Gary Neville explains why Man Utd and Everton could help Liverpool become champions
Liverpool may indirectly be aided in their quest to become champions of England by bitter rivals Man Utd and Everton, according to Gary Neville.
Liverpool missed the opportunity to take top spot on Sunday when drawing with Man City at the Etihad. The modern rivals played out a pulsating 2-2 draw with the result ensuring Pep Guardiola’s side maintained their narrow one-point lead atop the table.
And with their second league meeting of the campaign now confined to the history books, all eyes have turned to the upcoming fixtures lists.
City have Brighton, Watford, Leeds, Newcastle, West Ham and Aston Villa left to play. They also have a trip to Molineux to face Wolves left to be rescheduled.
Alternatively, Liverpool will take on Man Utd, Everton, Newcastle, Tottenham, Aston Villa, Southampton and Wolves.
The common consensus had been Liverpool’s run-in was the more difficult one. Indeed, Tottenham have hit top form recently. Their trio of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski look irresistible of late.
What’s more, emotions will be sky high in the clashes with bitter rivals Man Utd and Everton. United are chasing fourth spot, while the Toffees are battling to beat the drop.
However, in the aftermath of Liverpool’s draw with City, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville explained why he believes the Reds’ run-in is actually more favourable.
Man Utd and Everton are “appalling” – Gary Neville
“In the Premier League we’ve looked at City’s run-in and think ‘that’s an easier run-in’,” said Neville (via the Daily Mail).
“But actually that’s because historically we’re looking at a Merseyside derby and a Manchester United game that ordinarily in any other season would be quite tough.
“Those two teams, to be honest with you, are appalling at this moment in time. So they could be easier than any of the teams City have got. Watford are fighting for their lives, Leeds still have to win games, Newcastle…
“Before the game we looked at that Liverpool run-in. We thought, other than Tottenham, the rest of them are (not too bad). You think it’s a tougher run-in but it’s not.”
When fellow pundit and ex-Man City full-back Micah Richards pushed back on the claim, Neville was adamant.
“I’d rather play Manchester United at home and Everton (as Liverpool do) than West Ham away (as Man City do).
Richards again disagreed, claiming: “Man United vs Liverpool is still a massive game, no matter what.”
But Man Utd legend Gary Neville was adamant in his view, concluding: ‘You’re talking about historical performances and historical emotion. Have you watched Manchester United recently, Micah? You cannot bring that into it.”
However, despite Neville’s verdict on the run-ins, he – along with Richards – both picked Man City to be crowned champions when all is said and done.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, meanwhile, picked the Reds.
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