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Joleon Lescott thinks Man City and Liverpool will both be title contenders this season

REYKJAVIK, ICELAND - AUGUST 04: Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City celebrates scoring his sides first goal with Danilo of Manchester City and Leroy Sane of M
Image: Joleon Lescott has backed his old club Man City to beat Liverpool on Saturday

Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott thinks his old side will be confident of securing three vital points against Liverpool this weekend.

But the England defender says City need to be wary against a team who he thinks are continuing to improve under manager Jurgen Klopp.

The would-be title challengers meet in a mouth-watering encounter on Saturday, live on Sky Sports, both having taken seven points from their first three matches.

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And Lescott, who won the title twice during his time with City, thinks the club are getting onto the right track under Pep Guardiola.

"I was at the Everton game (a 1-1 draw) and they dominated throughout, to be honest," Lescott said on Premier League Daily.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has left Arsenal for Liverpool (picture courtesy of Liverpool FC)
Image: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could make his Liverpool debut on Saturday (picture courtesy of Liverpool FC)

"They went a goal behind and had a man sent off and they still were very attacking and very dominant in possession.

"I am sure they are confident going into Saturday's game.

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"Last year would have been disappointing for Pep and Manchester City as a whole.

"He has got players in that he wants and now is the time to get some momentum going, get a philosophy that we expect from Pep and continue that through the season."

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Bournemouth 1-2 Man City

However, Lescott also considers Liverpool possible title contenders.

"The calibre of players joining the club shows they are improving," he said.

"A European final (Europa League two seasons ago), now the Champions League, I am sure the next step is to be contending for the league for the whole season.

"Their best bit of business is keeping Philippe Coutinho and I am sure everyone at the club is delighted with that."

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could make his Liverpool debut on Saturday, having reportedly turned down a huge financial offer to stay at Arsenal in the belief he can further his career at Anfield.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11:  Philippe Coutinho of Liverpool in action during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfi
Image: Philippe Coutinho is still at Liverpool despite interest from Barcelona

And Lescott said that, contrary to the belief of some, most footballers do not use financial reasons as the primary basis for decisions.

He said that: "A lot is made of the money but, on the whole, a player wants to play, wants to play in his favourite position, and where he feels he can develop as a footballer.

"To be honest, I think that is the case a lot of the time. I am sure that is why Alex decided to go to Liverpool."

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