Liverpool may be only one of three teams – along with Chelsea and Watford – with a 100 per cent record in the Premier League this season but according to Neymar, that doesn’t mean they will storm to the title… or even finish in the top four.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward is instead backing Manchester City to retain their crown while the Brazilian expects Jurgen Klopp’s side to miss out on the Champions League places despite being finalists in the continental competition last season.

“Who will in it? Woah, that’s difficult,” Neymar told the Daily Express.

“It’s very hard, it’s very difficult, but Manchester City will win it.”

When asked who would make up the top four, he said: “Second will be United, third is Chelsea. Fourth, Tottenham.”

Liverpool are widely considered to be City’s closest challengers for the title after some hugely impressive displays last season when they beat the Citizens three times in four meetings across all competitions. They were defeated 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium early on in the Premier League campaign but that was largely down to Sadio Mane’s sending off in the first half.

Following a summer of huge investment in the squad, the Reds have begun the new season in ominous form, winning all four of their opening games before the first international break. City on the other hand, dropped points at the Molineux Stadium when they drew 1-1 to Wolves in their third outing.

The Premier League will resume on September 15.