Match of the Weekend – Liverpool
v Manchester City
This is the big one. Two days
before the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, Liverpool and Man
City will join the rest of the football family in paying their respects to the 96
fans that lost their lives on that fateful day. Arguably the two most
attractive teams in terms of the football they play squaring off against each
other for a psychological edge in one of the closest league races for years is
the perfect way of honouring the affected families.
Both teams come into this game
with their title-winning destiny in their own hands. Only a Liverpool win will
keep it that way for Brendan Rogers’ men, while City could draw and as a result
of their games in hand, still be in control. This is arguably the biggest game
in both of the sides’ seasons as a win either way could potentially have a
major say in the location of the Premier League trophy come the end of the
season.
Brendan Rodgers must decide
whether to keep Mamadou Sakho at centre-back or recall Daniel Agger to the side
following a knee problem. Jose Enrique remains a long-term injury, but Joe
Allen could return to the team if Rogers plays an extra man in the middle of
the park.
The Reds are currently on a run
of nine league wins in a row and 14 unbeaten - scoring 46 goals during the
course. Their total tally of 90 goals, eclipsing City’s 84, makes them the
highest scorers in the league but also lends the game to the thinking that it
could be a goal-fest.
Man City’s victory over
Southampton last time out was the 16th time they have scored four goals or more
in a game this campaign. The controversial Samir Nasri goal
in that game led to suggestions that they are skating on luck at the minute. But
one defeat in their last 20 league games can hardly be down to such a
phenomenon - and what team has won a title without luck anyway?
Manchester City play arguably
the most stylish brand of football in the league and will need every bit of
that if they are to come out on top on Sunday. Much of their recent successes
have been in some way linked to the upturn in form of David Silva. The little
magician has been magnificent for City with his passing and ability to find
space between defence and midfield lines being key to the creation of goals. If
he repeats his performances of the last month or so, his authority could well
be the most telling.
City’s top scorer Sergio Aguero
is set to feature after missing the last five games with a hamstring injury and
Yaya Toure has overcome a minor niggle. However, Matija Nastasic is still out
with a knee problem.
Prediction: Sparks will fly. One
of the biggest spectacles of the season, resulting in a score draw.
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