Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero has said Liverpool’s trip to the Etihad on April 10 will be ‘key’ but insists ‘anything can happen in the Premier League’ ahead of the title showdown.
The potential league decider is one of the most eagerly anticipated clashes in European football this season with the two English heavyweights preparing to go head-to-head.
As recently as January the title race looked all but over as City ran away with a 14-point lead over their rivals, but that gap has now been reduced to a solitary point.
One more matchday stands between both teams and their face-off, and although the ramifications at the Etihad could be huge.
Aguero retired from football in December due to ongoing heart complications, and left the game as a hero with City as their all-time top scorer.
During his time in Manchester, Aguero faced Liverpool on 19 occasions in all competitions, scoring seven goals, a number of which were crucial.
But the Argentine has revealed that although the stakes will be high when the teams collide in April, both sides could easily drop points elsewhere.
“Every time that Manchester City and Liverpool have played against each other in the last few seasons, there have had a huge amount of importance and are crucial for the title race,” he told Stake.com.
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“We’re talking about two teams that have dominated the Premier League landscape lately. They’re both consistent, and that keeps it very tight at the top of the table.
“The match at City will be key in the title race, but it’s important to remember that there are still more games ahead and anything can happen.
“A result for either team will be really favourable, but doesn’t ensure it’s a decider – anything can happen in the Premier League.
“A team that is seemingly weaker can turn the tables on the biggest clubs at any time, that’s the nature of the Premier League and why it’s such an appealing competition all over the world. The title is only settled on the last few games of a season.”
Liverpool’s win streak has piled the pressure on City who faltered against Tottenham in February, losing 3-2 at home thanks to a Harry Kane brace.
The result opened the door for a Liverpool challenge, and City’s most recent league result, a 0-0 away to Crystal Palace, has seen the Reds close right in.
Aguero was asked about City’s perceived poor form, but dismissed those claims.
“I don’t think that City’s form has been going down,” he argued.
“You can lose points because of some minor things, but City are having a terrific season.
“Their defence is hard to break through and they are always trying to score and have racked up plenty of wins.
“Their rivals are always going to be right with them too, and many added strong additions in the January transfer window which has helped them play a lot better. I think this City team is committed and fighting on every front.”
One of those fronts is in the Champions League, the holy grail for City who are yet to win the competition despite heavy investment following their 2008 takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group.
Pep Guardiola’s side made the final for the first time last season, where they lost 1-0 to Chelsea, and they will now be looking to make amends.
Standing in their way in the quarter-finals is another of Aguero’s former sides, Atletico Madrid, and the striker sees it as one of the toughest match-ups City have faced in Europe.
He said: “City have a team that has been very consistent throughout the last few seasons and they always create a lot of chances going forward.
“Last season we were really close and hopefully this year we’ll get to final. But first, City have got to face [Diego] Simeone’s squad, they’re on the rise and able to put up a good fight.
“We all know the determination that Atletico have, and the great support from their fans will make things difficult.
“It’ll be a tie where each team will try to impose their style and whoever makes that happen will make it through to the semi-finals. It’ll be one of the most competitive Champions League ties in the last few years.”
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