Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has targeted crisis-club Liverpool.

After half a season of warfare, Hughes has declared Chelsea and Arsenal — both of whom his side have beaten this season — plus champions Manchester United as uncatchable.

But Liverpool are a different story. The Merseyside giants are wobbling badly. And City, tonight's opponents Tottenham and high-flying Aston Villa are ready to take advantage.

“One team is usually deemed as the most vulnerable — and currently that is Liverpool,” said Hughes. “It is highly unlikely to change now. Teams won't be challenging for the top two or three. That is not going to happen this year. It probably means only one club is going to get into the top four. Maybe it will change in the future. But this season fourth place is one that is up for grabs.”

With just three wins from 15 matches, Liverpool hardly look well placed to resist.

However, like a vulture hovering above a dying animal, the City chief would be happy to profit from someone else's misfortune.

“I am sure Rafael Benitez would argue about it,” he reflected. “The game is all about opinions.

“But if we benefit from other teams not being able to get positive results then hopefully we will take the opportunity that presents itself.”