Gary Neville claims Manchester City favourites for Premier League title, but defeat at Liverpool not an option

Former Manchester United right-back feels that a Liverpool win on April 13 would swing the title race in their favour

Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville during their Premier League days (GETTY IMAGES)

Gary Neville believes Manchester City are still in pole position in the race for the Premier League title, but feels that defeat to Liverpool at Anfield would swing the championship in Liverpool’s favour.

The former Manchester United defender refused to be drawn on who he wanted to win, but feels that City still hold a slight advantage over their nearest rivals Liverpool and Chelsea.

When asked about which team he fancied to succeed, the Sky Sports pundit replied: “It's like having a choice of two blokes to nick your wife.

“At this moment in time Chelsea have dipped and City should win it (the title). But Liverpool have got an incredible spirit and momentum.

“City have expectation whereas Liverpool were fifth or sixth favourites, so they can play with less pressure. That could switch in a few weeks if Liverpool beat City.”

Neville experienced Premier League glory with United on eight occasions as well as three FA Cups and two Champions League title, and has since gone on to become a well-respected pundit and member of Roy Hodgson’s England coaching set-up.

However, with strong links against both the Reds and City due to his United past, Neville remained unbiased in his preference and instead reflected on City’s run-in which includes a trip to Merseyside.

His colleague Jamie Carragher left no doubt in who he was favouring though, with the Anfield legend backing his former team to go on a claim a first title success in 24 years following the 4-0 victory over Tottenham on the weekend.

“I think Liverpool will win it now,” Carragher said. “The feeling before the weekend was ‘We've got a chance.’ You heard the roar from the Kop at the end of the game, they know something is happening.

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“They are chanting for Brendan Rodgers during the game and I've never heard that before. After this game, I think there's a major belief.”

The destination of the Premier League title will largely be decided by matters at Anfield, with both City and Chelsea yet to visit Liverpool this season. The Reds currently hold their fate in their own hands, with the knowledge that victory in their remaining six games would be enough to secure the title regardless of what City and Chelsea can do.

The same goes for City, meaning the April 13 meeting between the pair could be a potential title decider, while Chelsea are relying on both to slip-up having succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace on Saturday.