‘Miles off’ – Sutton delivers blunt Liverpool verdict before City clash
It’s another huge test for Liverpool this weekend, but Chris Sutton isn’t convinced we’ll come out on top.
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The BBC Sport pundit has given his verdict ahead of the FA Cup quarter-final clash with Manchester City, and like others this week, he’s backing the hosts to progress.
Sutton highlights Liverpool struggles under pressure
Writing via BBC Sport, Sutton pointed directly to our recent form as a major concern, particularly after the international break.
He said: “Liverpool have taken one point from their past three games and their last performance, in an away defeat at Brighton, was really insipid.”
That assessment reflects what we’ve seen ourselves, because despite flashes of quality, consistency has been a major issue throughout the campaign.
The former striker also pointed to growing pressure on Arne Slot, adding: “This feels like a huge week or two for Slot, and for Liverpool’s whole campaign.”
That context is impossible to ignore, especially with a Champions League clash against PSG looming just days after this tie.
Man City backed as Liverpool face defining week
Sutton went even further in his analysis, suggesting we’re not at the level we were last season.
He claimed: “Right now, Liverpool are miles off the team they were last season and beating City probably feels more achievable than getting past PSG.”
Even so, despite acknowledging that the FA Cup might represent our best opportunity for silverware, he still isn’t backing us to take advantage.
He explained: “City are at home and they have also beaten Liverpool twice already this season in the league. I just have a feeling they will take this one as well.”
His final verdict was clear: “3-1.”
That mirrors what Paul Merson said when he also backed City due to our inconsistency, highlighting a growing narrative around this side.
Slot himself has already admitted the issue, saying: “We’ve shown so many times this season that we can be a very good team… but we’ve also shown… that we look vulnerable.”
That’s exactly what this game will come down to, because if we produce our best level, we can beat anyone, but if the inconsistency creeps in again, Sutton’s prediction could prove accurate at the worst possible time.
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