Second-placed Manchester City cannot afford to stumble in a marquee match-up against Liverpool as leaders Arsenal enter the final furlong of the Premier League title race with a clash against Leeds on Saturday.
Manchester City are refusing to surrender their crown without a fight, winning their past six games in all competitions and scoring a combined 13 goals in their most recent matches against Leipzig and Burnley. But there is little margin for error in City's attempt to clinch a fifth title in six seasons.
Pep Guardiola's men have a slightly easier run-in than Arsenal on paper, yet also have the distractions of a Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich and an FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United.
For City to stay in touch with Arsenal, they must beat sixth-placed Liverpool in the league for the first time in two years -- Jurgen Klopp's men still harbour hopes of salvaging a dismal season by sneaking into the top four.
City may have to face Liverpool without star striker Erling Haaland, who missed Norway's recent internationals with a groin injury.
Meanwhile, with 10 games to play, Arsenal are in pole position to win their first title since 2004 after reeling off six successive victories to build an eight-point lead over Manchester City. Mikel Arteta's side have played a game more than the champions and still have to travel to Manchester to face Pep Guardiola's team on April 26, but they have the destiny of their first title in 19 years firmly in their grasp.