'English football's greatest modern rivalry'
- Published
Mike Minay, BBC Radio Manchester
"This is Anfield".
"How can you not whistle that foul?"
Or Bernardo Silva holding a cup of tea so he couldn't applaud the champions.
Manchester City against Liverpool is English football's greatest modern rivalry.
Two teams that have shared the last six titles (although five have been in City's favour), relentless in their pursuit of victory, with differing styles that ultimately lead to success and a hatred of losing. It's a game I cannot wait to watch.
My only disappointment in it all is the notoriously slow 12:30 kick-off. Mind you, if any two sides can change that narrative, it's these two.
No side has beaten Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool more than Manchester City. No side has beaten Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola more than Liverpool.
There are plenty of questions to ponder in terms of team selection and the key battle will be in the midfield. Both sides can defend, both sides can clearly score goals - but all of that for both teams starts with the midfield. Who can control the game better?
And this will all be about control for Pep Guardiola. Whether admitted or not, he'd have hated the 'basketball' nature of the 4-4 draw with Chelsea. He'll want more assurance from his team that they can dominate the game.
