Ferdinand says Guardiola has put his 'middle finger' up to the league

Rio Ferdinand believes Manchester City look 'too comfortable' and is confident they will secure the Premier League title this season.

The reigning champions have a nine-point advantage at the top of the table with 13 matches left to play.

Second-place Liverpool do have a game in hand over the leaders and are also set to travel to the Etihad in what could prove a crucial game on April 9.

Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand though believes City are in 'total control'.

He said on his Vibe with Five podcast: 'Points-wise it’s not over, but I just believe that City look too comfortable in their games. City look like they're in total control all the time.

'There's no topsy-turvy games or moments where you go "oh my god they're on the ropes they're going to get beat here". They're in cruise control.

'By the way, Pep Guardiola is doing this without a recognised striker in his team.

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'He's basically put his middle finger up to the whole league and all of the media who were doubting him at the beginning of the season and said 'listen, have that and we're going to win the league doing it as well'.'

Many had suggested before the season that City should buy a striker after the departure of club legend Sergio Aguero.

City failed in their pursuit of Tottenham and England star Harry Kane and decided not to bring in a striker during either