Liverpool march towards title as Man City face Manchester United

LONDON: Liverpool can move closer to the Premier League title when the leaders face Fulham on Sunday. Manchester City will look to bolster their bid to qualify for the Champions League against arch rivals Manchester United, while Southampton bid to stave off relegation.

AFP Sport looks at three talking points ahead of the weekend´s action: Virgil van Dijk has challenged Liverpool to out-work the teams that stand between the Reds and a record-equalling 20th English title.

Arne Slot´s side had to dig deep to beat Everton 1-0 in a tetchy Merseyside derby at Anfield on Wednesday. The victory moved Liverpool 12 points clear of second-placed Arsenal with just eight matches left. After being eliminated from the Champions League last 16 by Paris Saint-Germain and losing the League Cup final to Newcastle in their previous two games, Liverpool settled their nerves thanks to Diogo Jota´s winner against Everton. Now they head to Fulham aiming to take another step in their march to a first title since 2020.

“It´s a funny world. Doubts outside all of a sudden, but the fact is there are eight games to go, there is a 12-point gap,” Van Dijk said. “If we have to fight we have to fight. The manager mentioned it in his press conference. We have to out-work opponents. If we don´t we won´t get results.”

Manchester City winger Jack Grealish has told Pep Guardiola he is ready to shine if he gets a starting role in Sunday´s clash with Manchester United. Grealish marked his first Premier League start since December with his first goal in the competition since 2023 as he netted in a 2-0 win against Leicester on Wednesday. It has been a frustrating campaign for the 29-year-old England star, with form and fitness issues costing him his place for long periods.