In years gone by this clash would have been key in determining which of Manchester City and Liverpool would go on and win the title. Not this year, though, with City having a poor season by their lofty standards.
City’s era of dominance appears to be over – the midweek mauling at Real Madrid providing another indication that Pep Guardiola needs to perform a major overhaul to get his side back among the challengers.
Liverpool have been exceptional all season but there have been one or two signs of fatigue in recent games and they come into this clash having won just once in their last four matches in all competitions.
