With Liverpool sitting eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table, the stakes could not be higher as Manchester City prepare to visit Anfield this weekend.
The two sides will meet on Sunday in what could turn out to be a crucial match in the title race.
While Liverpool have looked impenetrable this season, maintaining a solid defensive record and looking like strong contenders to bring the Premier League title back to Anfield, Manchester City are in the unusual position of trying to improve their own morale after a recent dip in form.
This has resulted with them offering manager and club legend Pep Guardiola a contract extension that they hope could alter the dynamic of the title fight.
Throughout Guardiola’s time at Manchester City he has secured 18 trophies for the club including six Premier League titles, four Carabao Cup’s, two FA Cups and one Champions League.
The Spaniard has dominated the league since joining City in the 2016/17 season. However Liverpool have often been a thorn in his side, pushing Guardiola to his absolute limits throughout his tenure. On Sunday, though, it is Liverpool who will be favourites based on current form.
Dan Clubbe from Liverpool fan channel RedMenTV added: “I can’t imagine City should be considered favourites, mainly due to their own apparent shortcomings as opposed to anything Liverpool have done so far.”
Guardiola’s previous deal was set to expire at the end of the current season, but the 53-year-old Spanish manager has committed to City until 2027.
The timing of the extension, amid City’s recent struggles, is significant. Some have speculated that Guardiola’s decision to extend his time at the club could be down to his determination to reinstate dominance for the Citizens, especially with the rise of Liverpool under Arne Slot.
City fan and content creator Big Steve said: “When Pep first came people said it was a stepping stone and that he was not going to stay for long, but him staying for almost 10 years shows that the club means something special to him and I feel he thinks he’s got more up his sleeve.
“I feel like he has got unfinished business here and he wants to keep these trophies coming for us.”
He added: “I was told earlier this season that it was his last season but then midway through the season I was also told by someone at the club that there was a possibility he was going to extend.
“With the recent run of results, we have been on I feel like it is good timing, and it is a massive boost for everyone at the club including the fans. Everybody at the club is buzzing with it and hopefully now this is a bit of a reset so we can go ahead and get back on track for the rest of the season.”
Guardiola’s contract extension could have a ripple effect on the squad, providing a morale boost as they aim to close the gap to Liverpool. City currently sit in second place, trailing the Reds by eight points.
Following a draw to Feyenoord in midweek after being 3-0 up, a win at Anfield is looking increasingly vital for the Spaniard. His renewed commitment might just inspire his players to play at their best in a fixture that has historically been challenging for City.
RedmenTV’s Clubbe said: “The new contract shouldn’t affect us too much, outside of it being a boost for City and their own medium-long term stability. But, from a Liverpool perspective it shouldn’t have any impact as we need to keep playing our own game.”
For Liverpool, Sunday’s clash is a chance to show they deserve to be at the top of the table. With Slot’s side proving to be strong at the back and devastating in attack, they will be confident going into the game. A win over City will perhaps show that the Reds are not just in contention for the title but also the team to beat this season.
