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What's the story?
Liverpool custodian Alisson Becker believes it's Manchester City who are hot favorites to win the title, not his own team. The Reds are four points clear at the top of the table and certainly don't look like stumbling, but their goalkeeper has handed over the champions-elect tag to the title holders.
In case you didn't know...
Manchester City tore records apart last season with each passing week and with their rivals strengthening their squads, it didn't seem like the heroics of last season would be repeated. However, Jurgen Klopp's side have taken the Premier League to another dimension, just like City did last season, as they have fired on all cylinders.
With 19 wins from 23 games, a period where they have only shipped 13 goals and rectified their defensive frailties, they look like the team to beat.
The heart of the matter
Regardless, Alisson tips rivals Manchester City to lift the Premier League crown for the second season running.
"Liverpool now have the quality to fight for the biggest trophies, there is no doubt about it. But there’s a long way ahead of us and it’s important to be sure where we are going," he mentioned.
He further remarked:
"City proved their strength by winning the league comfortably last year. They have also invested for this season, so their team is even better now. They are very tough opponents and the big favorites."
The shot-stopper added:
"However, we also have our ambition to win the league this season and I believe in our talent to go all the way. But we have to think step by step and make sure we keep our feet on the ground."
Whether he spoke the truth or just lashed in a few mind games remains a mystery, but Manchester City most definitely have what it takes to be champions.
What's next?
As the title race heats up, Liverpool and Manchester City will aim to pile further pressure on each other when they take on Leicester City and Newcastle United respectively. While the Reds are on a remarkable 60 points from 23 games, Pep Guardiola's side have collected 56 of them.
