Shearer Backs Stalemate While Merson Backs Liverpool to Prevail in Title Decider

A pair of heavyweight Premier League fixtures are set to define this weekend's action. Manchester United aim to extend their unbeaten run under interim manager Michael Carrick when Tottenham Hotspur visit on Saturday, before the main event arrives on Sunday as Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield—a ground where Pep Guardiola is still chasing his first victory in front of supporters.

City's dominance earlier in the campaign saw them dismantle Liverpool 3-0 at the Etihad, yet Arne Slot's outfit have demonstrated marked improvement of late, and the dynamic could prove entirely different on Merseyside.

Shearer's Draw Prediction

Alan Shearer has weighed in with a cautious forecast, pointing to the defensive frailties both sides have exhibited this season. "It could be a cracking game because both teams have been really poor defensively," he told The Metro. "They both have great players in forward positions, so I think I'll go for a score draw."

Merson Backs Liverpool

Paul Merson, however, sees a different outcome unfolding. Writing for Sportskeeda, the pundit has backed Liverpool to emerge victorious and, in doing so, effectively settle the title race.

"I'd be shocked if Liverpool lost this football match," Merson declared. He highlighted Liverpool's resurgence following their last-gasp defeat to Bournemouth, noting that ten goals across their subsequent two matches underlines their attacking prowess. "They have bounced back well after conceding that last-minute winner against Bournemouth. Ten goals in the two games since then shows they are clicking in attack."

Merson's assessment of Manchester City proved less flattering. "Manchester City always let in goals," he observed. "You check their results and if you've never watched them games, you would think they were flying. But the reality is that they have given away chance after chance in these games."

The stark contrast in attacking quality, according to Merson, could prove decisive. "Liverpool attack is really clicking with Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah. It's like Manchester City have Rayan Cherki but Liverpool have three X-factors lined up next to each other as part of their front three."

He did acknowledge that should City replicate Newcastle's disciplined approach from their recent encounter with Liverpool, the narrative might shift. "Newcastle were really good in the first 30 minutes against Liverpool the other day. If City can play like Newcastle did there, it could be a different story."

Yet Merson's overriding view centres on what happens if the contest becomes an open affair. "But if the game opens up and it becomes a 'you have a shot, we have a shot' type of match, then Liverpool will run away with it."

The stakes, Merson stressed, could hardly be higher. With Arsenal holding an eight-point advantage, anything less than victory for City would effectively conclude the title race. "Manchester City have to win this game. Even a draw would mean the title race is over because Arsenal would still have an eight-point lead. I expect the title race to be done this weekend, so Liverpool win."