Dean Ashton is tipping Manchester City to beat Liverpool this weekend - but believes the reds will go on to win the Premier League.
The TalkSport and SkySports pundit thinks City’s in-form players will give them the edge at Anfield on Sunday.
But, Ashton, who played for West Ham, Norwich and Crewe while also being capped by England, thinks Jurgen Klopp will have the last laugh.
He said: “The weekend’s match is ginormous.
Jurgen Klopp has been backed to win the Premier League title by Dean Ashton ahead of Sunday's crunch fixture against Man City
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"It feels as if these games against each other are vital for who wins the title at the end of the season.
"It being at Anfield in particular gives it that extra little edge as well.
"If you love football, then you’ll love this game.”
Ashton believes the potential return of Mohamed Salah could be pivotal.
“It feels vital,” he said. “Salah’s such an important player, a player that can turn any game, even if it is off the bench.
“The game could still be tight in the last 20 minutes, and for Jurgen Klopp, being able to turn to the bench, you feel like it’s huge if they can turn to him, albeit how brilliant the Liverpool kids have been recently.
“All the players coming back like [Dominik] Szoboszlai and [Darwin] Nunez, they’re all really important for these games, because City are just so good.
“It could be not just a boost for Klopp but the players as well.
"When you look around the dressing room and see Mo Salah back in the team, it gives you a lift.
“In big games you have to look at the form players, and Foden is that.
"The only issue for Liverpool is, even though some of your best players are back, are they fit and firing? Whereas City’s are.
“[Erling] Haaland looks back, [Phil] Foden’s in incredible form, [Kevin] De Bruyne’s now had enough game time to go.
"Rodri’s always an important player in these games as well, and it wouldn’t surprise me if he popped up with a goal as he always seems to do in big games.
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Mohamed Salah returning for Liverpool is a huge 'boost' ahead of Man City showdown
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“I think that does tip it slightly in City’s favour, because their top players are fit and well in form.”
Predicting the result, he added: “I’m going to edge towards Manchester City, even though I think Liverpool might go on ahead and win the title.
“I just think in this game, having your best players in form and fit will give Manchester City the edge against Liverpool, who have only just got some of their big players back.
“I’ll go with a really tight game, but City to edge it 2-1.”
Explaining why he thinks Liverpool will eventually take the title, Ashton, 40, added: “I went for Liverpool earlier on in the season because I just felt they had the experience that maybe Arsenal hadn’t got.
Liverpool have been warned about Phil Foden and Erling Haaland ahead of their epic showdown with Man City
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"When I realised the defence was back to its best, you just know they’ve got players that score goals in every single game.
“The main thing for me is that [Virgil] Van Dijk looks back to where he was before his big injury.
"It takes a long time to get over these injuries, and their defence is now back to where it was when they were right up there with City and winning the title.
“I’m still going to stick with Liverpool, but I mean it’s so difficult to call. It’s all going to come down to these games.”
Ashton was talking to Champions (UK) plc ahead of their annual charity ball, which he will be attending. For more information visit www.championsukplc.com.
