Manchester City vs. Liverpool: Citizens Must Get Back on Track vs. Reds

Just when it looked like Manchester City was going to start putting some distance between themselves and the rest of the Premier League pack, two disappointing results have tightened the title chase back up, which makes today's clash against Liverpool crucial.

Following a scoreless draw with West Bromwich Albion on the day after Christmas, City suffered a 1-0 New Year's Day defeat to Sunderland on a late strike by Ji Dong-Won. By managing just one point in those two winnable games, the Citizens opened the door back up for other squads.

Most surprising was the team's lack of offense, considering how dangerous they have been in front of goal all season. Manchester City was averaging more than three goals per game before this mini-slump began.

The trio of Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli were virtually unstoppable for most of the season's first half but have gone silent in recent weeks.

It's not that the chances have disappeared as City held a huge possession advantage over Sunderland and took 27 strikes toward goal, but rather it's the killer instinct that has gone missing.

Seemingly easy goals have turned into head-scratching misses or brilliant saves by the opposing keeper.

That's why today's game against the Reds, who have given up a league-low 15 goals this season, is both important and a good test.

Liverpool currently sits 11 points behind Manchester City and that means they will be gunning to secure all three points to get back into the title race as well. The good news for City is that should lead to a little bit more of an open style of play.

Roberto Mancini has tested out a couple different lineup combinations in an attempt to right the ship, but so far nothing has clicked. It's important that he remembers how dominant his team was for most of the season to this point. Major changes aren't needed, just little tweaks.

Every team goes through a couple cold streaks during the course of an extended season like Manchester City is enduring right now. It's better to get them out of the way early so the team can be at its peak coming down the stretch, when every point truly will matter.

Since both teams are nearly at full strength heading into the match, the quality of play should be high. Look for both sides to get on the board in a back-and-forth first half before the Citizens take control in the second half with a strike from Edin Dzeko and hold on for the win.

Regardless of the result, it should be one of the most exciting games of the season to date.

Prediction: Manchester City 2, Liverpool 1