Liverpool manger Jurgen Klopp says his side may need as many as 105 points to finish above City in what he feels is an exceptional Premier League season.
Liverpool beat Wolves on Friday night to move four points clear at the top – but City have played a game less.
Klopp believes a “crazy” title race lies in wait.
“So far it looks like a real special season,” he told talkSPORT. “It is up there, to have 48 points mid-December is just crazy.
“At the end of season, you need 105 [points] to be champion – it could be.
“We cannot start a party.
“The boys showed they are ready for these difficult games. One of the most difficult games of the season and we won it.”
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Ahead of today’s game against Palace, the Manchester Evening News’ Tyrone Marshall says Kevin De Bruyne should make his first Premier League start of the season after impressing in the Carabao Cup win at Leicester on Tuesday.
“It’s been a long time coming but this should be a first Premier League start of the season for Kevin De Bruyne after coming through 70 minutes against Leicester City in midweek,” he writes. “He’s desperate to play a part and can line-up in midfield alongside Fernandinho and Bernardo Silva.”
The BBC’s Mark Lawrenson has filed his usual pre-match predictions for all this weekend’s Premier League matches…and he’s going for a 3-0 City win.
“Crystal Palace got a much-needed win over Leicester last weekend, but I just don’t see them getting anything at Etihad Stadium.
“Prediction: 3-0”
And, finally, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson says: “I know it’s a Man City win, it’s just by how many? I know Palace won against Leicester without Wilfried Zaha, but this is a different kettle of fish.
“Palace are a funny team; they shouldn’t be where they are. They absolutely battered Burnley at the start of the month, it should have been 10, and then they get beat by 10-men Brighton. Roy Hodgson must be pulling his hair out because their results and performances are so up and down.
“They’ll make it hard, but Kevin De Bruyne is back now, another player who can open the opposition up, and that’s all they need to do. They’re going to make enough chances.
“Prediction: 3-0”
That’s all for this morning’s Media Watch. But stay with us throughout the day for coverage of the game against Palace.
Don’t forget, you can get minute-by-minute updates of the game via our Matchday Centre.
