
Photo: GETTY IMAGES
So much has been said of this season’s title race. Some have even called it the most closely contested since the Premier League era. After 13 league matches, only 3 points separate the top 4, however, as the race gets all the more intense with each passing week, it is clearer what teams really mean business this term.
Those who were considered title contenders earlier in the season are no longer favorites for some. To most pundits though, the present top four remain in the mix, with Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool clear favorites to land the title next May. Liverpool is considered a major contender for the league, judging by their form in the league this season, but I personally see Manchester city as a much bigger threat to our title challenge above any other team in the league this season. Liverpool have played so flawlessly this season, but I don’t think they’ll carry on with that momentum till the end of the season. Countinho’s absence might count against them at the moment. He’s the main man for them, and I believe his absence will be felt; I think they’ll struggle a bit without him. Manchester city, on the other hand, although haven’t been excellent as one would have expected aren’t playing so badly. Unlike Liverpool, they have players in their team who have a lot of experience. The likes of Aguero, Toure and Silva have all been a part of title-winning City teams, so they’ll provide plenty boost to their team. They’ll know how to grind out the results when it matters most, and with a manager like Pep at the helm, there’s no doubt that they can go all the way. This is why I feel that Manchester City are our biggest threat to the title, and all the more reason it’s important to beat them.
We’re top of the league at the moment, with just a point gap separating us and City and Liverpool. If we beat City in the early Match up on Saturday, it’d give us a 4 point advantage over them. It will not be easy, especially since it’s an away tie, and considering that City boast one of the best teams in the league. That said, it’s not beyond us to get one over them. We have come up against the likes of Tottenham, and Man U, and gotten wins over them, so we can do it tomorrow too. Composure and a proper game plan is what I think will do the job for us. If we play like we have over the last 7, then I’m certain that by this time on Saturday, we’ll be sitting 4 points clear of our fiercest rival in this season’s title race.