6 weeks later...

6 weeks ago I posted an article about a 'make or break' run in of fixtures - Liverpool had the perceived easier run of games, where we not only had more minutes to play with cup football, but on paper tougher opposition to face. I have to say I was certain we'd drop points against Chelsea, Goodison Park was a hard fought and ground out three points, with a few looking leggy towards the end, in contrast Chelsea had over a week to prepare - but 6 weeks after posting that article, we've actually done better than maintain the 4 point gap, cutting it to 3, and that's assuming they win their game in hand.

For the remainder of the season the fixtures for both sides look much more balanced, March sees us play United, them Spurs, April it's us against Spurs, they have Chelsea, and in the final couple of games we have big game side Leicester, where they face Wolves. But then it's not the big games on paper where either side are dropping points, it's the lapses of concentration against lower table sides, Newcastle away or West Ham. Perhaps the more likely scenario is the title being decided by a side fighting for relegation in the closing stages, than in a 'super sunday' fixture at Old Trafford.

In terms of their game against United, there's a bit of a split among blues here. Personally if they chip some points off Liverpool obviously it works in our favour, but I'd much rather that happened elsewhere. I could never avidly urge United to score as I have Leicester, West Ham, or the woeful Bournemouth, in recent weeks, and the mere idea of wanting United to "do us a favour" leaves me craving a long hot shower. The result will be what it will be, and in any case we have another trip to Wembley to distract us from proceedings over in Salford.

For now attention turns to Saturday - and if one thing is certain we will see a strong, capable line up on the pitch at 5.30. Pep's commitment to winning absolutely everything he can is admirable, but then if any club should be committed to winning absolutely everything it is us. Part of me wants to see Sergio start, if we keep him firing then beating Salah to the golden boot may well be what clinches it, but then again Gabriel Jesus' confidence built up from mis match bouts against 'lesser' sides over recent weeks could well be the difference as I'm sure he will have a part to play in the final stages of league football. The main areas of concern definitely fullbacks, and to a lesser extent David Silva's poor form/ lack of fitness, only a lesser worry because Bernardo has been "so so good" as Pep might put it... I'd expect to see a bit of game time for Muric ahead of Chelsea, and a run out for Mahrez who I'd forgotten played for us.

Muric
Walker-Otamendi-Sandler-Zinchenko
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Mahrez-Jesus-Sane