- Date: March 10 – 15:45 GMT
- Location: Anfield, Liverpool
- Teams: Liverpool vs Manchester City
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Leaders clash with champions in huge match at Anfield
Liverpool lead the table by a point from Manchester City going into this round of matches. Third placed Arsenal, who are arguably in better form than both sides, are only a point further back. Both sides come into the match after victories last weekend in the league and convincing European wins in midweek.The match between the two teams in November finished in a 1-1 draw.
Liverpool
Liverpool already have one trophy in the bag, the EFL Cup and a quadruple is a possibility. Jurgen Klopp’s side lead the Premier League, face Manchester United in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup and take a 5-1 lead into their Europa League last 16 second leg match against Sparta Prague. Sunday is a huge match in the title race, both in terms of trying to gain an advantage over City and keeping a highly consistent and free scoring Arsenal at bay.
Klopp has managed Liverpool’s injury crisis extremely well, helped greatly by the quality of youngsters he has been able to call upon to supplement his squad. However, many of his injured stars are ready to return and Mohamaed Salah’s dynamic appearance from the bench in Prague will come as a huge boost.
Manchester City
Despite being a point behind Liverpool, and having to travel to Anfield, Pep Guardiola’s men remain title favourites. They are in pursuit of a treble for a second successive season. A win at Anfield would put the Premier League title race in their own hands, they have a home tie against Newcastle United in the quarterfinal of the FA Cup and they comprehensively overcame FC Copenhagen in the Champions League round of 16. City saw of Man United in the Manchester derby last Sunday, coming from a goal down to win 3 -1. Phil Foden, who bagged a brace, was once again outstanding as Guardiola described the England star as the Premier League’s best player on current form.
Prediction
Both sides go into the match knowing that not only would a defeat hand the initiative to their opponents, but any dropped points could open the door to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who could, potentially, finish the weekend top of the table. I feel that it will be an extremely close game and that Liverpool’s home advantage, combined with the likes of Salah returning, will make it difficult for City. However, the Citizens have proved, time and time again, that they can go anywhere and come away with a positive result. At present, if Manchester City are somewhere near top form, it takes an extremely good team to even come close to overcoming them. I feel that it will finish with honours even, possibly even with the same 1-1 scoreline as when the sides met in November.
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