Former Manchester City and Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes this weekend’s Premier League showdown between his two former clubs could prove decisive in shaping the title race.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated clash, Hamann cautioned that a defeat for either side would be damaging, but especially for Pep Guardiola’s side, who already trail early leaders Arsenal.
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When asked by Footballblog.co.uk whether Sunday’s encounter is a “must-win” for City, Hamann offered a nuanced response.
“Liverpool are seven points behind Arsenal, and City are a point better off. So I don’t think that it’s a must-win for either side, but I don’t think either side can afford to lose,” he explained.
“Then you might end up 10 points behind, and you’ve got to go to play them again in the second half of the season.”
Hamann, who made over 50 appearances for City after a successful spell at Liverpool, stressed that the psychological impact of falling further behind could be just as damaging as the points deficit itself.
“It’s an awful lot to make up, against a team that doesn’t concede any or many goals,” he said.
“I think for confidence, for self-belief, I wouldn’t say the team that loses is out of the title race, but almost.”
His comments come at a time when both clubs are looking to keep pace with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who have made an impressive start to the campaign.
The Gunners travel to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on Saturday evening, and a win there would increase the pressure on both Manchester City and Liverpool before their meeting at the Etihad Stadium the following day.
A victory for Arsenal would extend their lead to double digits before either of their nearest rivals even kick a ball, forcing Guardiola’s side into a situation where anything less than three points could feel like a major setback.
Despite the long road ahead in the title race, Hamann suggested that momentum and belief are already becoming critical factors.
As expected, bookmakers have installed Manchester City as favourites for the fixture, largely because of their formidable home record. Most major betting firms have Guardiola’s men priced at around 10/11 to take all three points.
A draw is being offered between 14/5 and 3/1, while an away win for Liverpool carries similar odds, ranging from 13/5 to 11/4.
However, the odds tell only part of the story. City, who have set such relentless standards in recent seasons, find themselves in unfamiliar territory this early in the campaign. They have struggled for rhythm and consistency in several key matches.
With both sides looking to send a message to Arsenal, Sunday’s match feels like more than just another fixture — it’s a potential turning point. For City, in particular, the stakes are high.
Guardiola’s team can not afford to let the gap at the top widen further, especially against a direct rival with ambitions of their own.
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Hamann’s warning is rooted in his experience of high-pressure title chases. Having played under both Rafa Benítez and Kevin Keegan, he understands how momentum can shift rapidly in the Premier League.
He suggested that a defeat could plant seeds of doubt in a dressing room that has grown accustomed to winning.
Liverpool, meanwhile, know that a victory at the Etihad could transform their own campaign. After an uneven start, a statement win away from home would restore faith in Arne Slot’s side as genuine contenders.
For all their attacking brilliance, the Reds have been inconsistent defensively — something City’s forwards will be eager to exploit.