Pep rejects 'champions-elect' label

With an unbeaten start to the league season, winning 20 of their opening 22 games and drawing the other two, City have a 15-point led at the top of the table. Numerous people have already conceded the league to the Manchester club, but the Spanish boss refuses to be complacent.

Speaking ahead of his sides' eagerly-anticipated clash against fourth-placed Liverpool, Guardiola declared: "In football and in sport, anything can happen."

"Of course we can lose the title because you never know what is going to happen in the next 13 or 14 games you have to play. Of course, if we maintain our level, the consistency and the way we play, then OK, we have a chance. But you never know."

He goes on to say: "If we start to go down, and lose confidence, and don't play regularly, then we will see. Maybe that is going to happen, and I am going to shake the hand of my opponents and congratulate them for being champions."

Sunday's fixture against Jurgen Klopp's team should be an exciting affair, with the Merseyside club unbeaten in their last 13 league games. Could one of the two teams finally lose their unbeaten streak?