Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is seeking a response from the hugely disappointing defeat at Everton as the Reds face City in the derby on Wednesday.
Despite a painful 4-0 reverse to the Toffees, Arsenal’s surprise home loss to Crystal Palace suggests there could still be more twists and turns in the battle for a top-four spot in the Premier League.
City have their own agenda as they face a real scrap to retain the title. Matters remain in their own hands – if they win their last four fixtures, they will pip Liverpool to first place, but the Merseysiders are currently two points clear at the summit, having played a game more, and are primed to exploit any single slip-up.
Should United take points off its crosstown rival, however, it would severely dent City’s title ambitions, give it local bragging rights and boost its own hopes of securing the Premier League’s final Champions League spot as the season comes to a close.
Yet such a scenario would also hand the advantage in the title race to historic rival Liverpool, a club chasing down United’s record of 20 league title wins, and which is currently battling it out with City at the top of the Premier League table.
A draw on Wednesday, would leave City a point behind Liverpool, while defeat would keep Jurgen Klopp’s side two points ahead.