TITLE RACE WIDE OPEN AGAIN

With Liverpool taking their foot off the pedal in the last few matches, the Premier League title race has become intense once again. With only three points separating City and the leaders at this stage, HT looks at their upcoming challenges which could prove decisive: Liverpool won nine straight matches to open up a sizeable lead in the standings but two draws and a loss in their last five matches means they just have a three-point buffer over City and a five-point difference with Tottenham. The Reds seem to be struggling in recent weeks as they chase their first top-flight title since 1989-90. They have now only one clean sheet in the seven games since Boxing Day. One of the reasons behind Liverpool’s struggle in defence is the absence of three key players at the backline —first-choice centre-back Joe Gomez, the impressive Trent Alexanderarnold and Dejan Lovren. James Milner has been shifted to right-back spot in place of Alexander-arnold. As a consequence, Liverpool are now missing Milner’s brute force in the midfield.

City were sailing in the same boat as Liverpool a few weeks back. Injuries to key players meant they lost three out of four games and lost their top spot. But with the likes of Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne fully recovered, City have now won four of their last five games to keep Liverpool in their touching distance. UPCOMING LEAGUE FIXTURES February 9: Bournemouth (H)

February 24: Man United (A)

February 27: Watford (H)

March 3: Everton (A)

March 10: Burnley (H)

While they are back to their full strength, City have a busy schedule ahead. Besides taking on Schalke in the Champions League last-16, they will also be in action in the FA Cup fifth round followed by a League Cup final against Chelsea.

UPCOMING LEAGUE FIXTURES February 6: Everton (A)

February 10: Chelsea (H)

February 28: West Ham (H)

March 2: Bournemouth (A)

March 9: Watford (H)

Won Drawn Lost

LIVERPOOL

Won Lost

MAN CITY