Jim Beglin believes that Liverpool are in Manchester City 'heads' since last season's Champions League tie and reckons that Pep Guardiola will be forced to abandon the cagey approach he adopted at Anfield earlier in the season.
Liverpool and Manchester City played out a drab scoreless draw in early October, with Riyad Mahrez blowing a golden opportunity for the visitors in the final minutes, when he skied a penalty into the crowd.
Aside from that however, it was a game of relatively few clear cut chances with City succeeding in stifling a Liverpool attack which had overwhelmed them in March's Champions League encounter.
Speaking on Morning Ireland on RTÉ Radio 1, Beglin insisted that it was premature to label the meeting a 'title decider' and plumped for a draw when pushed.
"I wouldn't regard this as a title decider. I would consider it a title shaper. It could have a big psychological impact if one side can outdo the other. But it's way too early (to be called a 'title decider').
"We've seen big comebacks in the past in the Premier League. You can never take it easy. Even if tonight's game ends in Liverpool's favour, Manchester City won't be backing off. There's no easing up. The pressure is on you right to the end.
Jim Beglin offers his thoughts ahead of tonight's pivotal Manchester City-Liverpool clash in the Premier League pic.twitter.com/Zzz4sfqRjS
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) January 3, 2019
"Manchester City have to change their gameplan, really. I think Liverpool are in their heads. When Liverpool hosted them at Anfield earlier this season, City adjusted their game. They didn't come to try and play the open game we've seen in the past because they obviously suffered in the Champions League last season.
"Pep Guardiola changed it all around but they'll have to be less cautious this time. The caution we saw at Anfield will have to take a backseat.
"I can make a case for either to go and win it. But I think, having played in a few of these type of games myself, they're often very, very tight, with little in it. A low scoring draw tonight.
