Ex-Liverpool striker Michael Owen does not expect his former club to pick up the three points when they face Manchester City at Anfield this evening.

The Reds desperately need a victory in order to keep their fading title ambitions alive, but Owen sees this being a tightly contested affair with a draw the likeliest outcome:

“This is a must-win for Liverpool. Anything other than a victory would be a real dent in their aspirations to retain the title. City arrive here in great form, although I do think that deep down, Pep would happily take a point home. With that in mind, I think City could give up some territory. From their point of view, if they get one on the counter, then great. If not, a point isn’t a bad result.”

“Usually, in these types of matches, a noisy Anfield crowd would play a huge part. With that missing, I think it only plays further into City’s hands. So, I can see this being cagey, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it ended all square.”

Owen has gone with a 1-1 draw in this one, and it is not a surprising prediction, considering Liverpool’s poor form and the fact that City know even a point would keep them in a commanding position at the top of the table.

With no crowd to encourage them either, Jurgen Klopp’s side are in danger of losing three home league games in a row if they don’t improve on some of their recent performances.

They have tended to save their best displays for matches against the big teams, though, so Owen could be right in predicting a stalemate.