No neutral ground for Liverpool-Man City

Manchester City’s clash with league leaders Liverpool next Thursday will take place at the Etihad Stadium and not at a neutral ground, despite concerns the venue may attract supporters.

Liverpool could seal their first English league crown in 30 years against City next Thursday, and authorities were concerned that fans might congregate outside the stadium to celebrate their success, flouting restrictions in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The match was one of five that police had requested be played at neutral venues, but Manchester City Council’s safety advisory group (SAG) said that it had no objections to the game taking place at City’s Etihad Stadium.

“After the most recent round of Premier League fixtures ... the SAG has signalled it has no objections to the fixture taking place at the Etihad Stadium as planned,” Luthfur Rahman, executive member of the Manchester city council, said.

“As with all other Premier League matches, this fixture will take place behind closed doors.”

If City fail to beat Chelsea on Thursday then Liverpool will be crowned champions. If City win at Stamford Bridge then Liverpool can seal the title with a draw against City next week.

Liverpool dominated English football in the 1970s and 1980s before ceding their position to Manchester United, who have won a record 20 titles in total.

Seven different clubs have won the English top-flight since Liverpool last tasted success under Kenny Dalglish in 1990 — two years before the launch of the Premier League.