Roy Keane has claimed that the Premier League title race could be all-but over if Liverpool beat Manchester City and open up an eight-point lead.
Pep Guardiola's side host the champions at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in a match that could have a significant bearing on where the title is lifted come May.
Liverpool beat City around this point of the season last year at Anfield in a decisive victory which gave them a significant lead in the title race.
City came out 5-1 winners when the two sides last met at the Eithad Stadium after the Premier League returned from lockdown but the title had already been confirmed by that stage.
As things stand, City are five points adrift of Liverpool, although they have played a game fewer due to their delayed start to the campaign following their European commitments in August.
With Guardiola's side already surrendering seven points from their first six outings, Keane believes that a win for Liverpool, which would move them eight points clear, could spell the end for City's title hopes.
"I think this is a huge game," Keane told Sky Sports.
"When we look back at last season when Liverpool beat City at Anfield you always felt the title was over then.
"You look at how they've started, City have been kind of slow out the blocks although they have one or two games in hand.
"You think if Liverpool can win this game, even already, and I know it's early in the season, it's a long way back for Manchester City."
