Liverpool face moment of truth in Man City title race as 'massive' week arrives

The train back from Euston to Lime Street on Saturday evening was understandably buoyant given events on the South Coast earlier in the day.

Even the announcer joined in the fun as he remarked on an enjoyable away day for the large number of Liverpool supporters on board.

But amid the fun and festivities, it wasn't long before conversation in the carriages continually returned to one looming appointment.

"Wednesday is massive now, isn't it?"

Liverpool's Premier League clash at Arsenal that night has assumed a certain level of importance ever since it was rearranged from the weekend the Reds lifted the Carabao Cup.

And the growing feeling is the next few days could be pivotal in shaping the battle for the championship as it prepares to enter the final straight.

Manchester City are up first when they travel on Monday to face a Crystal Palace side who inflicted one of their three league defeats of the season when winning 2-0 at the Etihad back in October.

Pep Guardiola's side saw their lead once again reduced to three points on Saturday when Liverpool notched an eighth successive Premier League victory with a 2-0 triumph at Brighton.

Having taken only two points from their previous three games against the Seagulls - including a 2-2 Anfield draw earlier this campaign when surrendering a two-goal lead - the Reds negotiated a significant banana skin at the AMEX Stadium.

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