Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has admitted that it will be "very difficult" for his team to combat in-form Luis Suarez when Liverpool travel to Eastlands on Boxing Day.
The Uruguayan striker produced yet another impressive display in the 3-1 win over Cardiff City this afternoon, scoring twice to add to his 17-goal haul this season in the victory over Malky Mackay's men.
City are next in line to attempt to silence the in-form 26-year-old, and Pellegrini is under no illusions over the size of the task facing his defenders on Thursday.
"Very difficult, because Liverpool are a very good team and Suarez is in very good form," the Chilean told reporters following his team's 4-2 win over Fulham today.
Brendan Rodgers's men moved to the top of the Premier League table after beating the Bluebirds, while City climbed to second.
However, the former Real Madrid coach does not believe that the Reds and his side will contest a two-horse race for the title.
He added: "I think that this Premier League, and we are only just finishing the first half, will not only be about Liverpool and Manchester City – five or six teams will fight it until the end."
Thursday's clash at the Etihad Stadium is scheduled to kick off at 5:30pm.
