It doesn’t get bigger than this.
The two best teams of the past seven seasons; the two best managers, one going for a fairy-tale ending, the other for an impossible dream.
Separated by a single point in the table but by a gulf in ideology, even with 10 games to go, Sunday’s Liverpool vs Manchester City clash at Anfield could be a title decider.
In such a heavyweight contest, a decisive psychological blow could seal the deal for the victors and leave the vanquished struggling to recover.
A draw, on the other hand, could play into the hands of third-placed Arsenal who are just a point behind City in second.
It’s a fascinating three-horse race that is even more enthralling because it was so unexpected.
City were the pre-season favourites who were considered a class above the rest, having won the Treble in 2022-23.
For Liverpool, it was expected to be a season of transition, rebuilding after the loss of stalwarts, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Bobby Firmino.
A return to the top four would have been seen as a decent season.
While Arsenal, although reinforced in midfield by Declan Rice, still lack a natural predator up front.
And last season’s wobble raised doubts about their mental fortitude.
No one else really looked like a serious contender.
Newcastle found financial fair play rules prevented them from spending their new-found wealth.
Aston Villa were improved but not quite there while Spurs were bedding in a new manager without their talisman, Harry Kane.
Chelsea were just a billion-pound mess.
The only doubts about City were whether the hunger would still be there.
Were these superstars not sated by all that silverware and could Pep Guardiola muster another season of manic intensity from the dugout?
And if they were all still up for it, there was the additional burden of history on their shoulders.
No club since the League’s inception in 1888, let alone the Premier League since 1992, has won the title four times in a row.
The summer departures of skipper Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez, not to mention Cole Palmer to Chelsea, were seen as weakening the squad with their replacements not quite up to the same silky standard.
Then, in the very first game of the season, Kevin de Bruyne, limps off with a hamstring injury that would keep him out till January.
And Erling Haaland, whose mid-season rest during the World Cup in 2022 ensured his appetite was still voracious when he returned, also picks up an injury that keeps him out for two months.
But even without their two best players, it was business as usual in both the Premier League and Champions League – such is their depth.
However, the return of the wounded pair has been timely in providing an extra turbo charge for the long run for home.
As has Phil Foden stepping up to be ranked alongside them.
Still involved in the three competitions they won last season, talk of another Treble is mounting.
And the way they dominated Manchester United last week underlined their class.
It was soon followed by a stroll against FC Copenhagen to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the seventh time in a row.
With de Bruyne rested, they still became the first English club to win 10 consecutive ties.
Interestingly, Haaland played and was still on the field long after the result was a foregone conclusion.
An unnecessary risk? “No,” said Pep, ominously, “he needs to find his rhythm.”
Well, he found another goal which should help him get over his miss-of-the-season contender against United.
At Anfield, he will need to hit the right notes against the world’s best centre-back in Virgil van Dijk. It’s just one of many pivotal battles.
The big hope for the home side is that Mo Salah will play some part after a hamstring strain kept him out for four matches since returning early from Afcon.
Before leaving for their Europa League tie in Prague, Jurgen Klopp said: “He’s with us, trained for two days so full of energy. But we have to be careful with him.”
How Liverpool could do with the wonder goal he scored against City a couple of seasons ago!
But the mere presence of Salah could tilt things against City who are still making do without a recognised left-back.
Another possible weak link in the armour is the long ball over the top – that Andre Onana supplied to set up Marcus Rashford’s thunderbolt last weekend.
Barring any more catastrophes against Sparta Prague, Klopp should have one or two more familiar faces at his disposal on Sunday.
Yes, the kids have done great but no one can expect them to carry the fight till the end of the season.
Even though one or two jewels may have been discovered – notably Conor Bradley and Jayden Danns – Klopp will be keen to see Dominik Szoboszlai back to try to win the ball.
City’s midfield will probably dominate possession but the Reds are the side most capable of catching them on the break.
It has all the makings of a cracking contest to erase the memory of the damp squib of a 1-1 draw at The Etihad in November. The early kick-off killed the atmosphere then.
Yes, we talked that one up too but this is much closer to the climax and later in the day (11.45pm).
The run-ins for the top three are similar with Liverpool having fewer top-six matches.
You feel that if they can soon field a near full-strength squad, they can give Klopp the farewell he and the Reds’ faithful crave.
But if City win at an expectant Anfield, it will be hard to stop them giving Guardiola a slice of history that means so much to him – the first manager to win the title four times in a row.
Don’t go anywhere on Sunday night. - FMT
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.
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