Before today’s big Premier League duel with Liverpool, Manchester City is as good as written off. The consensus seems to be that the World Cup winners will be blown away at Anfield by Arne Slot’s side. Based on the form of the two teams going into today’s game, this is a fair assessment. But with Pep Guardiola’s side trying to get back on track, it may be best for Manchester City to go into today’s game as underdogs.

You just need to look at the previews for today’s game to see what the consensus is for today’s result. Here are two examples of the prevailing opinion about today’s game. Talk about the overlap of the USA, Gary Neville believes Liverpool could face Manchester City today. He shared his thoughts on today’s game when he said: “Jamie Redknapp mentioned this and I thought it was a really good point when he said that the pressure in this game is suddenly on Liverpool in the sense that everyone expects Liverpool to win because everyone is beating City! What will this do to Liverpool? I think Liverpool will win. When I look at City at that moment, when you feel the intensity and passion that Liverpool exudes, I think they could overrun them, that’s my gut feeling.”

Jonathan Wilson wrote for the guardian that he believes Manchester City is a club that is imploding. Wilson goes on to report that Liverpool could be dealt a massive blow if they are to beat the World Champions at Anfield. Wilson also looks at Manchester City’s current injury and squad problems and explains why Manchester City’s era of dominance may be coming to an end.

Manchester City could go into today’s game with their backs against the wall.

The reports listed above are just two examples of the prevailing view of today’s game. Manchester City appear to be waiting for Liverpool to deal a devastating blow to the World Cup winners’ season. Given Manchester City’s recent form and Liverpool’s strong start to the season, these views are not unfounded. Liverpool deservedly go into today’s game as favorites.

But after being written off from all sides, Manchester City must strike back today. Gary Neville’s argument that Liverpool are under pressure could play into Manchester City’s hands. You can enter Anfield with only yourself focused. There is a solution to their poor form and it has to start at Anfield today. Going into today’s game as underdogs could suit Pep Guardiola’s side. If the City manager and his players can use the narrative surrounding the game, it could motivate them to get back into form today.

There’s no denying that things will be tough for Manchester City at Anfield today. Arne Slot’s team has been a strong team so far this season. Pep Guardiola’s team seems to be struggling to maintain the high level of previous seasons. But the fact that today’s game is being written off by the football media could be a source of inspiration for Pep Guardiola and his team. Motivation can take many forms and this could be something City can lean on as they look to revive their fortunes at Anfield.