London: Liverpool could hardly be in higher spirits as they set out on the short trip Saturday to Manchester City hoping to make a strong case for their Premier League title prospects.
Pep Guardiola’s City and neighbours Manchester United, together with champions Chelsea, have already been installed as the trio most likely to contest the title, but optimism is surging on Merseyside after a free-scoring August.
A 4-0 thrashing of a compliant Arsenal before the international break means Juergen Klopp’s side have seven points from nine during an opening period in which they also safely negotiated a Champions League play-off against Hoffenheim.
What is more, Liverpool’s transfer window business has been hailed as some of the best amongst the leading clubs. They have got Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah from Roma at a bargain price of 36 million pounds.
The deadline-day signing from Arsenal of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – a player Klopp believes can become a Liverpool great – adds more firepower to an attack already boasting Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino and which will soon be further boosted by the return from injury of Adam Lallana.
The rising stock of midfielder Jordan Henderson, who has captained England twice in the past week, and a superb goal for teenager Ben Woodburn on his Wales debut means the continued uncertainty surrounding Phillipe Coutinho and his desire to join Barcelona is a manageable distraction.
No wonder pundits are taking Liverpool seriously. “I didn’t fancy Liverpool before the season started but they’ve made some decent buys and kept Coutinho which is a boost for them,” former Manchester United great Ryan Giggs conceded this week. “After the business they’ve done I’ve probably changed my mind and they will be definitely in the championship mix.”
Liverpool have a strong recent record against City – winning four of the last six league clashes between the sides – and last lost to them in the league three years ago.
City, who also have seven points, have match-winners everywhere though, even if they will be without forward Raheem Sterling who was sent off for over-celebrating a last-gasp winner against Bournemouth last time out.
While Sterling’s absence will be a blow, Guardiola’s options are so numerous that Sergio Aguero was only a substitute against Bournemouth and he is likely to return.
reuters
