Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has insisted that Liverpool are title contenders this season, despite losing star striker Luis Suarez.

The Reds have signed eight new players this summer, but they sold the controversial Uruguayan to Barcelona after he helped the Reds finish second to City in the Premier League last season by scoring 31 goals.

Despite the loss, Kompany is adamant that the Reds will be a tough team to beat when they arrive at the Etihad Stadium for tonight's clash.

In an interview with Sky Sports News, Kompany said: "I look at what teams do in the transfer window and although they have lost a very important player, I do think Liverpool are more stable than they have ever been, in my time in England, anyway.

"I do not look at Liverpool as a team who have a question mark over them but Liverpool are now a team who are a title contender and that has to be accepted in that way and those games are vital to the Premier League season."

Former City striker Mario Balotelli is expected to be at the Etihad tonight as a spectator after sealing a move to Liverpool.