Man City have finally opened up a three-point lead at the top of the Premier League table and one would imagine they will be able to hold onto this lead for the remaining three matches of the season.
Pundit Gary Neville though has predicted otherwise claiming that Man City might drop points in the coming weeks, primarily because of the fresh injury blows they have suffered.
Defenders Kyle Walker, John Stones and now Ruben Dias are all sidelined with injuries and Pep Guardiola has confirmed that neither of them will play any more part in this campaign. Walker and Stones have been nursing an ankle and thigh injury respectively and now Dias has sustained a hamstring issue.
“I do believe Wolves or West Ham could shock Manchester City,” Neville said on his podcast, as quoted by Fotmob.
“With Ruben Dias injured, they are going to teams who have got systems of play that can hurt City. Both teams have had good seasons. They are awkward. City will need to be at their best.
“The centre-back partnership has been obliterated. The injury is a boost for Liverpool’s chances. I do think there is something left in this title race. It won’t go plain sailing to the end.
“If City get through the next two, they’ll win it. Wolves or West Ham have to pull points off City but it’s not over. If Liverpool had to pick two away games to send City to it probably would be Arsenal and Tottenham, but after that it would be West Ham and Wolves.
“Manchester United have gone and Chelsea have dropped their levels. There is a lot to play for. It’s good for the league that Liverpool are playing first and can get level.
“I don’t think Liverpool will drop points. They will do their job.”
Will the injuries affect Manchester City?
Pep Guardiola does have backups in every area of the pitch but the central defensive position could be a cause of concern for him right now.
Nathan Ake is supposed to come into the starting XI in the absence of Stones and Dias but he himself has a slight ankle issue. Guardiola had to use Fernandinho to replace Dias on Sunday despite Ake being on the bench and against Wolves, the manager might have to put his faith in the midfielder once again.
Ake should be fit by the end of this week but Wolves certainly have the ability to cause some damage with players like Pedro Neto and Jimenez.
Will the tide shift in favour of Liverpool or will Man City hang on?
Man City beat Newcastle 5-0 and this was the perfect response to their Champions League exit and we honestly don’t think Guardiola’s side will be dropping points anymore.
In fact, Liverpool have a lot on their plate so maybe they might stumble in the coming weeks. They play in the FA Cup final next weekend and they also have to face Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
With two such crucial matches coming up, Jurgen Klopp will have to be mindful of his players picking up injuries and this might compel Liverpool to stumble. Obviously, the Anfield outfit will give 100% to chase down Man City but in practicality, they will be giving the cup final and the European final a lot more priority after Saturday’s draw against Spurs.
