Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola are battling it out for the Premier League title once again, and the game this weekend at Anfield could well determine who will end up as the champions. Merson has backed Liverpool to win the game, but on condition that Mohamed Salah starts.
Liverpool have a number of top-quality players in their squad, but Mohamed Salah is by far their best.
The Egyptian, since joining the Reds for £34 million back in 2017 (BBC), has been unbelievable. He has been one of the best players in the world, and without him, Liverpool wouldn’t have been so successful.
Salah, however, has had a difficult 2024. He had to return early from the African Cup of Nations due to a hamstring injury and has suffered another issue now after the game against Luton Town.
Jurgen Klopp confirmed last week that Salah is on his way back and could be fit for the game against Manchester City this weekend.
Paul Merson has now claimed that if the world-class Egypt international starts, Liverpool will win the game.
He wrote on Sky Sports: “Salah gives Liverpool their X-factor and they’ll beat Man City if he plays.
“Without him, I don’t see how they’re going to hurt City on a consistent basis. With Salah, they’ll get after Man City and put them under severe pressure by closing down high up the pitch.
“He is one of the best players in the world and takes chances – Liverpool will get enough chances to win if Salah plays. Salah carries that fear-factor too and will make Man City think.
“I’ve seen City at Anfield too many times and it’s hard a place to go when it’s bouncing, but Salah has to play for Liverpool to win this game.”
All eyes will be on Manchester City and Liverpool this weekend as they go head-to-head at Anfield, but Arsenal could end up being the big winners on Sunday.
The Gunners will play a day before their two title rivals. If they beat Brentford, they will leapfrog Manchester City and Liverpool to the top of the table. That will surely put some pressure on Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola’s sides.
At least one of Liverpool and Manchester City will drop points this weekend if not both of them. Mikel Arteta will be hoping for a draw, and if that happens, his side will have their fate in their own hands.
Arsenal first have to win their game for any of this to be possible. Brentford aren’t an easy side to face, but the Gunners are in amazing form and will back themselves to get the job done.
