Even for cruising City, Anfield is like an afternoon stroll in Death Valley without a sun hat

Only Nicolas Anelka, Phil Foden and Kevin Reeves can explain what it feels like to net the winner at Anfield for City in the last 35 seasons.

ONCE LAST DANCE: Pep Guardiola will face Jurgen Klopp for the final time with the German as the Liverpool manager this weekend.Pic: Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix via AP

The managerial rivalry that will define the modern era of English football throws Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp together for the final time in Premier League combat, one last vital joust, one last coup de théatre, one last chapter of galloping cut and thrust. The arch exponent of pass-them-to-death against the hi-energy champion with — Arsenal allowing — the usual prize awaiting the winners.

Having disposed of Manchester United with minimal fuss and progressed to the Champions League quarter-finals for the seventh successive season, City now face games against Liverpool, Newcastle, Arsenal and Aston Villa, a quartet of matches that will surely provide a clear idea of what to expect from the pointy end of the season for Guardiola’s men.