The 2016 Champions currently sit just one point behind league leaders Chelsea, having finished as runners-up to Arsenal in the 2018/19 campaign.
READ: Fit again Coombs reinvigorated after injury
WATCH: Flashback | City 3-0 Liverpool
TICKETS: City v Liverpool
City head into Sunday’s eagerly-anticipated clash with Liverpool in fine form, having won four games on the bounce, scoring 13 goals and conceding just twice.
While many expect the title race to be decided on head-to-heads between the current top three, Cushing asserts every fixture carries the same significance for City.
“It’s really important that we build momentum,” he said. “Head-to-heads will play a huge part but so will those games around the head-to-heads.
“We have to make sure we’re not dropping any points, putting those three points on the board when we’re facing teams who make the game difficult for us.
“It’s really tight at the top and it was always going to be with ourselves, Chelsea and Arsenal pushing to win the league, United wanting to be up there and Everton doing really well.
“The league is super competitive and we have to make sure we’re winning games we’d drawn previously.
“Last year, we drew against Bristol and that ultimately stopped us from winning the league.
“I’m pleased that the team have showed hunger and desire to – not only win games but – win games well.
“To have won 5-0 last weekend was pleasing and to have kept another clean sheet was important.”
In contrast, Liverpool have endured a difficult start to the 2019/20 season, currently sitting bottom of the table with a solitary point on the board from seven games.
However, Cushing warned against complacency, anticipating a valiant effort from the 2013 and 2014 title winners.
“Liverpool will want points,” he stated. “They’ve not had as many this season so they’ll be desperate to get more.
“A draw or win for them will be their aim. We’ll have to put in the same performance we put in against Bristol and West Ham.”
Tickets for all City home games are available online or at the Etihad Stadium Ticket Office.
