Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp believes recent Pep Guardiola comments about Sadio Mane diving show the Man City manager is scared.

The two teams are set to face off against each other at the weekend, in what should be the biggest Premier League game of the season.

It could determine the title race, given Liverpool have a six point lead over City at present.

And Redknapp thinks that Guardiola is worried about the damage Mane can do to his team.

He told the Daily Mail: "Hearing Pep Guardiola mention Sadio Mane and diving was surprising.

"It is unusual to hear a manager say that about a rival player, but I don't think it was Guardiola trying to wind up Mane ahead of this Sunday's showdown at Anfield.

"It wasn't an attempt at mind games, or a deliberate dig. I believe Guardiola genuinely fears the threat of Mane.

"The Manchester City manager has him on his mind. He knows the 27-year-old is now Liverpool's most important player. He is Jurgen Klopp's No. 1 man, as proven on Saturday.

"In the 65th minute against Aston Villa, with the league leaders losing 1-0, Klopp took off Mohamed Salah. It was a big call, but it paid off.

"Mane made sure he got his head to the ball, even as Villa's Jonathan Kodjia was trying to get his boot to it first. What a big, brave goal."