Centre-back Aymeric Laporte believes Manchester City have nothing to fear from Liverpool in the race to retain their Premier League title crown.
Despite having opened up a 14-point lead at the summit after beating Chelsea 1-0 back in January, City could find themselves knocked off their perch, for a few hours at least, if Liverpool beat Watford in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off at Anfield. The Reds reduced the gap on Pep Guardiola's side to just a point with a 2-0 win at Arsenal prior to the international break.
With the two clubs, who go head-to-head in a little over a week's time at the Etihad Stadium, neck and neck in the table as the season prepares to explode back into life, it promises to be a gripping title battle right the way to the finish line. Although City have a one-point advantage as things stand, their goalless draw with Crystal Palace almost three weeks ago has meant that some doubts have been cast about their prospects of retaining their status as Premier League champions.
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However, Laporte, who has racked up 31 appearances in all competitions this term, insists City have nothing to fear from the threat Jurgen Klopp's side are posing. He has also recognised how this title battle is set to make excellent viewing for almost everyone.
"City can't be afraid of anyone," Laporte told The Guardian. "[Liverpool] were a point behind in the same week, and in the end we won the league.
"We have this fight now and that's good for the fans, and neutrals."
Asked if City could seek any inspiration from the way Liverpool play, the defender added: "The football we play, no one else plays in the world. We're an example of how to play nice football, to be superior in all areas.
"I think they'd like even part of our game. As for us having something of them: taking chances and benefiting from opponents' errors a little more, because often we have the opportunity and don't take it.
"We let the other team off. But there's nothing to be envious about."
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