By Daily Sports on March 18, 2017

After disappointingly crashing out of the UEFA Champions League-no thanks to the away-goal rule, Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side would be turning their attention to the Premier League against a Liverpool side that are always at their best when playing against any of the top six teams. With Chelsea one foot away from the league title, a top four finish for a place in next season’s Champions League is the extra spice to Sunday’s showdown between the two teams

If the Premier League were to be competed for between the current top six teams only, then Liverpool and not Chelsea would be heading for the title.

In nine games against those teams this season Liverpool are unbeaten and have taken an impressive 19 points which is why they will travel to third-placed Manchester City on Sunday brimming with confidence.

Victory over City, which would be their sixth in seven against the Sky Blues in the league, would propel Liverpool above Guardiola’s side in what has become a five-club battle for second, third and fourth spots behind leaders Chelsea.

The higher calibre the opposition, the better Liverpool have played this season with notable victories over Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, a double over Arsenal and a narrow home win over City who will also be deflated by their Champions League loss to Monaco.

Jurgen Klopp’s side laboured to a 2-1 win over woeful travellers Burnley last weekend, when all the sides around them were in FA Cup action, but former Liverpool striker John Aldridge said points not style are now the priority.

“It was a crucial three points in terms of pushing for a Champions League spot,” Aldridge, who won the title with Liverpool in 1987-88, told the club’s website.

“Mentally, it was a big step forward for this Liverpool side. I know we’ve played two games more than both Arsenal and Manchester United but I’d rather have the points on the board than fixture congestion.”

Liverpool, who were neck-and-neck with City at the top of the table after 10 games of the season, are fourth with 55 points from 28 games, one less than City and second-placed Tottenham Hotspur, both of whom have played a game fewer.

Significantly, they have a five-point cushion on Arsenal and six over United. What is more, Liverpool can concentrate on their final 10 games without the distractions their top-four rivals must contend with.

While bookmakers have not stopped taking bets on Chelsea winning the title yet, a 10-point lead with 11 games to go makes them overwhelming favourites.

Chelsea turn their attentions back to the Premier League today, five days after knocking holders Manchester United out of the FA Cup, with a trip to Stoke City.

N’Golo Kante’s second-half strike was enough to settle a tense, and entertaining, game at Stamford Bridge. With a semi-final date with Tottenham now set for five weeks’ time, the title tilt is again the sole focus.

The Premier League pacesetters, who ran out 4-2 winners over the Potters on New Year’s Eve, are playing before the remaining top four – Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool – with Arsenal taking the Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.

A win will move them 13 points ahead of their rivals, with 10 games left to play, while Stoke will hope to build on a well-deserved 0-0 draw with City in their previous outing.

Victor Moses is Antonio Conte’s only injury concern ahead of the game. The wing-back was withdrawn in the final minutes of Monday’s win over United and has reportedly picked up a calf strain.

His absence could see Pedro move to wing-back, after dropping to the bench for the FA Cup tie, and Willian retaining his place in attack.

Mark Hughes will be hoping to call upon Xherdan Shaqiri (calf), though today’s game may come too soon, while Glen Johnson (shoulder) is also in contention.Mame Biram Diouf (knee) was withdrawn in the 0-0 draw with City but is only considered a slight doubt for the game.

One thing is certain, though, two of Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United would be shut out of the top-four this season.

Tottenham can increase the pressure on City and Liverpool when they host Southampton earlier on Sunday chasing a 10th consecutive home victory in the Premier League, although they will be without injured top scorer Harry Kane.

Manchester United, for whom the top four has remained just out of reach since very early in the season, are away at relegation-threatened Middlesbrough on Sunday in their third game in six days.

Fifth-placed Arsenal begin the weekend schedule at West Bromwich Albion – a side they have never failed to score against in 21 previous Premier League clashes. Three defeats in their last four league games, however, mean Arsene Wenger’s side have precious little margin for error in their quest for a 21st consecutive top-four finish. (THISDAY)

Source Daily Sports

Posted March 18, 2017

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