Pep Guardiola sends Liverpool FC plea to Southampton as Man City set up title race thriller

Pep Guardiola made a jokey plea to Southampton as the Premier League title race entered a potentially thrilling final week. His Manchester City team missed a chance to go to the brink of winning the title when Riyad Mahrez saw a late penalty saved in the 2-2 draw at West Ham, but their second half fightback for a point ensured they kept their fate in their own hands.

And they could be in an even stronger position if Jurgen Klopp’s team slip up at St Mary’s on Tuesday night, the game in hand they have on the Blues. City fans everywhere will be watching that game hoping for a result that eases the pressure next Sunday - a draw for the Merseysiders would leave them needing a point, while a defeat would see City crowned champions without kicking another ball.

Guardiola said he will only watch the game on television on Tuesday if he has no other plans, and when asked if he had a message for the Saints, he said: “I would say beat Liverpool 4-0, but it is not about that!

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“It doesn't matter what happened in all the games, it is in our hands. The debate is over if they lose, if they win - it depends on us.

“Do the most perfect game possible we can do and I encourage all the Blues in Manchester that day to go to the streets, the stadium, because they know we are going to give everything to win that game. They will be so proud, I'm pretty sure.”

He sounded casual about watching the game on Tuesday, claiming: “I don't know my plan. Next Sunday I will be in the Etihad, for sure. If I am at home, i will take a look - I like football and we don't have a game on Monday, Wednesday or Friday so I may watch it.”

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