Liverpool's visit to Manchester City on Thursday night really is the biggest Premier League fixture for many years.

England's two best sides meet in what could be a decisive game in the title race. If Liverpool win at the Etihad, they will open up a dominant nine-point lead over the champions.

If City can build on their 3-1 win away at Southampton and beat the challengers, the lead will be cut to four points.

It really is all on the line in Manchester.

Liverpool flexed their muscle in their most recent game, brushing aside Arsenal 5-1 at Anfield and they go into the game with all their top players in a rich vein of form.

And in response to such a fearsome opposition, The Sun are reporting that Pep Guardiola has outlined six key areas for his City side to focus on ahead of the game.

1. Press Alisson Becker

While the City boss is aware of the Brazilian goalkeeper's skill with the ball at his feet, he believes that there is a mistake in him if put under pressure.

It will also help prevent Liverpool building attacks quickly from the back.

2. Encourage Ederson to go long

Guardiola wants to avoid the same happening to his own goalkeeper by encouraging Ederson to kick it long if required.

The likes of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane will press him ruthlessly throughout the 90 minutes.

3. City's defence to hold a high line

Guardiola will not alter his defensive philosophy for the Liverpool game and is focused on maintaining a high line as he believes Jurgen Klopp's side are prone to straying offside.

He believes Firmino is the biggest threat, while Mane is the player that he thinks is easiest to dispossess in attacking areas.

4. Improve on corners

Both Riyad Mahrez and Leroy Sane have struggled with their delivery in recent weeks and Guardiola wants it remedied to target what he believes is a weakness in Liverpool.

Aymeric Laporte is the man the City manager wants targeted by his set-piece takers.

5. Danilo at left-back

With Benjamin Mendy and Fabian Delph both absent, the Brazilian will be given the nod in an unfamiliar role at the expense of Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Guardiola believes Danilo offers more in attacking areas and has the pace to keep up with Liverpool's attack.

6. City will continue to attack

And finally, City will not sit back at any point in the match, regardless if they are in the lead.

Guardiola wants his team to instead focus on the attacking philosophies that made them such a prominent force in 2018.