After Man City pipped Liverpool to the Premier League title last year, by a difference of just 1 point, this season is predictably going to end up being a straight fight out between these two clubs. The difference between Liverpool in 2nd and Chelsea in 3rd was 24 points, a gap which looks massively unlikely to be closed in the coming season. With this in mind then, today I am going to break down the chances of each tea, with our football expert Bogoljub Karic, so let’s take a look.
Liverpool
The Reds may have amassed their greatest ever points tally in the Premier League last season, 97 points in total which would have won almost any other Premier League season, but they were undone by the Citizens. Klopp’s men did however go on to win the Champions League final, a trophy which has so far eluded big spending City. Liverpool will take that trophy and use it as motivation to vanquish their rivals this season. Liverpool were never expected to go big in the transfer window but we did expect a little more than getting rid of deadwood and bringing in some youth. In attack for example they look a bit thin, especially if injuries occur to the likes of Sarah or Mane. Because of the AFCON and the Copa America Liverpool got players back late, which also could impact their first run of fixtures.
Man City
City have done well in the transfer window in picking up Rodri who will later take over from Fernandinho. The biggest loss however was that of Vincent Kompany, the team’s talisman and the biggest voice and leader in the club. This loss will have to be replaced, especially given the sale of Fabian Delph who, if nothing else, is someone with great leadership abilities. In other news, Aguero is now a year older and slower, although it may be time for Jesus to step out of the shadows and make that position his own. City show no signs of slowing down and if anything they look as though they have another gear should they need it. The one thing which City may find difficult is lower league teams, who last year seemed to just roll over and prevent a 5,6 or 7 goal defeat. We expect teams like Leicester, Wolves, Watford, Everton and even West Ham try to take the game to City this year, rather than just handing them victory.
Conclusion
Unfortunately for Liverpool fans we can only see this season going one way, and that is a big points tally for City which will win them their 3rd league title in 3 years. City would love to match the performance of Fergie’s United and to win back-to-back-to-back titles will do just that. Liverpool will be close, but not close enough this year as the Citizens romp to another ridiculous points tally.
