Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante admits he's surprised by Liverpool's struggles this season.
In the season after lifting the trophy in west London, the Blues finished fifth and 30 points behind City's 100-point haul so the 29-year-old is well aware of how challenging a title defence can be.
"It's difficult to explain," he told chelseafc.com of Liverpool's fall from the summit. "When you are champions, obviously you enjoy the reward of winning the Premier League and then you go for another season with the same focus, determination and the same demands.
"Liverpool have had many injuries but it's still hard to explain why this happened for them because they have lots of good players and a quality squad.
"We know they have had a difficult time recently but they had a good win in their last game [against Sheffield United]. We expect another difficult game but we go there with a lot of hope and the opportunity to win."