Liverpool and Manchester City’s stunning 2-2 draw on Sunday may have provided the neutral fan with an exhilarating 90 minutes of football – but the result failed to give a more definitive answer on who will reign triumphant in this season’s title race.
The game at the Etihad was labelled as a potential title decider and judging by the quality of both sides, it certainly felt like one.
But Jurgen Klopp’s ‘mentality monsters’ fought back to rescue a point against City, coming from behind twice to make it anyone’s guess when it comes to naming this season’s Premier League champions come May.
There’s just one point separating Manchester City and Liverpool in the race for the title
There’s only one point separating the two sides and with seven games left, both City and Liverpool’s final run-ins have already been analysed to see who has the edge in the title race.
Gary Neville claimed that Liverpool’s run-in is easier – because the Reds still have to play Manchester United and Everton.
City’s remaining matches are arguably viewed as slightly easier than Liverpool’s, but Neville claimed the awful form of his former club United and Frank Lampard’s Everton meant it was actually Liverpool who have things easier.
He said: ‘In the Premier League we’ve looked at City’s run-in and think “that’s an easier run-in”. But actually that’s because historically we’re looking at a Merseyside derby and a Manchester United game that ordinarily in any other season would be quite tough.
Gary Neville says Liverpool’s run-in is easier because they still have to face United and Everton
SofaScore show Liverpool and Manchester City’s final seven games in the race for the title
‘Those two teams, to be honest with you, are appalling at this moment in time so they could be easier than any of the teams City have got. Watford are fighting for their lives, Leeds still have to win games, Newcastle…
‘Before the game we looked at that Liverpool run-in and thought, other than Tottenham, the rest of them are (not too bad)… you think it’s a tougher run-in but it’s not’.
So does Neville have a point? Do Liverpool have the edge in the title race despite their two huge derbies against their fiercest rivals? Or will Pep Guardiola and City make the most of their slender one-point lead with seven games left?
Sportsmail takes a look at both team’s run-ins and any potential banana skins that could see either side slip up.
Gameweek 32
Liverpool vs Manchester United
Tuesday, April 19 – kick-off: 8pm
While Neville may already be ruling this as a comfortable three points for Liverpool, the fact Klopp’s men will have played another gruelling FA Cup semi-final against City at Wembley three days before places a small element of doubt over one of English football’s biggest derbies.
However, United just haven’t been at the races and their 1-0 defeat by relegation-threatened Everton at Goodison Park should be a signal that Liverpool don’t have much to worry about – even if they fail to get out of second gear. Crazier things have happened, though.
Banana skin rating: 3/5
Neville believes United will not pose a problem to Liverpool when they meet later this month
Manchester City vs Brighton
Wednesday, April 20 – kick-off: 8pm
Brighton managed to pull off a shock victory over Arsenal at the weekend with Graham Potter’s side running out 2-1 winners at the Emirates, ending their torrid run of form, which saw them go seven games without a win.
However, it’s hard to see the Seagulls repeating their heroics on the road again against the defending champions. City will be coming off the FA Cup semi-final with Liverpool but Brighton themselves have an in-form Spurs on the same day. City expected to win this one.
Banana skin rating: 2/5
Gameweek 33
Manchester City vs Watford
Saturday, April 23 – kick-off: 3pm
It’s not looking good for Watford. Roy Hodgson’s men dropped points to Leeds last time out and are one of the favourite to go back down with Norwich.
The Hornets will have three more days to prepare for this fixtures but it shouldn’t make a difference at the Etihad later this month.
Banana skin rating: 1/5
City ran out 3-1 winners against Watford they last time they faced each other in December
Liverpool vs Everton
Sunday, April 24 – kick-off: 4.30pm
Similar to Liverpool’s clash with United, the significance of this derby is huge when it comes to what’s on the line for both sides – but based on form, there only looks to be one winner.
Everton may have secure three crucial points against Manchester United on Saturday but a trip across Stanley Park to Anfield is a much more daunting task. The Toffees also don’t have the best away record against their Merseyside rivals – winning just twice since the inception of the Premier League.
Banana skin rating: 2/5
Liverpool beat Merseyside rivals Everton 4-1 back in December, with Jota on the scoresheet
It was a humiliating result for Rafa Benitez (left) before he was sacked by Everton a month later
Gameweek 34
Newcastle vs Liverpool
Saturday, April 30 – kick-off: 12.30pm
Newcastle have turned around their fortunes under Eddie Howe and have won six of their last 10 games, taking them 10 points clear of the relegation zone with their most recent win – a 1-0 victory over European-chasing Wolves – ending a run of three straight defeats in the Premier League.
It was a solid result for the Magpies and while they have distanced themselves from the relegation fight, Howe’s men will still be wary of being dragged back into it. Liverpool, should they advance to the Champions League semis, will have had that last four encounter just three days before so expect some tired Liverpool legs.
Banana skin rating: 3/5
Leeds vs Manchester City
Saturday, April 30 – kick-off: 5.30pm
Leeds are another side that have enjoyed an upturn in form since changing managers. Jesse Marsch has guided the Whites to three wins and a draw in his last five Premier League outings, putting a nine-point gap between themselves Burnley in 17th.
With Marsch at the helm, a trip to Elland Road has become that little more daunting – especially with the Yorkshire club still fighting for survival. City will also have the same issue of a Champions League semi-final just days before if they manage to hold their nerve against Atletico Madrid in the last eight second leg.
Banana skin rating: 3/5
Jesse Marsch has turned Leeds’ fortunes around since his appointment last month
Gameweek 35
Liverpool vs Tottenham
Saturday, May 7 – kick-off: 7.45pm
While Liverpool face arch-rivals United and Everton in this run-in, it is perhaps Spurs’ visit to Anfield that could be the biggest banana skin. Tottenham don’t have the greatest record when it comes to playing the Reds on Merseyside but under Antonio Conte, they are a different beast.
Spurs also gave Klopp’s men a run for their money when the two sides last faced each other back in December, with Conte’s side spurning a number of brilliant opportunities to win the game. Spurs’ front-three of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski are scoring for fun at the moment so Liverpool will need to be at their best in this late evening kick-off.
The Champions League semi-final second leg will also take place just days before their blockbuster clash at Anfield.
Banana skin rating: 4/5
Tottenham and Liverpool played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in north London just before Christmas
Manchester City vs Newcastle
Sunday, May 8 – kick-off: 4.30pm
A week on from hosting Liverpool, Newcastle are then presented with another brutal assignment of taking on City at the Etihad.
Again, like Liverpool, City could have a Champions League semi-final second leg to deal with which could pose City problems if they’re not at 100 per cent against the Magpies.
Banana skin rating: 3/5
Gameweek 36
Aston Villa vs Liverpool
Tuesday, May 10 – kick-off: 8pm
Aston Villa’s first-half display against Tottenham at the weekend left fans baffled at how they still trailed 1-0 going into half-time. Steven Gerrard’s men were relentless in attack but were denied on eight occasions by Hugo Lloris in Spurs’ net.
While Spurs went on to hammer Villa 4-0, Gerrard will have been pleased with how well his team performed for those opening 45 minutes and a similar display for the whole 90 will present issues for any team they come up against. Gerrard will also be reluctant to give his former side any favours following their 1-0 defeat back in December.
Banana skin rating: 3/5
Steven Gerrard (right) will be reluctant to help his former club Liverpool out next month
Wolves vs Manchester City
Date and kick-off TBC
As it stands, there is no date for when this already postponed fixture will take place so it’s difficult to say with context just how it might affect both sides.
That being said, Wolves have been impressive under Bruno Lage and are still in the hunt to finish in the European places. Their form has been patchy at best and should it continue, City will look to take full advantage of it.
Banana skin rating: 2/5
Gameweek 37
West Ham vs Manchester City
Sunday, May 15 – kick-off: 4.30pm
Arguably City’s most difficult game on paper. West Ham are still targeting a top-four finish this season and David Moyes’ side are no pushovers.
However, the Hammers have struggled for consistency in recent months which has seen them slightly drop off. Brentford, Spurs and Liverpool have all beaten West Ham in their last five games so City will take heart from those results, should they continue into May.
Banana skin rating: 3/5
Southampton vs Liverpool
Sunday, May 15 – kick-off: 4.30pm
At the time of writing, Southampton can’t catch a break. Chelsea smashed six past them at St Mary’s, capping off a miserable five games that saw them concede 15 goals, losing four in total.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men are 12 points clear of the relegation places as it stands but the Saints would like a few more points before they can rest easy. However, it may be a tall order to expect anything against Liverpool, even at home.
Banana skin rating: 2/5
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Southampton side are suffering a torrid run of form and will need to correct that if they are to have any hope against Liverpool
Gameweek 38
Manchester City vs Aston Villa
Sunday, May 22 – kick-off: 4pm
As previously mentioned, Villa can pose a threat to any team if they played with the same intensity they had against Tottenham in the first half of their 4-0 defeat.
Gerrard is starting to get the best out of his players with the likes of Philippe Coutinho enjoying a revival under his former team-mate. However, with it being the final day of the season and Villa likely finishing midtable without anything to play for, the emphasis will firmly be on Man City, who could wrap the title up at the Etihad.
Banana skin rating: 2/5
Manchester City could have the chance to lift the Premier League trophy at the Etihad
Liverpool vs Wolves
Sunday, May 22 – kick-off: 4pm
The final day of the season will see Wolves make the trip up the M6 to Liverpool where they will take on Klopp’s men in front of a packed-out Anfield.
Depending on results, Liverpool could have the chance of winning the Premier League in front of their fans so the incentive will be there for Liverpool if that’s the case. The Champions League final is on May 28, so both Liverpool and City’s minds may be on that should either (or both) reach it.
Banana skin rating: 2/5
Liverpool will be desperate to lift the Premier League title in front of their fans for the first time
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