Man City and Liverpool FC can help Premier League after FFP debates

After three international breaks in three months, there are no more until March.

And after a week of rabid speculation over an accountancy case where nobody has seen the evidence or arguments, Saturday can finally bring about the return of talking about kicking a ball. That isn't to say that big issues around the game should be ignored, but it is a frustrating experience for all to witness a great game played out between two top sides and then see the coverage dominated by a minor incident that had nothing to do with the pitch.

That has happened too often where Manchester City and Liverpool are concerned, and last season brought unnecessary escalations. Despite the supporter groups of both clubs coming together to call for better, the three most recent meetings saw blood boiling in boardrooms and spilled in the stands as well as team buses attacked and unacceptable chanting.

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Tribalism in the game is inevitable, and it has been amusing as well as depressing to see various people claim with certainty this week that referee Chris Kavanagh is either a City fan, a United fan, or a Liverpool fan depending on the agenda of the individuals. Not that it should matter who the official supports, but it is a bit sad to see people lying about something so trivial to try to rile everyone.

Saturday could well be the first meeting of the year between the two main title contenders. It is still too early to say and Arsenal in particular wouldn't agree, but it can certainly be said that Liverpool have more zip about them this season that should give them a better chance of challenging.

The schedulers have not been kind