MANCHESTER City boss Pep Guardiola jokingly asked Saints to go out and beat Liverpool 4-0, to gift-wrap his side the Premier League title.

The Citizens manager was speaking after his side kept themselves in the box seat of the title race, after coming from behind to seal a 2-2 draw with West Ham on Sunday.

City now know a win against Aston Villa next weekend will seal a fourth Premier League crown in five years, regardless of what Liverpool do in their final two games.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently four points behind City with a game in hand coming against Saints at St Mary’s on Tuesday.

Should Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men overcome the Merseysiders, City would be confirmed as champions.

Asked by NBC Sports whether he had a message to Saints ahead of Tuesday, Guardiola quipped: “I would say beat Liverpool 4-0!”

He added: “It is not about that. It doesn’t matter what happens in both games and I’m pretty sure mentally I’m thinking they’re going to make six points.

“It is in our hands. Now the debate is over if they win or lose. It depends on us to do the best, perfect game as possible as we can do.”

Guardiola’s side had to battle back from two goals down against the Irons at the London Stadium, and then missed a late penalty to win it through Riyad Mahrez.

Asked whether he would be watching the clash at St Mary’s in midweek, the former Barcelona boss said: “I don’t know my plan. Next Sunday I will be in the Etihad Stadium for sure. If I am at home I will take a look for sure.”