Premier League: A game of points or pride as Liverpool starts final stretch of title race with clash against Huddersfield

Liverpool couldn't have picked a more contrasting opponent than Huddersfield Town to start its three-game final dash in the Premier League title race.

Published : Apr 26, 2019 19:34 IST

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool has had a season of the highest quality, exhibiting entertaining football and surpassing its record points tally in the Premier League era.
Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool has had a season of the highest quality, exhibiting entertaining football and surpassing its record points tally in the Premier League era.
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Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool has had a season of the highest quality, exhibiting entertaining football and surpassing its record points tally in the Premier League era.

Liverpool begins its run down the final stretch of the Premier League title race with a match against relegated Huddersfield Town on Friday.

With three games left and a point behind defending champion Manchester City, Jurgen Klopp's men need a little more than three wins to lift their first-ever Premier League trophy. City regained control of the title race with a 2-0 derby win against Manchester United on Wednesday - arguably its toughest remaining fixture - and will be hoping to cruise through the remaining fixtures against Burnley, Leicester City and Brighton and Hove Albion to retain the Premier League trophy.

RELATED | Klopp never expected United to get a result in Manchester derby

Liverpool, meanwhile, has Huddersfield, Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers to get past - a tricky set of fixtures.

"Now it's clear we are one point behind City and we knew for a long time if we win our next two games then the decision will be made in the last matchday, and that's quite special," said Klopp on Thursday.

But there's very little else (other than pray) the Reds can do in what has been a season of the highest quality from them, exhibiting entertaining football and surpassing their record points tally in the Premier League era.

Can the lowly Terries spoil the party?

Liverpool couldn't have picked a more contrasting opponent to start its three-game final dash. A glance at their respective form guides will speak for itself. It'll be a mighty boost for Liverpool if it can pick up an easy win against the Terriers, who despite being relegated, are fighting a battle of their own. They've managed to avoid matching Derby County's lowest points tally in the Premier League (11 points) but with 14 points, they're still among the discussion for the worst season.

Since November, Huddersfield has picked up only four points from an available 66, has lost a record-equalling 14 games at home and has scored only 20 goals in 35 games. So Jan Siewert's men will not be expected to roll over when they visit Anfield and if they do manage to avoid a defeat, it'll be one of the shocks of the season, with major implications to the title race.

RELATED | Liverpool acting like a club that belongs at the top – Henderson

Team news

A midweek Champions League semifinal fixture against Barcelona may force Klopp to rest a few of his big guns. The likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane may be rested. The injured Fabinho and Adam Lallana are unlikely to make the squad.

After picking up a knock against Watford, Aaron Mooy is a doubt for Huddersfield. However, winger Adama Diakhaby is back in contention after recovering from a hamstring injury. Jonas Lossl will retain his place in goal as Ben Hamer is still struggling with a knock.

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