Gary McAllister expects Liverpool to push Manchester City "right to the wire" in the Premier League title race, despite his former club's recent dip in form.
Liverpool's hopes of an unbeaten league season were ended by City at the Etihad last week as Pep Guardiola's side reduced the gap at the top to four points.
An FA Cup third-round defeat at Wolves followed for Liverpool on Monday, albeit with Jurgen Klopp choosing to send out a weakened line-up.
"Losing to City, I'm not going to say it was a surprise," said McAllister, who spent two seasons with Liverpool. "I thought it was a fantastic game - watching the level of quality from both teams. It could have gone either way.
"Then there's a disappointing result against Wolves in the cup, but Liverpool go to Brighton at the weekend and they have to get that run again.
"I think it's going to go right to the wire. What I can see is both City and Liverpool going on big extended runs again. I just see it's difficult for teams to beat them."
Liverpool resume their quest for a first league title since 1990 when they travel to Brighton on Saturday and have the opportunity to restore a seven-point advantage.
City do not return to league action until Monday night, when they host Wolves, live on Sky Sports.