Liverpool Aim To Deepen Man City Woes As Amorim Hunts First Premier League Victory

Liverpool can take another giant step towards just a second English top-flight title in 35 years against fragile Manchester City on Sunday as Ruben Amorim aims for a first Premier League win as Manchester United manager.

The highly anticipated match at Anfield presents Arsenal, who are up against West Ham, and Chelsea, who will take on Aston Villa, with an opportunity to make up ground in the standings.

Sportxparte highlights some of the key discussion points to consider ahead of this weekend’s matches:

Is the title race Liverpool’s to lose?

Arne Slot’s rampant Reds go into the weekend off the high of beating Real Madrid 2-0 to top the Champions League table.

Liverpool has been nearly flawless in the Premier League, racing to an eight-point lead after only 12 matches.

All three teams who have enjoyed a lead of eight points or more at this stage of the season in Premier League history have gone on to win the title.

City are there for the taking

Without a win in their last six matches, the English champions are described as physically and mentally “fragile” by manager Pep Guardiola, who is currently enduring the most challenging stretch of his coaching career.

“It has been, is being, and will be a tough season for us. We have to accept it for many circumstances,” he said.

Even at their best during a glorious era under the Catalan, City have failed to tame Anfield, with their last win there in front of a crowd coming back in 2003.

Amorim seeks first home win

Amorim did not hold back after seeing Manchester United labor to a 1-1 draw at lowly Ipswich in his first match in charge last weekend.

“We are going to suffer for a long period,” said the Portuguese coach. “This will take time, but I know we have to win games.”

The arrival of struggling Everton at Old Trafford presents the Red Devils with an ideal opportunity to Kickstart their campaign under their new manager.

The Toffees (10) are one of only three sides to have scored fewer Premier League goals this season than United’s 13.

Sean Dyche’s men are just two points above the relegation zone and have not beaten United away from home since 2013.

Sitting in 12th place, United must capitalize on their home advantage to quickly ascend the table, especially with challenging away matches against Arsenal and City looming in two of their next three league fixtures.

Villa hits a rough patch

Aston Villa is another side struggling for form. A 0-0 draw against Juventus in midweek extended their winless run to seven games in all competitions.

Unai Emery’s squad remains in a strong position to advance to the knockout stages of the Champions League, marking their first experience in Europe’s top competition in 40 years.

But their European exertions are beginning to take a toll domestically. Villa have taken just seven points from their past seven league games to slip to eighth.

Next up is a difficult trip to Chelsea, who are flying high in Enzo Maresca’s first season in charge.

The Blues are currently in third place, ahead of Arsenal on goal difference, and could potentially emerge as Liverpool’s nearest rivals if City are unable to break their winless streak at Anfield this weekend.

Arsenal have bounced back to form with comprehensive wins over Nottingham Forest and Sporting Lisbon and will go second for 24 hours at least with victory at West Ham on Saturday.