Paul Merson reckons Manchester City's defensive woes will hinder their chances of Champions League success this season - and has backed Liverpool to fight for glory again.
Europe's elite club competition is the one piece of silverware that has so far eluded boss Pep Guardiola at City, a trophy he lifted twice during his glittering managerial spell at Barcelona .
The Etihad club suffered heartbreak against Tottenham in last season's quarter-finals but have started this year's quest by winning their opening three games of the group stages.
But their injury crisis at the back - which has seen midfield pair Fernandinho and Rodri form a central defence partnership - will come back to bite City, according to Merson.
"City are a very good team, but they are not going to win the Champions League, playing against the best teams in Europe, with two holding midfielders in defence," Merson told Sky sports.
"They need Aymeric Laporte back. I thought Juventus would be one of the dangers, but I watched them the other night and they are not going to win it.
"When Bayern Munich rinsed Tottenham the other week, I didn’t think they were the team to beat. I didn’t think that at all if I’m being honest. I thought they looked quite open."
And Merson reckons Liverpool, who lifted the 2018/19 trophy after beating Tottenham in the final, are contenders again this year.
He added: "I still think Liverpool are the team to beat. They lost in the final two seasons ago and then won it last season. Who’s got better form than that?
"They hardly ever lose at home, if ever. No one wants to go and play at Anfield. I still think Liverpool will be there or thereabouts come the end of the competition."
