We’re heading into a pivotal weekend in the title race as Manchester City prepare to host Tottenham Hotspur for the second time this week, whilst Liverpool travel to Cardiff City - Hannah Pinnock writes...
Following the mid-week Champions League fixtures, the momentum is arguably with Liverpool as Pep Guardiola’s side look to mount a comeback.
Jurgen Klopp’s side faced the current Primeira Liga champions Porto in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final, overcoming their opponents 6-1 on aggregate.
City, on the other hand, bowed out of the competition at the hands of Tottenham, despite the sides being level on aggregate. The London club progressed on away goals.
The loss occurred in heartbreaking fashion as Raheem Sterling’s late winner was ruled out for offside by VAR, after the players, manager, and fans all thought they’d done enough.
It is for that reason City face a huge test of their resolve this Saturday when they welcome Tottenham to the Etihad once again, just days before they travel to Old Trafford in hopes of overcoming their Manchester rivals.
Guardiola is about to enter arguably his toughest test so far as City boss, tasked with picking the entire club back up to push on and retain not only the Premier League title, but secure a domestic treble as well.
It was around this time last season his side felt similar heartbreak when they crashed out of Europe following a demolition at Anfield and 2-1 defeat on their own turf at the hands of Klopp’s Liverpool, who they risk losing the league to this term.
In amongst that, they lost the Manchester derby 3-2 after going 2-0 up before half-time and failed to secure the league title against their local rivals – it was a dark week in what was otherwise an outstanding campaign.
There is now more pressure on this City side to win the league, some may argue that a League Cup and potential FA Cup is not good enough for a side this expensive and strong.
Alternatively, the agony from Wednesday night may be what spurs them on as they enter the final few weeks of the season.
Guardiola’s side will be angry. They’ll walk out against Tottenham and Man United with a point to prove and with the intention of righting those wrongs.
A slip up feels unlikely and a slip up cannot happen if they’re to lift the Premier League trophy next month, as Liverpool will no doubt be there to capitalise on any dropped points.
Liverpool, however, despite having momentum, are tasked with balancing a huge semi-final clash against Barcelona with equally important league games.
This shouldn’t be too much of a concern as Klopp has a fully fit squad available to him, a luxury he didn’t have this time last season with several players out injured.
But, with one eye on Europe, it’s possible league performances may suffer and it’s vital that the squad remain focused and play with equal intensity and desire, no matter the opponent.
The Reds are defiant, though. They refuse to admit they’re beaten, so any obstacle thrown at them, you’d fancy them to overcome.
It’s impossible to predict where the title will end up, so much can happen in the space of four or five games – but it feels this is a defining week.
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