Liverpool 1-0 Real Madrid: Match Verdict
The former Manchester United defender has given his predictions for Man City vs Liverpool and Sunderland vs Arsenal in the Premier League.
Arne Slot tried to play down the importance of the showdown. The Liverpool boss insisted that taking one game takes preference over the overall scenario.
"I only focus on ourselves and our main focus is on consistency at the moment," said Slot at his pre-match press conference. "We’ve lost a few games, much more than we usually do, and now we’ve won two so our focus is on getting consistent and improving, improving, getting players fit and then we will see where that will lead to. But at this moment of time it’s [the league table] definitely not the only focus we have."
However, Slot and his Manchester City counterpart Pep Guardiola will quietly know what the consequences of Sunday's Etihad Stadium encounter will have on the Premier League title race.
For several years, the fixture was regarded as a straight shootout in the battle to be crowned champions. However, both outfits are treading water after 10 fixtures. Liverpool's title defence got off to the perfect start before four successive defeats. Now they find themselves seven points behind leaders Arsenal.
City have been unable to take advantage of the Reds' recent troubles, though. Guardiola's men have already lost three league games this season and trail Arsenal by six points.
Arsenal’s opportunity
The Gunners have an opportunity to pile on the pressure Liverpool and City when travelling to Sunderland on Saturday evening. The Black Cats have enjoyed an opening to the campaign that has exceeded expectations following promotion from the Championship.
While Sunderland are fourth in the table, Arsenal head to the Stadium of Light as favourites. There won't be too many Liverpool fans who are expecting the Gunners to slip-up despite the long trip to the north east.
Yet Gary Neville has tipped Arsenal to drop points on Wearside. Speaking on Stick to Football, the former Manchester United full-back said: “They’re awkward Sunderland, aren’t they? I’ll go with 1-1. I don’t really know why I’ve done that – I fancy Arsenal but Sunderland are tough there."
Liverpool tipped for victory
If Arsenal do drop points then there will be an opportunity for Liverpool or City to capitalise. Last season, the Reds earned a 2-0 victory at the Etihad Stadium en route to being crowned Premier League champions.
Both outfits head into the latest encounter after wins in the Champions League. The Reds delivered a 1-0 triumph over Real Madrid while City thrashed Borussia Dortmund 4-1. City will be the favourites because they have home advantage. Yet Neville and his former United team-mate Paul Scholes have tipped Liverpool to return to Merseyside with all three points.
“I’ve not got a massive feeling, I just think Liverpool are better,” Scholes said. To which, Neville replied: “2-1 to Liverpool then... 2-1 to Liverpool.”
Should both of Neville’s predictions prove correct then the gap to Arsenal would be cut to five points. That would give Reds supporters more belief that a title defence is not over, while Slot’s men would also move two points above City.
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