ROBBIE FOWLER

All the derbies, of course, but every era is defined by an epic clash of dominant teams: Liverpool and Everton in the 80s when I was growing up, Arsenal and Manchester United around the turn of the century, then United and Chelsea.

Long before that, there was Wolves and Man U in the 50s, Leeds and Liverpool at the turn of the 60s. That antagonism at the heart of the sport is what fires it.

For me, without doubt, the 2020s will dawn with one of the greatest rivalries of all – because Manchester City and Liverpool are two of the most powerful teams to have ever graced the game. It’s exactly what football needs right now. I won’t lie. I’d prefer it for my team Liverpool to walk away with the league every year. But, for the good of the game itself, we need these sorts of rivalries, this fight between two wonderful teams and the anticipation it brings.

Football is in crisis right now. It’s harsh reality, but it’s the truth. Clubs will lose billions between them if fans are kept out of stadiums – even for another year. So we need box office. We need Ali v Frazier, Borg v Mcenroe, Roy Keane v an empty room.

Liverpool are box office. They have produced one of the greatest seasons in football history and I genuinely believe they can get better. They have a genius of a manager and an individual and team ethic that goes far beyond money and stardom.

City may have slipped slightly from their all-time great status of the past two seasons in the Premier League, but I’m convinced it won’t be for long. And by “not for long”, I mean not at all… because they’re rightful favourites to win the Champions League and FA Cup.

I actually expect them to spend this summer now too, despite uncertainty around their potential European ban and the loss of