Manchester City vs. Liverpool: A Final Caliber Match Come Early | OneFootball

Manchester City host Liverpool in an FA Cup quarter-final this Saturday, in what could be the final iteration of the fixture that has defined the past decade in English football.

Pep Guardiola is nearing the end of his stay in Manchester and with persistent uncertainty surrounding his future, it seems that he may well depart this summer.

One thing that is for certain is that it will be Mohamed Salah’s final appearance in this fixture. Last week the so-called ‘Egyptian King’ announced that he will be leaving Liverpool at the end of this season.

With defining figures from both teams such as Jürgen Klopp and Kevin De Bruyne having already left, the curtain could be closing on one of the greatest rivalries in Premier League history.

The End of an Era

Since 2017/18, the Premier League trophy has been lifted by either City or Liverpool in every season – a monopoly on the title that looks set to end this term with Arsenal nine points clear. The rivalry has cultivated some of the greatest football ever seen in England.

During the period, the two sides have accounted for six of the eight highest Premier League points totals ever recorded. Liverpool missed out on the title with a record 97 points in 2018/19, before again coming up short by just a point three years later, despite racking up 92 points. No other team has ever accumulated 90 points or more and missed out on the Premier League title.

Their period of dominance has seen both sides lift every possible trophy, whilst shattering numerous records along the way. However, football never stands still. After almost a decade, come next season the two teams might be unrecognisable from the beginning of their rivalry. Whilst both sides will expect to remain near the top for years to come, this fixture may never have the same complexion again after Saturday.

Pep vs. the ‘Pool

Guardiola is undoubtedly one of the greatest managers in the history of football, and the Catalan maverick has repeatedly labelled Liverpool as his toughest-ever opponents. “I’ve said many times they have been the rival that has been the biggest, biggest one,” he again reiterated ahead of Saturday’s clash. “It’s a top contender with top class players.”

Liverpool are the only team that Guardiola has faced more than five times during his managerial career that he has lost to more times than he has beaten them. Across 26 meetings, the Catalan has been on the winning side nine times, drawn seven times and lost ten times. He will have the chance to even out that record in the FA Cup quarter-final.

FA Cup Bow to the Egyptian King

It is less than 12 months since Salah signed a two-year contract extension at Anfield, a move that was widely celebrated after prolonged speculation and negotiations. However, this season has validated the initial hesitations and concerns that Liverpool’s FSG owners had over offering the star his new deal.

Last season’s Premier League Player of the Year has been a shadow of his former self this campaign. The winger’s poor form led to him being dropped from the side as they struggled throughout the winter months. Salah claimed he was being made a ‘scapegoat’, placing further strain on his relationship with manager Arne Slot, although it has since been rectified to some degree.

The Egyptian is expected to start Saturday’s tie after returning from a muscle injury. He has 19 goals and assists in 23 matches in all competitions against City. The forward will hope to be on target again at the Etihad this weekend and will have his sights set on going all the way in the competition.

Liverpool’s Best Chance for Silverware

Apart from an outside shot at Champions League glory, the FA Cup is Liverpool’s only remaining chance at claiming silverware this campaign, and giving Salah the send off that a player of his calibre deserves.

Given the unlikelihood of European glory, it would be fair to say Liverpool’s season hinges on FA Cup success. The campaign started with lofty expectations for the English champions, who strengthened heavily in a record-breaking transfer window.

However they have been unable to live up to expectations, causing increasing pressure on Slot’s position as manager – less than a year after he won the title in his maiden campaign in England. A trophy would go a long way in relieving the stress he is under.

City Won’t Roll Over

City for their part, have only added to the Reds’ misery this term. A chaotic late comeback at Anfield in February saw the Blues complete the league double over Liverpool for the first time in almost 90 years. As such, Slot’s men will certainly be out for revenge this weekend.

City have simply been relentlessly consistent in the FA Cup across recent seasons. Guardiola’s side have made it to the semi-finals at Wembley in each of the last seven years, reaching the last three finals. It is a feat which Guardiola views as one of his greatest achievements.

The Blues will, without doubt, have their eyes set on another Wembley visit. Finishing as FA Cup runners-up in both of the last two seasons, there will certainly be a feeling of unfinished business amongst City’s squad.

There is still plenty left to play for in what could be the last act of one of the Premier League’s greatest ever rivalries.