On Sunday, the Premier League will face off in a fierce clash – Liverpool vs Manchester City, a direct conversation at the top of the table. Liverpool legend Paul Melson believes Liverpool can emerge victorious against Manchester City if Mohamed Salah returns this weekend.
The Egyptian striker suffered a hamstring injury while playing in the Africa Cup of Nations and missed six Reds games as a result. He returned last month in Liverpool's 4-1 win over Brentford, scoring a goal and providing an assist in the game.
Salah's comeback was quickly cut short as the 31-year-old winger suffered some muscle problems that left him unavailable. However, he is likely to feature for the Reds against Manchester City on Sunday (10 March), with the Egypt captain expected to return to training this week.
Mohamed Salah has been in excellent form this season and his stats in front of goal are climbing. The former Chelsea man has made 28 appearances for the Reds in all competitions** this season, scoring 19 goals and providing 10 assists.
Melson insists they would not have beaten Manchester City without the regular who remains the club's top scorer this season. In his column for Sky Sports, the expert wrote: "Salah has given Liverpool the X-factor and if he plays, they will beat Manchester City. Without him, I don't think they would be able to continue to do damage to City. With Salah, they will close in on Manchester City and put them under great pressure by pressing high on the pitch. ”
He added: "He's one of the best players in the world and he's risk-taking – Liverpool will have plenty of chances to win if Salah comes out. Salah also has an element of fear and will make City feel unscrupulous. ”
The Reds will play a Europa League tie against Sparta Prague on Wednesday (6 March) before hosting Manchester City on Sunday 10 March.
It's hard**" Paul Melson discussed the Premier League title race between Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool Liverpool are currently 1 point ahead of second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League table, while Arsenal are in third place with a 2-point difference. A win over the English champions this weekend would give the Reds four points ahead of Manchester City.
Meanwhile, the Gunners will have a chance to overtake one or both of their opponents if they win against Brentford this weekend.
If Liverpool beat Manchester City on Sunday, Melson backs Jurgen Klopp to claim his second Premier League title. He said: "It's certainly the best title race in Premier League history, with three unbelievable teams. Hard**. Now, if they beat Manchester City this weekend, then I think they will go ahead and win the title. That's how fast it changes. ”
Manchester City have two crucial fixtures in the Premier League this month, against the Reds this weekend and then against Arsenal on 31 March. Melson believes that if the defending champions win these two games, they can successfully defend their title.
He added: "I don't think Manchester City can get 1 point in the next game against Liverpool and at home to Arsenal. If City had won both games, then I can't imagine any other team other than them winning the league title. ”
Now in the season, can the Reds Liverpool withstand Manchester City's pursuit?!