LONDON, Apr 22 (AFP): Premier League leaders Manchester City and their relentless challengers Liverpool will expect to stay neck and neck in the title race after this weekend's matches.
In the battle for top four places, Arsenal can deliver a hammer blow to Manchester United's hopes, while Chelsea can't avoid another slip against West Ham.
Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City will have to hold off one of the best teams ever if they are to pip Liverpool to the title.
Guardiola's side are one point clear of second placed Liverpool after both teams won comfortably in midweek.
With six games left, it will likely take just one slip from either team to decide the enthralling race.
If would be a major surprise if that happens this weekend as City host second bottom Watford on Saturday, while Liverpool play fourth bottom Everton in Sunday's Merseyside derby at Anfield.
Guardiola has acknowledged City will have to win all their remaining matches to be sure of lifting the trophy, and that is a fitting tribute to the quality of quadruple chasers Liverpool.
"Liverpool are one of the best sides in the whole of football history, we are facing one of the best teams ever," Guardiola said this week.
"They have everything, that's why being there with them means a lot. The players know it. They've faced them and they know.
"We don't have any chance to drop anything, but we have been in this position and played with this pressure."
Manchester United's decision to announce the long-awaited appointment of Ajax boss Erik ten Hag as their new manager from next season came just two days after the Dutch coach was given a stark reminder of the massive task he faces at Old Trafford.
United's wretched display in Tuesday's 4-0 defeat at Liverpool underlined just how far they have fallen since Alex Ferguson led them to their last Premier League title in 2013.
Languishing in sixth place -- 23 points behind Manchester City -- United have been reduced to scrapping for a top four finish and even that goal could well be beyond them.
United head to Arsenal on Saturday trailing both the fifth placed Gunners and fourth placed Tottenham by three points.
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