Pep Guardiola insisted he would not underestimate Liverpool's "exceptional team" despite their dire Premier League title defence this season. 

Manchester City make the trip to Anfield on Sunday eight points and four places above Arne Slot's side, who find themselves down in sixth after a mixed 2025-26 campaign. 

Since opening the season with five straight victories, the Reds have been on a downward spiral, which included a run of one league win in seven matches from the end of September up until November. 

Liverpool have since turned a corner somewhat, going on a 10-game unbeaten run in the top flight, though they drew six of those matches, before losing to Bournemouth. 

The Reds do have a favourable record in this fixture, losing just one of their last 22 Premier League home games against City (W14 D7), though that defeat did come the only time they hosted them as reigning champions (1-4 in February 2021).

"They remain an exceptional team. A top-class manager and an exceptional team, no doubt," Guardiola told reporters. 

"The moments are the moments, the seasons are the seasons, so they always remain a good team.

"[They are] always a tough opponent and a difficult place and stadium, especially with the quality of the players and the managers. Yes, it's been tough."

Guardiola confirmed both Bernardo Silva and John Stones remain doubtful, though Ruben Dias is available for selection after recovering from his injury. 

The City boss also discussed their appeal for Marc Guehi to be eligible for the EFL Cup final, after the Citizens reached the showpiece match in midweek. 

City beat Newcastle United 3-1 in the second leg of their semi-final tie on Wednesday, sealing a 5-1 aggregate success after triumphing 2-0 at St James' Park two weeks earlier.

Guehi will, however, miss the final against Arsenal having previously played for Crystal Palace in the competition, with Guardiola asking for a rule change to allow him to feature.

However, the Football League has refused to budge on that rule, much to the disappointment of Guardiola.

"No, the rules are the rules and I understand. Antoine [Semenyo] can play and Marc can't play is the rule, that is okay. Can we agree or disagree? That is not the point," he said. 

Another player who has come into question is Erling Haaland, despite the Norwegian sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League scoring charts with 20 goals this season. 

He has netted just once in his last seven top-flight matches and has struggled on his visits to the red half of Merseyside since joining City. 

Indeed, Haaland has failed to score in all three of his Premier League away games against Liverpool.

Anfield is one of just two grounds he has played at without scoring in the competition, along with Sunderland's Stadium of Light (one appearance).

But when asked whether Haaland would automatically return to the starting lineup, Guardiola said: "Erling is the best striker in the world."

When pushed further on whether Haaland would start, Guardiola added: "I don't know until tomorrow. But all I say is Erling is the best."