NEWS. . . BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Chris Sutton has revealed his prediction for 3 midweek matches in the Premier League name race.
Liverpool’s win over Brighton on Sunday and Arsenal’s goalless draw at Manchester City have left Jurgen Klopp’s side two things adrift at the top of the table with nine games remaining.
The Reds, who host last-placed Sheffield United on Thursday night, are looking to make a name for themselves in Klopp’s final season at Anfield.
Liverpool will most likely be overtaken at the top of the table on Wednesday night when Arsenal face Luton Town at home and Manchester City host Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.
Arsenal produced an impressive defensive performance to blank out Man City at the weekend and will be hoping to be too strong for a Luton side who have been in the relegation zone lately.
Meanwhile, Man City want to get back to winning tactics after losing problems in their last two games as they try to win a fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Sutton doesn’t see too many problems for the three familiar rivals as they prepare for their midweek fixtures and helped Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool to victories in a column for BBC Sport.
Arsenal-Luton Town
“Arsenal needed one last goal from Declan Rice to secure a wild 4-3 win the last time those teams met, but they arguably wouldn’t be that close to the Emirates.
“Luton will take their chances, we know that, but the Gunners showed how strong they are defensively in Sunday’s goalless draw against Manchester City and I’ve been expecting them in this game from the start. “
Sutton Prediction: 3-0
Manchester City-Aston Villa
“I think some of the complaints levelled at Manchester City striker Erling Haaland after Sunday’s draw against Arsenal are very exaggerated.
“It’s not Haaland’s fault that City haven’t created enough chances for him; it’s up to the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva to create those chances.
“To compare Haaland to a Ligue 2 player, as Roy Keane described him on Sky, is ridiculous.
“It doesn’t matter who scores the passes against Aston Villa, but City can’t allow leaders Liverpool to go over 3 points.
“Villa will make it difficult for them and will have a lot of attacking threats of their own, but it’s an inevitable victory for Pep Guardiola’s team. . . And I think they’re going to win. “
Sutton Prediction: 2-1
Liverpool vs Sheffield United
“It’s wiser to oppose the backside and Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah is going to lead my fantasy team, that tells you everything you want to know about what I expect to happen here.
“Against Brighton on Sunday, Liverpool did what they’ve been doing all season, which is find a way to win even if they’re behind.
“It will be much easier because Sheffield United don’t have the quality to cause them the same upheavals as the Seagulls.
“However, Liverpool can’t expect to go out and win easily. The finish line is in sight, but they have to put their foot down to get there first, and I think that’s what’s going to happen here.
“If we look at the table, goal difference can play a big role in the race for the name. Arsenal have the merit at the moment, but a great scoreline here can replace that. “
Sutton Prediction: 5-0
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