Man City, Liverpool set for judgement day in title race

Pep Guardiola has urged his Manchester City stars to keep their emotions under control as the Premier League leaders bid to pip Liverpool to the title on a dramatic final day of the season.

Guardiola's side are one point clear of second-placed Liverpool's heading into Sunday's do-or-die matches.

City face Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium knowing a victory would clinch their fourth English title in five seasons.

But if City drop points, Liverpool will be crowned champions for a English record-equalling 20th time if they beat Wolves at Anfield.

It is the culmination of a thrilling title race, which has seen Liverpool relentlessly chase down City after the reigning champions held a 14-point lead in January.

Guardiola knows the high-stakes denouement will pile pressure on his players, who drew 2-2 at West Ham in their previous game after Riyad Mahrez missed a late penalty that would have left them needing only one point against Villa.

But the Spaniard, hoping to win the 10th league title of his glittering managerial career, said: "I told the players it's just a football game, don't think of the consequences, of how happy we will be if we win or how sad we will be if we lose. Just think about what you have to do to win against Aston Villa.

"They are human beings, they have feelings. Maybe we will have to live through something unexpected, be uncomfortable, but what we can do is react the best way possible, be positive and don't give up."

Holding off Liverpool would be arguably City's finest achievement in Guardiola's six-year reign.

Liverpool, who were beaten to the title by City on the last day of the 2018-19 season, are in the midst of an historic attempt to win the quadruple.

Having already won the FA Cup and League Cup, as well as