Liverpool legend John Barnes believes Manchester City will finish above the Reds this season despite his former club being top of the table after four games.

Jurgen Klopp’s side ended up 25 points behind the champions last season, and the former winger thinks the gap is too much to make up in one year:

“They can challenge City but they are the favourites. You can’t finish 25 points behind them last season and be favourites to win it this year. I think Liverpool will finish second. City will win the title but we will be closer to them.”

“We can win it but City are a great side with a top manager. Of course, De Bruyne being out for a while helps but you can see how well they’re playing. We can challenge but I don’t expect them to win the league.”

Liverpool have what looks like a season-defining run of fixtures coming up after the international break. In the space of 22 days, they will face the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli in the Champions League, play away fixtures at Tottenham and Chelsea in the league, as well as a Carabao Cup third round tie against the Blues, and a home Premier League game against Manchester City.

It will be a true test of the club’s squad depth, and by the time of the next international break in early October, the Reds will really know if they are going to be genuine candidates for the Premier League title.