Liverpool's quest for their first top-flight title in 29 years may have been given an unexpected boost from challengers Manchester City, following their 4-1 victory in the FA Cup on Saturday which will lead to a change of fixture dates for the defending champions.
The Citizens avoided a possible giant-killing against League Two side Newport County after a brace from teenager Phil Foden as well as goals from Leroy Sane and Riyad Mahrez saw them cruise to the quarter finals of the competition, keeping the dreams of an historic quadruple alive.
Yet by winning this fixture, manager Pep Guardiola may have inadvertently given Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp the emphasis needed to land a psychological blow to City's hopes of defending their title this season.