It says a lot about Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp that many consider them to be favourites in their Champions League round-of-16 clash against Bayern Munich.

Remember, Bayern won the tournament in 2012-13, and 2016-17 was the only season since that they haven’t reached the semi-final.

This is a giant of European football, seen as underdogs in their quest to reach the quarter-final this time around.

It’s easy to understand why, of course. Liverpool reached the final last season and are level on points at the top of the Premier League.

The additions of Alisson Becker and Fabinho have left them with a squad that is equipped to beat Europe’s elite, something it wasn’t capable of doing when they faced Real Madrid in Kiev last year.

Adding to the optimism surrounding Liverpool is the fact that this hasn’t been the easiest season for Bayern.

The Bavarians are second in the Bundesliga and could miss out on the German title for the first time since the 2011-12 campaign.

Gundogan's thoughts on Liverpool v Bayern

Still, any team that includes Roberto Lewandowski and has the experience of Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng can’t be counted out, and it promises to be an entertaining affair.

One man who knows both clubs well, having played against them both on several occasions, is Ilkay Gundogan.

The Manchester City midfielder spent seven seasons battling Bayern during his Bundesliga career with FC Nurnberg and Borussia Dortmund, and he now considers Liverpool to be a rival in the Premier League.

Gundogan sat down with Bild where he gave his thoughts on the tie, and he believes that the momentum Liverpool can generate at Anfield means they are the favourites.

"I know how hard it is to play in Liverpool. So I honestly see Liverpool a bit ahead of Bayern,” Gundogan said

“You can kindle a fire at Anfield, develop a momentum that is second to none. In 15 minutes, you can concede three goals.”

The first leg will be played at Anfield and Gundogan believes Bayern stand a chance of progressing providing they don’t get thrashed when they head to England.

”If the Bayern survive in Liverpool, they will be able to beat any opponent at home,” he added.