If Liverpool beat Everton in the Merseyside derby on Sunday, they will go on to be champions: that is the view of a few pundits this week.
The Reds have gone 18 derbies unbeaten, the longest unbeaten run ever of either side in this fixture, and extending that run will be absolutely vital in the title race.
Getting as many points on the board as possible is the aim, regardless of the fact the opponents are Everton.
Many pundits believe it will be a pivotal moment in the season at the top of the table.
Martin Keown wrote in the Daily Mail: “For Liverpool, the most important match is Sunday’s Merseyside derby. Win, and I believe they will be champions.”
Ex-Red Peter Crouch said in his Daily Mail column: “They need to take care of the Merseyside derby. Win this battle and they really can start to believe.”
Paul Ince also said this week, via the Liverpool Echo: “[Against Watford, that was] the title-winning Liverpool we saw four or five weeks ago and for most of the season. I’d say Manchester City were nervous looking at that.”
The only surprise prediction was the normally positive Mark Lawrenson saying he expects the game to finish 1-1 in his BBC piece.
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Beat the Blues and that would be another big hurdle overcome. As much as it is the Merseyside derby, the three points are ultimately all that matter.
With Manchester City heading to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, the Reds may no longer be top of the table by the time kick-off on Sunday comes, so the pressure will be on. The task in hand, though, remains the same no matter how Pep Guardiola’s side fare.