Manchester City V Liverpool: The Title Clash

It is only the third day of 2019 and we are already getting a monumental clash in the title race in the Premier League. Champions Manchester City face League leaders Liverpool at the Etihad this evening with a bigger psychological effect if one tastes defeat. At the start of December, Manchester City looked unbeatable and we're two points ahead of Liverpool but suffered three defeats in their last seven games, turning the tables of the title race and are now third in the table, seven points behind Liverpool.

Liverpool however, had a flawless December, winning all their eight games in all competitions including their seven league games scoring 22 goals and conceding just three keeping four clean sheets. Liverpool's defence has remained resolute and their attack looks to be firing again with Mohamed Salah now up to 13 goals in the Premier League.

It will be a big dilemma for both Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp in how their teams will setup. In the reverse fixture at Anfield in October, both sides respected their abilities hence why it was a cagey affair with very few chances which disappointed a lot of neutrals after the clashes we saw last season both in the league and the Champions League.

For Pep, it will be clear that he has to win this game. It is now a proper challenge for him as he's usually the guy setting the pace in pretty much his managerial career. City have had their injury troubles this season from Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Benjamin Mendy, Fernandinho and Sergio Agüero. Both David Silva and Fernandinho have returned from injury but there's still doubts about Kevin De Bruyne starting. Fabian Delph is suspended after his red card at Leicester City with either Aymeric Laporte slotted in as a tactical change or Oleksandr Zinchenko who been playing there recently.

For Klopp, it's a matter of how to approach to this game. A win will increase the gap to ten points or a draw will keep it at seven points. Liverpool have the ability to either sit deep or go all out knowing that they will have chances with the amount of space City will open. The trouble for Klopp would be his midfield.

Liverpool have played with a midfield three or a double pivot this season which has made them more flexible in their tactics. James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum have stand out this season with new signings Fabinho and Naby Këita still finding their feet. Liverpool's front three speaks for themselves with Mohamed Salah utilized as a striker while Roberto Firmino has dropped deeper as the No.10.

This match may not decide the title as there are still a lot of football to be played. However, a City win will remove Liverpool's aura of invincibility and shifts the momentum to the defending champions while a draw or a Liverpool win will enhance their belief of going all the way. Champions V Challengers, Possession V Space, etc. It will be a clash nobody wants to miss.