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Champions Leave

Liverpool should ditch Champions League this season to seriously challenge Man City, says Gary Neville

Old Trafford hero says Jurgen Klopp's side must forget about the Champions League if they have a chance of claiming first top-flight title since 1990

LIVERPOOL are the only team that can compete with Manchester City to win the Premier League.

That is the opinion of Manchester United legend Gary Neville.

 Jurgen Klopp's side can dethrone Man City and win the league, says Gary Neville
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Jurgen Klopp's side can dethrone Man City and win the league, says Gary NevilleCredit: REUTERS

The Sky Sports pundit is adamant that Anfield's attacking trio of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino is a genuine threat to Pep Guardiola's plans for domination.

But it comes with a warning.

Liverpool must forget about the Champions League if they have a chance of sealing their first top-flight domestic crown since 1990.

Speaking to the , Neville said: "The Champions League - if I was Liverpool, I would kick it into touch.

 Klopp must forget about the Champions League to topple Guardiola and his team of winners
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Klopp must forget about the Champions League to topple Guardiola and his team of winnersCredit: Reuters
 Liverpool's triple threat of attack of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino could win them the league
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Liverpool's triple threat of attack of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino could win them the leagueCredit: Getty - Contributor

"I know that's very hard to do but if they could go into February, March, April without it, I think they could have a real chance if they had free weeks.

"Why? I think their method is exhausting for the front three [Salah, Mane and Firmino].

"The drop in quality below them, if there are injuries or playing Wednesday, Saturday, I think it will take its toll.

"But, as a United fan, I am very concerned about them.

 Neville reckons fellow Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher's old side Liverpool can win their first top-flight crown since 1990
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Neville reckons fellow Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher's old side Liverpool can win their first top-flight crown since 1990Credit: PA:Press Association

"This front three have always been fantastic and now the midfield can run, it can pass, it has depth. And the back four looks a unit.

"The football they are playing under Jürgen Klopp, it’s fantastic. As a United fan, that’s a worry because it is still that mentality of ‘anyone but them’.

"Same for them, anyone but us. That’s not ‘Gary Neville he’s a Red, he hates Scousers’. Those days have gone. I am more thoughtful now.

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"But it’s a worry. I got a glimpse a few years ago when Brendan Rodgers was going for it, thousands lining the streets, the fireworks before a game.

"I thought then, ‘Imagine if they win this.’ I was turning up at Anfield three hours early because I couldn’t get into the ground otherwise."

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