Manchester City's Premier League Challenge

The Premier League title (Welwyn times)

With ten consecutive Premier League victories extending since early February just four more wins will mark a second title in as many years for Manchester City.

While the 14 wins it may take to see off challengers Liverpool may seem an extraordinary feat it is a record that The Citizens have bettered before.

In the 2017-18 campaign Pep Guardiola’s men notched up 18 consecutive victories from Late August and collected three points in every single fixture up until New Years Eve when Crystal Palace held them to a goalless draw.

Irregularly regular

With 28 wins secured so far as the Premier League enters its final stretch - it is impossible for the blue side of Manchester to repeat their incredible tally of 100 points of the previous campaign.

However, if they can defeat local rivals Manchester United, Burnley, Leicester City and Brighton – they will amass the same number of wins as the 2017-18 season.

City have however shown to be beatable this season with four defeats compared to just two last year but compared to competitors Liverpool – Guardiola’s men have managed to grind out more wins from draws.

The Reds have tallied up 7 draws this season and lost just once in 35 fixtures this term yet if both teams won their remaining matches, it would be the blues retaining the title by two points.

Manchester United

Manchester Derby could be turning point in title (smashingtip)

The Manchester Derby attracts huge viewing figures globally and in Liverpool there will be an expected increase due to the significance of the fixture.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was a deflated figure when his Red Devils were humbled by Everton in their previous fixture and expects a better showing from his players against local rivals City tonight.

United have picked up points in three of their last four clashes with The Citizens but have won just one of their three previous Premier League outings with their only win coming at home to West Ham.

Remaining fixtures

Rodgers could provide favour to The Reds (Daily Mirror)

While those routing for Liverpool to lift the Premier League come May outed arch rivals Manchester United as the team most likely to take points from The Citizens, there are others who have already looked beyond The Red Devils.

With Solksjaer’s men out-of-form, the hope for Leicester City or Burnley to help out Jurgen Klopp’s side has continued to grow.

The Foxes’ new manager Brendan Rodgers was in a similar position to The German in the 2013-14 campaign as he narrowly missed out on the League title by just two points.

The Sky Blues have however won five of their previous six meetings with the side currently ninth in the table but lost this season’s first encounter 2-1 at the King Power stadium back in December.

Burnley however have not beaten Manchester City since March 2015 but Turf Moor has often been a stumbling block for the current champions who claimed a point in last season’s meeting.

What the managers said

Pep Guardiola: "I expect the best United tomorrow. I am sure. They are bright.

Both managers gave their thoughts ahead of the fixture (MEN)

"Football players try to do their best and tomorrow it is going to happen. We prepare for their strong points and weak points."

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer: "They will not allow us easy counter-attacking. There will be fouls. No doubt about it because they commit so many players forward, and will be stopping us [as] high as they can.

"There is no hiding place on the pitch. The supporters will back you as-long-as the effort is there."

Fabinho deal shows change in Liverpool transfer history

While Liverpool fans are still coming to terms with The Reds' Champions League final upset, Jürgen Klopp made the first move in next season's master plan to snap up Monaco midfielder Fabinho.

The eccentric Germany manager has shown no signs of defeat despite Liverpool's 2-1 loss to Real Madrid less than 72 Hours ago, and his first signing of the Summer transfer window may be the first indication of a new dawn on Merseyside.

Fabinho, 24, likely signed as a replacement for soon to depart Emre Can, was announced yesterday evening in a shock transfer with rumours circulating just hours before.

The Brazilian midfielder will officially become a Liverpool player on July 1st in a deal worth around £39m with £5m in potential add ons.

On the player's arrival, manager Klopp said: "He can play 'six', 'eight' and 'two'. This is cool.''

The boss' comments indicate a desire for cover in areas where Liverpool have lacked in recent months with severe need for strength in depth if they are to become serious title challengers next season.

With Fabinho's versatility they have potentially signed a player who can utilise a number of different positions allowing players to be shipped out during the window to free up funds.

However, while Reds' fans quickly scout out their latest signing on YouTube, they will eagerly be anticipating the next addition to Anfield with more deals expected to be completed prior to the World Cup.

Lyon's Nabil Fekir is one name linked with a £60 million move to Merseyside while Naby Keita is a player Klopp and co. snapped up last year from Red Bull Salzburg - with the player like Fabinho set to be an official player on July 1.

Analysis

No time for upset for Klopp (image: joburg post)

Klopp's idealisation regarding key targets indicates his unwillingness to settle for second best with his visualisation demonstrating a desire for a Liverpool team in his own image.

While The Reds were bested by Spanish giants Madrid in the grand stage of the Champions League, the level of calibre in the squad on paper boasted a difference in class with Los Blancos able to introduce impactful players from the bench to change the game.

Liverpool's most expensive transfer Virgil Van Dijk cost £80m in the January window, meanwhile Gareth Bale, signed for the same cost three season previous, was only able to make the 15 man squad before being introduced midway through the second half.

With The Reds finishing fourth in the Premier League and ending the 2017-18 season with no Silverware, they will be hoping to accumulate a squad capable of challenging successfully on four fronts next term.

Klopp wishes to attract players as soon as possible to acclimatise his additions to his style of football with many such as Andrew Robertson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain needing time to settle in at Anfield.

Fabinho's signing indicates a change in landscape for Liverpool, gone are the days of players waiting for big clubs to come knocking; a sleeping giant on Merseyside is already at the door.

Liverpool reaping benefits of life after Coutinho

As Liverpool place one foot into the final of the Champions League, they do so around 150lbs lighter and £150m better off as a liberated squad look better than ever after Phillipe Coutinho left for the shores of Barcelona.

The Reds, still coming to terms with what may be their biggest victory of the season have done so in style after sweeping aside AS Roma 5-2 thanks to goals from Mohammad Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

A scenario that a couple of months ago looked a world away is now a reality with Jürgen Klopp's men just one win away from meeting either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the Champions League final in Kiev.

However, one man may have regretted his search for success by leaving Anfield earlier this year, as Coutinho, a man who the Merseyside club once relied so heavily on  - is now a forgotten figure, a mere footnote in the history of the club on the verge of creating a dynasty.

Liverpool racked up 20 victories in 33 games in all competitions prior to Coutinho's exit scoring 77 goals, conceding 39 goals while following his transfer The Redmen have won 13 of 19 games bagging 47 along the way while conceding 16.

This works out as 2.3 goals scored per game before Coutinho and achieving 2.4 goals in his absence, while the defence would concede an average of 1.1 goals per game with the former talisman while the defensive stats have remained similar.

The form of Liverpool's have eased what looked like being a rough break up, despite the £150m fee, with the recruitment of Virgil Van Dijk just one of the benefits of the former No.10 easing the budget at Anfield.

The Dutch defender, an £80m signing from Southampton in January has, a 72.4% aerial duel success rate, outperforming PFA players of the year Jan Vertonghen and Nicholas Otamendi.

However it is the forward line that has amassed worldwide plaudits, with a free flowing attack and a solid midfield line, The Reds look like a solid team that has achieved a sense of balance that one looked to be built on poor foundations.

A captain's role

Captaining one of Britain's greatest clubs is no easy feat and Jordan Henderson was a man many deemed un up to the task but the Liverpool leader is playing his best football, with much of this down to Coutinho's exit.

Following the Brazillian's relocation to the Nou Camp, a major area of the pitch become available in Klopp's XI and a man who was once criticised for his lack of forward play has shown his ability to create much more from deep.

The captain has demonstrated his ability to maintain stable defensive play while unleashing the forward line of Salah, Firmino and Mane, while also feeding Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gini Wijnaldum who burst forward from the middle of the park.

Henderson's subtle play will often go unnoticed but much of his contribution has been vital in Liverpool turning a corner in 2018, with the former Sunderland man proving doubters wrong.

Rhian Brewster: Ready for the First Team?

With a first team front three of Mohammad Salah, Roberto Firmino firing in over 50-goals in their domestic outings, chances for the younger generation have been hard to come by at Liverpool.

Rhian Brewster has gained an impressive reputation at The Reds for his neat finishing and explosive pace while his record on the International Youth level points to a significant talent for years to come.

Having bagged 20 goals in 22 appearance for the World Cup winning U/17 Three Lions squad, the 18-year-old attracted attention from all of the major clubs but his season has since come to a traumatic end.

Brewster was ruled out for the remainder of the 2018 term after receiving oxygen during a u/23 fixture against Manchester City in January and as a result was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain and ligament damage.

However, the youngster has left a lasting impression on Jürgen Klopp and co. with the player set to become a sporadic performer in the first-team squad next season.

With the German manager keen to 'promote from within' it seems that Brewster could play an integral part in the front line next season.

Rumours of a mega spending spree have circulated since January with reports of Timo Werner, Luan Vieira, and Thomas Lemar all linked with a move to Anfield, but the promotion of a youngster would be a much less costly addition.

Ushered out the door

Sturridge's Anfield career be at  an end? (image: elsport.com)

While the news of Brewster's expected push will come as a positive for him, it will come as a signal of sorrow for Daniel Sturridge - whose Anfield career may be about to come to an end.

A drastic loan move to West Brom was seen as a last roll of the dice to make the World Cup this summer but another setback looks to have ruled out hope for injury prone striker.

Also, with the current front three having embraced the Klopp way of playing, the chances of the former Manchester City and Chelsea forward disrupting the current status quo look slim to none.

With just three goals to his name this season, he is a shadow of the striker who alongside Luis Suarez bagged 23 goals for The Reds in the 2013/14 season but he has failed to replicate his stunning form since.

Oh Danny Boy

Ings has managed to forge a career on Merseyside Image:  (thisisanfield)

Despite the constant reports, Danny Ings has established himself at Liverpool as fourth choice forward having impressed Klopp with his attitude and character to prove himself on Merseyside.

Summer and January rumours linked the 25-year-old with a move to Rafa Benitez's Newcastle with fears his best times were behind him following an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Ings however has shown heart to continue fighting for a place in the German's side and has featured eight times in the first team this season which considering the form of Salah, Firmino and Mane is a feat in itself.

The striker may have a career at Anfield as long as he wants it but it is unlikely he will ever become a regular starter in the side.

Jürgen Klopp made the right move in selling Phillipe Coutinho

As Liverpool fans come to terms with the loss of yet another star player to FC Barcelona, one man has brought back the discipline and respect that has been absent since the days of Kenny Dalglish, Bob Paisley and Bill Shankly.

Klopp let Coutinho go for one very valid reason (image: Liverpool Echo)

Phillipe Coutinho decided his time at Anfield was at an end, and rather than waiting until the end of the campaign the Brazilian masterminded a plan to leave Merseyside for the Nou Camp - when all he had to do was ask.

The idea of a player forcing through a move and not wanting to play for a club as grand as Liverpool would be met with a straight "see you later" from the legends that have managed the club in the past, and Jürgen Klopp brought back the days of hard stances as he waved bye-bye to the playmaker.

With a warchest now available to target his top stars, the German refused to be caught up in the saga that has embroiled many fans and reporters over the winter period.

The arrival of Van Djik should somewhat cushion the blow (image: Mirror)

While the arrival of £75m Virgil Van Djik will cover the blow, what fans should be praising at this current period is the attitude of their manager who stood up for the values of Liverpool and gave in to the wishes, with the belief that you should only be at the club if you want to.

Coutinho did not. His 'heartfelt' message on Instagram signified how much the club meant to him, and while he got his dream move, he left behind a tarnished reputation, and through away the loyalty, respect and regard that fans on Merseyside once held him so high within.

"Since the moment I arrived in Liverpool , me and my family have been made to feel so welcome and have made so many friends.

On the pitch and off the pitch, we have experienced the beauty of this club and its fans. In turn, I hope I have delivered memories and moments that have brought happiness to the Liverpool supporters.

Moving to Liverpool, I knew the club’s greatness and history but what I did learn during my time was the unique heart and soul of the place. It has its own personality and character.

I leave Liverpool because Barcelona is a dream for me. Liverpool was a dream that I was fortunate enough to realise and I have given five years of my life to it. A career on the pitch only lasts for so long and to play for Barcelona as well as Liverpool is something I want to experience and enjoy while I am blessed enough to be able to do so.

I hope the supporters understand that choosing to experience something new is not about diminishing their importance to me or the club’s importance. Nothing will ever diminish that in my heart.

I wish Jürgen and the team nothing but joy and success for the rest of this season and beyond. This is an amazing team and they are getting better and better all the time.

There are too many people I want to thank, but I cannot name everyone individually.

To all the amazing club staff who have been part of my life in Liverpool - I will miss you. To the owners, whom have tried so hard to bring success, and to the football recruitment staff for showing faith in me to bring me here and rewarding me during that journey, and to my incredible teammates, past and present, who have helped me grow and improve as a player and a person, I would like to say thank you to you all. Anything I have achieved here would not have been possible without you.

And finally, to the most important people of Liverpool - the Liverpool supporters. I can never thank you enough for what you have given me during this time and no matter where I go in the world, for the rest of my life, I will always cherish Liverpool in my heart. You, the club and the city will always be a part of me.

You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Philippe."

The post has irked Reds fans, with suggestion that the message was written by one of the players PR team as the lack of true goodbye will come at a price.

Just seen Coutinho’s farewell Instagram post - beautiful message, just a shame it wasn’t actually written by him.

— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) January 8, 2018

Coutinho's farewell message the biggest load of crap I've ever seen - he didn't write a word of this. 100% delivered by PR team. pic.twitter.com/4VW33QrK4N

— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) January 9, 2018

However, with players in the squad who want to fight for the cause, it may be easier for Klopp to now create a team in his image; the manager has always been an underdog, capable of creating inspiration, and with a team lacking in quality, they'll need his skills more than ever.

Can Mo Salah win the Premier League Golden Boot?

Liverpool's Mohamad Salah has started the 2018 Premier League season in fine form. and currently sits atop the statistics for goals scored this season; but how does he compare to the man breathing down his neck?

Harry Kane emerged from a bleak Tottenham Hotspur and has since been their talisman over the past three seasons picking up the prestigious Golden Boot award in the past two terms.

However, the £35m Egyptian has so far bagged 13 goals in 16 appearances, while the England frontman has lagged behind with 12.

Is it likely is it that Liverpool's man of the hour will remain at the top of the leaderboard or will Kane equal a record set by Arsenal's Thierry Henry and finish on top for the third successive season?

Currently the pair are almost identical, except the man in red has been far more clinical in front of goal averaging a goal every 4.6 shots while Spurs' hotshot striker hits the back of the net every 7.2 attempts.

However, with Salah possessing less than a full season in red, it is hard to look past a man who has been a consistent threat on goal for three consecutive years, averaging more than a goal a game at 0.80 with 90 in his last 131 appearances in the Premier League.

Liverpool's Egyptian International has the chance to pull ahead tonight as West Brom travel to Anfield with The Baggies already shipping 22 goals this season, a respectable figure for a side battling relegation.

While, Kane will be hoping some chances come his way against Brighton & Hove Albion with this the second time the Englishman has faced the newly promoted side, as he scored past them in a 2-0 League Cup win back in 2014.

Kane is currently the favourite in the bookies, at 7/4 to take home the award come May, but Salah is at evens, in what is becoming a two-horse race.

How does Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain compare with his fellow Liverpool midfield?

Liverpool's most recent acquisition Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain seemed an ideal purchase, with an increase in fixtures thanks to Champions League qualification, the Englishman provided a sense of strength derived from his £35m price-tag.

Huge figures created a Summer transfer window, the likes of which have never been seen, with the most expensive player (Neymar) being sold for a figure rising to above £200m, making the scoop of an England international, an 'under-the-radar' bargain.

However with five fixtures already under his belt, his early Liverpool career has been a rocky start with just one win, two losses and two draws coupled with no registered goals or assists so far, it seems that the former Arsenal and Southampton man is currently off track.

The Reds have however not been held back by Chamberlain's slow integration, with the likes of Phillipe Cotuinho, Jordan Henderson and Giorgio Wijnaldum showcasing their ability in recent games, as Sadio Mane, Mohammad Salah and Roberto Firmino are clicking in perfect harmony.

Despite the 24-year-old not yet hitting the heights, manager Jürgen Klopp is in no hurry to leave him out to dry as he talked about his latest acquisition following his first start:

 "He didn’t have the best game of his life so in the world of football at the moment you get criticised for that, but I am not in doubt. He did really well in some moments but he is still trying to adapt to our style of play."

So while Chamberlain adapts to the Liverpool style of way, his Premier League statistics may still be a cause for concern, as his lack of assists and goals leave him some way of the standard of his fellow midfielders.

As other players who have split opinion such as Alberto Moreno, may not seem to be doing a perfect job, their stats have proven otherwise - but with the Englishman, this does not seem to be the case.

However, with his time at Anfield still in its early days, he has many more chances to prove his worth; as a £35m transfer fee will be anything but a "gamble" in the eyes of the German in the hot-seat.