Man City must keep proving doubters wrong to retain title-race advantage over Liverpool FC

The Premier League title race is going to go down to the wire, isn't it?

Manchester City's thumping 4-1 derby day win last weekend restored confidence on the blue side of Manchester after a string of stuttering performances, but 30 miles down the M62, Liverpool just keep winning.

Jurgen Klopp's side secured a 2-0 win at Brighton on Saturday to once again trim City's lead at the top of the table to three points, with both sides having played 28 games.

The Blues could increase the advantage back to six points with a win at Crystal Palace on Monday night but, as Patrick Vieira's side showed back in October, it will be no easy match.

Palace pulled off a shock 2-0 win at the Etihad Stadium at the end of October, as a combination of pressing, organised defence and intelligent counter-attacking play stifled City and exploited their weaknesses. That City played the second half with 10 men following Aymeric Laporte's red card didn't help, but ultimately Palace more than deserved their win.

However, there is a good reason for City to be confident heading into Monday evening's game at Selhurst Park, one that could be key to Pep Guardiola's side edging out Liverpool in what promises to be an incredibly tight run-in.

The clash between City and Liverpool on April 9 will likely play a large role in determining the destination of the Premier League trophy, but the Blues' incredible away form might well be just as decisive in the bigger picture

Since falling 1-0 at Tottenham on the opening day of the season - a result somewhat caveated by the Harry Kane circus and the absence of many of City's regular starters - Guardiola's side have not lost away from home in the Premier League.

The 13-game unbeaten run has seen the Blues win 11 and