LIVERPOOL might be on top of the table as of the moment, but don’t be fooled. Manager Jurgen Klopp and the rest of the Reds are probably on tenterhooks as they await tomorrow’s derby result between nearest rival Manchester City and Manchester United.
Given their dismal form with six defeats in eight matches including a 4-0 humiliation at Everton last Sunday, hosts United have been given little chance against City (just a 14 percent chance, say the bookies). On the other hand, City knows that a win tomorrow morning means they will most likely win the Premiership.
The Premier League is now down to a two-way race between Klopp’s Liverpool and Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Liverpool has 88 points after 35 matches to lead the pack, but City with 86 points has a game on hand and could find itself a point ahead of the Reds by tomorrow.
Both teams are expected to win all their last three matches, which means if they do get maximum points, City would emerge on top of the Prem with 98 points at season’s end, just one point ahead of Liverpool.
Liverpool’s last three matches are at home against cellar-dweller Huddersfield (20th) this Saturday, away at Newcastle (13th) on May 5, and at home against Wolves (10th) on May 12, the final day of English hostilities.
After tomorrow’s derby against United, City will go up against Burnley (15th) away this Sunday, then at home against Leicester City (9th) on May 7, and finally away against Brighton (17th) on May 12.
While the numbers pinpoint to strong finishes for both Liverpool and Manchester City, any of the clubs can still spoil the party.
But tomorrow, all eyes will be on the massive derby between Manchester City and Manchester United.
United is fighting for a number of things in front of the home fans as a mediocre season comes to a close: pride, redemption, and the chance to keep a spot in the top four.
Most of all, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United could relish the pleasure of crushing City’s dreams of winning the Premiership and drag them down with them with a resounding defeat at Old Trafford.
How Liverpool wishes to be best friends with United now.