-0 to PSG on Tuesday night and Liverpool may look at this and smell blood.
"Jurgen Klopp went with a really strong team, maybe with the idea of getting a few goals and bringing a few of the lads off with Manchester City on Sunday in mind," added Holt.
"This happened in the end and it's a good thing. Looking at City's result with PSG, they might be a bit deflated after that."
Liverpool were on the receiving end of a heavy loss to City at Anfield last season, but with fans back in the stadium, a ferocious atmosphere will make all the difference to Klopp’s side.
