Ex-Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Redknapp believes the upcoming match between his two former sides could determine who wins the Premier League this season.
Manchester City are currently one point ahead at the top of the table after drawing 2-2 with the Reds on Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s side went ahead twice at Etihad Stadium and Liverpool fans may therefore be pleased to come away with a point for their efforts – especially as Riyad Mahrez missed the chance to steal all three points in the very last minute.
With just seven games left of the season, every game will feel like a cup final for Liverpool and City, with a single slip up by either side likely to be capitalised on. And Redknapp believes that Tottenham's game against the Reds could be a 'major problem' for Jurgen Klopp's side.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: “I find this title race impossible to call. I’ve got this feeling Liverpool v Tottenham on May 7 will be significant. Can Klopp’s crew navigate that one? That might be the match which poses them a major problem. But what a rivalry this is.
“Some people say City pass the ball too much. Others adore that about them. Some people say Liverpool’s high energy is a thing of beauty. Others don’t think they play football that’s pretty enough. It’s like the age-old debate over who you prefer between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
“Whatever your view on City and Liverpool and their styles, I think we can all agree that it is incredible to watch these winners strut their stuff.” It is no surprise that the Tottenham match has been flagged as a tricky one for the Reds given that Antonio Conte’s side have been in flying form of late and currently occupy the fourth spot in the Premier League.
Fifth-placed Arsenal have one game in hand over Spurs and if the North London outfit capitalise on that then they will draw level with their fierce rivals, though they would stay put just outside the top four on goal difference as it stands. Conte has really started to get the best out his Spurs squad and with Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son in flying form, it will be very difficult for any team to stop the incredible partnership.
Although a draw on Sunday sets up a grandstand seven-game finale to the season, Chris Sutton believes that neither team will be happy to come away with just a point from the game. He explained: “Neither side should be pleased with a point. They’re winners and when they don’t win, they should be angry at themselves.
“The Premier League title race will rumble on, but for City, the Champions League is the one. That’s what they want most of all. That’s what they have to win if they want to be considered the very best of the best. Who knows, these two teams might be meeting again come May 28. Wouldn’t that be a treat?”
