Gundogan wary of Liverpool traps that could ‘punish’ Man City amid rallying cry

Ilkay Gundogan has been aware of the “incredible” form Liverpool have put together, sending a warning to Manchester City to be “careful” when they meet on Sunday.

It could be a title decider at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The Premier League’s two most consistent teams of recent years are going head to head in a top-of-the-table clash. With eight games left each, Manchester City go into the match one point ahead of Liverpool.

Therefore, whoever wins the game will end the week top of the table ahead of the final run in. Alternatively, if it ends as a draw, City will retain their one-point advantage. Even then, it will be close to call.

For now, both teams will be focusing on their direct clash on Sunday. It is almost impossible to predict which way it will go.

Champions last season, Manchester City will be hoping to assert their superiority. But their midfielder Gundogan cannot hide from the fact of how strong Liverpool have been.

With that in mind, the Germany international – who has recently been tipped to extend his contract with the club – thinks they need to put together a perfect performance and avoid falling foul of the ways in which their rivals could hurt them.

Gundogan told Tivibu Spor: “Liverpool are among the best teams in the world right now. They have achieved incredible form.

“The league game will be tough. We want to win against them at home.

Gundogan explains clash of styles

“It will be a match between two teams of the same level. We must not make mistakes.

“They are a very effective team on the counter-attack. We are a team that loves to play with the ball. If we allow them to make a turnover, they can punish us. We have to be careful.”

The reverse fixture between the two sides in this Premier League season ended as a 2-2 draw back in October. On that occasion, Liverpool twice took the lead – via Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah – only for Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne to respond each time for City.

This will be the first of two meetings between the two clubs in the space of seven days. Next Saturday, they will also face off in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Each game will be an intriguing battle – and Gundogan will be hoping his teammates heed his advice.

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