This weekend's action in Europe's top leagues is full of exciting encounters. The most exciting of these is undoubtedly the clash between Liverpool and Manchester City. Also in the Premier League, Aston Villa host Tottenham, while in Italy, Juventus welcome Atalanta Bergamo.
Already naturally hot, Anfield will become incandescent this Sunday, March 10, 2024. Liverpool (1st, 63 pts), host Manchester City (2nd, 62 pts) in the summit clash of Premier League matchday 28. In what promises to be the turning point of the season on the other side of the Channel, they will have to manoeuvre well to avoid going off track. Both teams are in sparkling form. Jürgen Klopp's side have lost just 2 of their last 20 league games, with 14 victories to their name. Erling Haaland's Skyblues team-mates have not lost since December 06, and have won 13 of their last 20 league games. Furthermore, Salah and his cohorts have scored 64 PL goals (2nd best attack behind Arsenal, 68) and conceded 25 (2nd best defence behind Arsenal, 23), while the Cityzens have lost just one game in the league.
Jurgen Klopp. Pep Guardiola. Thank you. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nvUZdR4RcR
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 8, 2024
In other words, this match, scheduled for 3.45pm GMT on Sunday, has everything to offer in terms of spectacle at every level.
And as if the match wasn't already spicy, Alexander-Arnold and Erling Haaland added to the dose with controversial outings. Liverpool's right-back stung his opponents. "Our trophies will mean more to us and our fans because of the financial situation of both clubs". To which the Norwegian retorted: "I've been here a year and won the treble, so it was a nice feeling. I don't think he knows that feeling, although I felt that way last season, and it was very nice. The battle of words before the duel on the pitch.
Aston Villa-Tottenham, a duel of Champions League contenders
Before Liverpool-Manchester City, the Premier League offers another clash. Although it's not of the same calibre and doesn't offer the same stakes, Aston Villa versus Tottenham is a match that could well hold its own in terms of spectacle and intensity. The Villans are 4th in the Premier League (55 points), 5 points ahead of Tottenham in 5th. Spurs therefore need to win to avoid falling behind in the race for Champions League qualification. Tottenham, meanwhile, must regain the lead against the Villa Park outfit, who have won their last three meetings, including the first leg at the Londoners (2-1).
Dea and the Old Lady look to bounce back
In Italy, the Old Lady is looking for a new lease of life. Long neck-and-neck with Inter, Juventus (2nd, 57 pts) have allowed Inter to take a 15-point lead, the result of several poor performances. The Turin giants have won just once in their last 6 outings (3 defeats). Atalanta (6th, 46 pts) also need to bounce back from 2 defeats in their last two Serie A games, including a 0-4 loss to Inter. Charles De Ketelaere and company now have a fantastic opportunity to avoid being left behind by Bologna (4th, 51 pts) for a place in the Champions League. See you on Sunday at 5 p.m. GMT.
