Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool might find themselves facing Pep Guardiola and Manchester City once more in an extraordinary conclusion to the Premier League season.
Initially, it seemed that the intense rivalry between the two iconic managers would conclude when City and Liverpool played to a thrilling 1-1 draw at Anfield earlier this month.
Klopp holds a superior head-to-head record against Guardiola in English football, having emerged victorious eight times in their 22 encounters.
However, Guardiola has amassed more trophies, clinching 16 with Man City, including five Premier League titles, compared to Klopp’s eight major honors with Liverpool, which include his recent League Cup triumph.
With just 10 Premier League games remaining, Liverpool holds a slim one-point lead over the defending champions, who currently sit in third place. Both Liverpool and Manchester City are in contention for this year’s title.
Despite the apparent rivalry, the 1-1 draw at Anfield was perceived as the end of an era before Klopp’s departure at the end of the season, marking the final showdown between his Liverpool side and Guardiola’s City team. Or was it?
There was a possibility of one last FA Cup clash at Wembley Stadium, but Liverpool’s quarterfinal defeat to Manchester United on Sunday extinguished that chance.
However, there remains a possibility of Klopp’s Liverpool and Guardiola’s Manchester City facing off once more. An unexpected scenario could unfold to conclude the Premier League season.
Currently, Arsenal sits ahead of Liverpool in the league due to superior goal difference. However, they could easily slip to third place behind both title contenders after their upcoming match against City on March 31st.
Given their close standings following the 1-1 draw at Anfield, City and Liverpool could potentially compete for the title at a neutral venue if their point difference remains minimal at the end of the season.
If the top two teams finish level on points, tiebreakers such as goal differential, goals scored, head-to-head points, and away goals scored in head-to-head matches will be considered to determine the league position.
Should a play-off game be required, it won’t occur if Liverpool and Arsenal finish with the same points, as Arsenal holds the advantage in head-to-head meetings and has a superior goal difference.
However, a play-off match for the Premier League title against Guardiola’s City could happen if certain conditions align, offering a thrilling conclusion to Klopp and Guardiola’s rivalry in the Premier League.
