As the Premier League season intensifies, all eyes turn to the Etihad Stadium this Sunday where reigning champions Manchester City will host league leaders Liverpool in a pivotal clash. This encounter not only reignites the storied rivalry between two of England’s football powerhouses, but also carries significant implications for the title race and top-four aspirations.

City and Liverpool have been the standard setters in the Premier League for much of the last eight years. While City are ahead in the trophy count, Liverpool have pushed them to the limit in title races, including their 97-point campaign in 2019. The landscape has shifted this season, with Liverpool sitting comfortably at the top of the table. On the other hand, City have already suffered seven league defeats and sit in an unfamiliar fourth place, 17 points adrift. A win for City would disrupt the title race, giving Arsenal and other contenders hope, while a Liverpool victory would reinforce their grip at the summit.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool has defied early-season skepticism following Jürgen Klopp’s departure. The Reds currently sit atop the Premier League table, boasting a eight-point lead over Arsenal, their closest rivals. Their attacking prowess has been on full display, with Mohammed Salah leading the charge, amassing 22 league goals and 14 assists.

Complementing Salah’s efforts, Luis Díaz has contributed eight goals, while Trent Alexander-Arnold has provided six assists, underscoring the team’s cohesive offensive unit. Liverpool’s recent form includes decisive victories, like the 2-0 triumph over Bournemouth and the more recent 2-1 win against Wolves in the league. These performances have solidified their status as the team to beat this season. They drew 2-2 with host Aston Villa a few days ago.

https://guardian.ng/sport/clash-of-the-titans-as-liverpool-plot-man-city-fall/