Manchester City’s defeat at Chelsea last weekend opened the door for Liverpool to take over at the top the Premier League and injected even more life into this season’s title race.
Just one point separates the two sides after 16 games and their clash at the Etihad Stadium on January 3 could be the pivotal match in the battle to be crowned champions.
However, both teams face a hectic spell ahead of that game, with each playing four more league matches between now and the end of 2018. Read on we as look at their respective schedules over the coming weeks.
Tough tests await for Liverpool
Liverpool’s fixtures during the rest of December look tougher than City’s. They start with a home game against Manchester United on Sunday and it’s a match that visiting boss Jose Mourinho will no doubt be relishing.
Home fans watching the game via Liverpool live streaming services will be confident that Reds will come out on top, but a record of one win in their last 10 meetings with United should sound a major note of caution.
Jurgen Klopp’s side return home on Boxing Day to face Newcastle United and it’s difficult to imagine them slipping up. The Magpies haven’t won at Anfield since a 1-0 League Cup victory back in 1995.
The Reds finish off 2018 with a home game against Arsenal on December 29. The Gunners are much-improved under new manager Unai Emery and they are capable of taking something from this game.
City fancied to regain top spot
City were disappointing at Stamford Bridge last weekend, but they are strongly fancied to bounce back against Everton on Saturday.
The Toffees, who have won just once away from Goodison Park this season, face a City side who have reeled off eight league victories in a row at the Etihad Stadium this term and who are confidently expected to make it nine this weekend.
Pep Guardiola’s side face another home game the following Saturday against Crystal Palace. City have lost just one of their last 16 meetings with the Eagles in all competitions and this match looks a banker home win.
City’s toughest assignment over the next few weeks is on Boxing Day as they travel to face Leicester City. However, the reigning champions have won four in a row against the Foxes and should pick up another three points here.
A visit to Southampton three days later completes City’s 2018 fixtures and it is not beyond the realms of possibility for them to be on top of the table heading into their clash with Liverpool in January.
