Man City vs. Liverpool: 'We will fight' title race intensifies as rival bosses focus on big games

As Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp said, "The next Premier League game is big - we can't hide from it." In January, few would have seen Manchester City against Liverpool on April 10, a sizable fixture in the title race. When City beat Chelsea 1-0 on January 15, they were 14 points clear at the top, and although the Reds still have two games to go, Pep Guardiola's side appears to compete with the horses.

But since then, Liverpool has won every Premier League game they have played, and Saturday's win over Watford put them top of the table, albeit for a short time. Klopp had just taken his seat at the post-match press conference when City opened the scoring against Burnley to return to the top of the table. "So City has answered one of your questions, has it?" Klopp joked as he sat down, realizing the reporters' questions would have more to do with the upcoming game against City than Watford's win.

Former England captain Alan Shearer, former Wales captain Ashley Williams and former Scotland striker James McFadden said next weekend's games were crucial to the title's fate. "Whoever wins it, I think they will win the title," McFadden told news Sport.

You can no longer hide from the horrors of next Sunday's title match at the Etihad Stadium. Understandably, Guardiola would be disappointed to see his team's health benefits once slashed, but the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach is relishing the challenge.

"We will fight," he said. "The opponent is adamant and good, but they said we will fight in the right way, and we accept that." Their game is to defend the Premier League title. "I hope Liverpool loses to us, but I don't think they will drop points either," added Guardiola.

"You have to deal with [pressure]. We have to win eight games now, or you won't be champions." While City is chasing a possible treble and fourth league title in five seasons, Liverpool - who won the Premier League two years ago - is in an unprecedented hunt. Quadruple.