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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is expecting anything but a 5-5-0 formation from either side against Manchester City in their Premier League title bout.

The two sides clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday with the fate of the title potentially at stake. City currently sit top, one point ahead of Liverpool. A win for either side would therefore move them a huge step closer to glory.

Liverpool are in better form heading into the fixture. They have won five games in a row in all competitions and 10 in a row in the Premier League.

City, meanwhile, have lost one and drawn two of their previous 10 games. Both teams meet following Champions League duty on Tuesday.

Liverpool weathered a second-half storm against Benfica to gain a 3-1 advantage in their quarter-final. City had it all their own way against Atletico Madrid, but could only manage a 1-0 win.

Boss Pep Guardiola vented his frustration at the “5-5” formation employed by Atletico boss Diego Simeone. But, Klopp insisted that both sides will be looking to attack on Sunday.

“I’m not worried about the mentality of my boys,” the manager told a press conference. “We learned over the years to really be in the game, but that doesn’t mean you forget about the game after.

“After the [Benfica] game, the boys were clear that it’s City time. From a football point of view, it helps that both teams will not play the 5-5.

“There may be moments when we have to do that, I’m not sure. We will be prepared, we both played Tuesday so we’ve had enough time to prepare the game, to recover.”

Klopp added that he “cannot help” people who think a win for Liverpool will lead to them securing the title. In the same way, he claimed City fans will not be dreaming of glory after victory.

But, Klopp concluded that their latest clash is a product of an intense and growing rivalry over four years.

And the Reds boss added that Guardiola – who he called “the best coach in the world” – has made Liverpool better.

Klopp credits Guardiola for Liverpool rise

“In sports, what helps you the most is a strong opponent, in the long term especially it helps you the most,” Klopp said.

“[Rafael] Nadal and [Roger] Federer enjoyed a lot the rivalry they had. I’m not sure they would still play if they would have won the tournaments either hand.

“I wouldn’t say I’m thankful that City is that good, but it didn’t deny our development.”

He added: “The last four years we closed the gap to City, we push each other to incredible point tallies. I never thought these kind of things would be possible, especially in this league.

“The consistency both teams show in this period is absolutely crazy. The closer you get, the more likely it becomes that you can overtake. But, we know it’s tough.

“What’s changed in four years is that everyone thinks it’s tough when they play us and that’s really good.”

Liverpool and City drew 2-2 at Anfield earlier this season in an end-to-end thriller.

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