Pep relishes final stretch
HAVING moved back atop the Premier League, Manchester City are preparing for the final push towards a second straight title.
City’s win over Bournemouth last week lifted them above Liverpool for the first time, with both having played the same number of games, since early December.
The defending champions now get to throw the next punch in the title battle when they host Watford on Saturday, a day before Liverpool take on Burnley.
After romping to the trophy last season, manager Pep Guardiola is appreciating the fight his side are showing this campaign.
“It is a joy and pleasure to be part of this team,” he said.
“Thank you to my players who were absolutely incredible. It doesn’t matter what happens at the end of season, these players deserve my admiration.”
Looking to end a 29-year title drought, Liverpool missed a chance to go 10 points clear at the top when they were beaten 2-1 at City on January 3.
City have won eight of nine league games since, including the last five, while Liverpool are unbeaten in eight.
But the Reds have drawn four times during that run, allowing City to leapfrog them.
A good battle has developed for the final two Champions League qualifying places. Five points separate thirdplaced Tottenham, who visit Southampton, and sixth-placed Chelsea, who host Wolves.
The middle two in that sandwich Manchester United and Arsenal square off at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Crystal Palace host Brighton, West Ham visit Cardiff, Huddersfield take on Bournemouth, Fulham are away to Leicester and Newcastle face Everton to round out the weekend. | THE title race for the English Premier League is between Manchester City and Liverpool.
Former Manchester United great, Ryan Giggs, laid his hands on 13 Premier League titles during his career. He described the title race as the worst nightmare for the Red Devils’ faithful. Man United are out of the title race, fighting to finish in the top four.
“Don’t ask me who I want to see winning the league. I don’t know. It is Manchester United fans’ worst nightmare. It is two biggest rivals competing for the league. I think it is going to be close. Who I want to win, I really don’t care,” Giggs said in an interview with Independent Media at Sibaya Casino during the Uefa Champions League trophy tour organised by Heineken.
City lead with 71 points after 29 matches and Liverpool are on 70 points.
“Who ever wins, maybe I should shut the TV off and shut the curtains and don’t leave the house,” Giggs explained.
Liverpool have a long rivalry with United. The Red Devils lead with 20 league titles and the Reds are second with 18 triumphs. Liverpool have five continental crowns, and United three.
City, United’s neighbours, have dominated English football since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson from United.
City are aimng to become the first team since United to win back to back league triumphs while Liverpool aim to end their 29-year wait for glory.
The Red Devils lifted the league in 2010/11 and defended their crown. Liverpool haven’t won the league since 1989/90.
One of these two teams will achieve their objectives but it doesn’t matter to Giggs.