The Premier League title race is likely to be so tight that Liverpool and Manchester City’s meetings with each other could ultimately decide who comes out on top.
Reds legend John Barnes believes his former club will lift their first league title since 1990 this season, telling FourFourTwo that they have the edge over City:
I think they’ll win the league this year. Winning the Champions League has given us that confidence, that determination.
The thing about Liverpool now is that no matter who they play, whether that’s Manchester City away in the league or Swindon in the cup, they’ll play with the same determination and desire.
They’ll do that and they’ll do that consistently, which is why I think they’ll win the title.
Read Liverpool Verdict
There is an ever-growing swirl of opinion claiming Liverpool will be crowned champions come May, despite the brilliance of City.
Pep Guardiola’s side are going for a third title in a row, although some believe their focus on the Champions League could play into Liverpool’s hands.
Last season, the two meetings saw the pair draw 0-0 at Anfield, before City prevailed 2-1 at the Etihad.
The Reds failing to win either match-up proved crucial and that simply must change this time around.
A win and a defeat has to be seen as the worse case scenario for Jurgen Klopp’s side – a repeat of last season, or worse for that matter, is likely to lead to City winning the league again.
They promise to be a couple of memorable encounters, in what has become one of the great Premier League rivalries.
