Manchester City have been the most impressive side since the restart, brushing Arsenal aside 3-0 and dismantling Burnley 5-0, both done with considerable ease. Raheem Sterling ended his goal drought and Phil Foden has got more minutes and more goals. Such are the qualities of the performances that it has left viewers, and Jurgen Klopp, wondering: how are Liverpool so far in front? The squad available to Pep Guardiola is insane, only let down by a lack of cover at the back which was exposed at the beginning of the season.
Sergio Aguero picked up a serious-looking knee injury against Burnley and will travel to Barcelona for surgery, so will be out for some time. Gabriel Jesus will most likely deputise but Guardiola, always the man for a tactical surprise, has suggested midfielder Ilkay Gundogan could operate as a false nine in Aguero's absense. He did something similar against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup semi-final at Old Trafford where he fielded a team with no recognised striker, just Kevin de Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez, Bernardo Silva and Sterling interchanging positions. They won 3-1 and it was glorious to watch. He could do it again tonight.
Chelsea did beat Aston Villa 2-1 but it more comfortable than that. Their attack of Willian (who is leaving), Olivier Giroud (old but scored) and Ruben Loftus-Cheek (his first appearance in over a year due to injury) is not one of a Champions League side. The incomings of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner show Lampard knows this and has addressed it. Tammy Abraham will surely come back into the side and Christian Pulisic, who came on as a sub and scored, impressed and may start instead of Giroud and Loftus-Cheek. That's more pace into the team that will have to be clinical on the counter attack against Manchester City.
Liverpool's 4-0 win yesterday means Manchester City have to win to delay the handing over the title. It really is a matter of time before Liverpool do finally secure the title but City will hope to prolong the succession for as long as possible. Chelsea could close the gap on Leicester after their poor 0-0 draw against Brighton in 3rd place to one point if they win. I can't see it happening though.
PREDICTION
2-0 Manchester City.
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