Pep Guardiola stokes fires with Liverpool crowd influencing referees claim ahead of huge Man City title clash

Pep Guardiola has issued a frank message to his Manchester City players ahead of their huge clash against Liverpool as he addressed the issue of the Anfield crowd influencing referees.

City make the trip to Anfield this afternoon in a massive encounter in the Premier League title race.

Both sides know a victory for either of them will see them return to the summit of the top flight, overtaking Arsenal who currently lead the table after their late 2-1 victory against Brentford at the Emirates Stadium.

City are going for an unprecedented fourth title in a row under Guardiola - something no English club has done before - while Liverpool are aiming for a second Premier League crown with Jurgen Klopp in charge, who will depart Anfield at the end of this season.

Guardiola does not have the best record at Anfield while in charge of City, having won just once in eight games against Klopp's outfit, which came in the 2020/21 campaign when the Blues beat the Reds 4-1.

City have had two draws and five losses in the other encounters Guardiola has taken his team to Anfield as he aims for only his second victory at the famous stadium.

And it could be a pivotal day in the title race, as a win for Liverpool would see them open up a four point gap to City and have a berth of two to Arsenal.

A City win would see them top the table by a point ahead of the Gunners.

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Much is made of the atmosphere that can be made at Anfield for big clashes and the impact this can have on games, whether that be spurring Liverpool on, or potentially impacting the decisions of referees.

Guardiola has addressed if Liverpool supporters can sometimes influence officiating at Anfield when asked about the prospect in his pre-match press conference.

The City boss simply said that if that happens, his players must simply do better on the pitch and overcome these situations.

As per the Manchester Evening News, Guardiola said: "When it happens, we have to perform better. We cannot control what happens in this stadium with referees.

"It is not the first time, won't be the last, have to perform better. We have to overcome the situations.

"It's a big achievement to try to fight for four titles in a row, no club has done it ever. This is the challenge we have to face and give absolutely everything. Otherwise would be difficult to win on Sunday.

"But whatever happens, we should perform well and whatever happens still we have many, many games to play."

Kick-off is at 3.45pm today at Anfield.

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