This season’s title race could prove to be the most thrilling in years with Liverpool and Manchester City going head-to-head for the Premier League crown.
City’s win over Arsenal and Liverpool’s draw at West Ham over the weekend means Jurgen Klopp’s side hold a three-point lead over the champions with 13 fixtures remaining.
City will leapfrog the Reds into top spot if they beat Everton at Goodison Park tonight.
Both sides have several difficult games left this season before either can celebrate top-flight glory and the run-in should be full of twists and turns.
talkSPORT have picked the five key games that Liverpool and City will have to negotiate as both strive for Premier League success.
Liverpool
February 24 – Manchester United vs Liverpool
On the same day as City take on Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final, Liverpool make the trip to Manchester United.
The Reds beat their old rivals 3-1 in December, a game that saw the end of Jose Mourinho’s reign at Old Trafford.
United are a different beast under Old Gunnar Solskjaer now and will be determined to win for revenge purposes and for their top-four hopes.
March 3 – Everton vs Liverpool
A Merseyside derby can throw up any host of storylines but the Reds have held the upper hand in the fixture in recent years.
The Toffees haven’t beat their neighbours since October 2010 and lost 1-0 at Anfield earlier this season.
While Everton looked destined for a mid-table finish this term, a derby will always give them extra motivation.
March 31 – Liverpool vs Tottenham
Spurs are not out of the title race yet but many believe their ongoing injury woes and lack of real depth will see them miss out.
But this fixture should see Harry Kane and Dele Alli return and the north Londoners will be eager to leave Anfield with the points.
Liverpool were superb in their 2-1 win at Wembley back in September and will have fond memories of that result.
April 13 – Liverpool vs Chelsea
Liverpool’s title hopes in 2014 famously went up in flames when Steven Gerrard’s slip saw Chelsea win 2-0 at Anfield, a result that ultimately saw City win the crown.
There will no doubt be plenty of reminders about that fateful day in the build-up to this season’s key April fixture.
The two sides drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge in September and Klopp would likely take another point against their bogey team.
Final day – Liverpool vs Wolves
The Reds host Wolves in their final Premier League fixture.
Should the title race still be undecided, the Anfield atmosphere will be electric on an early summer’s afternoon.
Wolves have been superb this season and are in no danger of relegation meaning this could be the perfect fixture for Liverpool.
Manchester City
February 3 – Manchester City vs Arsenal
City kicked off a string of tough games in February by seeing off Arsenal with ease.
City have enjoyed facing the north Londoners in recent clashes and they made it five wins in a row over them on Sunday.
Sergio Aguero bagged a hat-trick to make sure City didn’t slip up.
February 10 – Manchester City vs Chelsea
As with Liverpool, City must play Chelsea, who are set to have a major say in the title race.
City suffered their first Premier League defeat of the season at Chelsea in December and the Blues will no doubt be out for a double over the champions.
City will also have the Carabao Cup final and a potential FA Cup quarter-final to contend with shortly after this Etihad clash.
March 16 – Manchester United vs Manchester City
Another derby that could have huge implications on the run-in.
City saw off their neighbours 3-1 at home in November but a trip to Old Trafford will no doubt be a huge test.
Liverpool play Fulham the day after, meaning City can put huge pressure on the Reds with an impressive win away to United.
April 20 – Manchester City vs Tottenham
It remains to be seen where Spurs will be come the end of the April but facing the north Londoners is always tough.
City scrapped to victory at Wembley in October and will likely need another win to keep their title hopes alive.
Liverpool take on Cardiff, who could well be relegated by then, on the same day.
Final day – Brighton vs Manchester City
A final day away trip to the south coast awaits City this season.
The Seagulls have been poor recently and could yet get sucked into the relegation battle.
City will hope that isn’t the case and will face a side with nothing must to play for if the title race is still on.