Liverpool look to keep lead at top

London: Liverpool visit Norwich City this weekend, determined to maintain focus on the task in hand despite growing national excitement about their bid to be crowned Premier League champions. Last weekend’s pulsating 2-3 defeat of title rivals Manchester City left Brendan Rodgers’ side two points above Chelsea at the summit and needing four wins to guarantee a first league title since 1990.

 

It was Liverpool’s 10th successive win and the thrilling nature of their late season burst, coupled with the emotion generated by the 25th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, has seen them cast as the neutrals’ favourites. While a potential title decider at home to Chelsea awaits on April 27, the first obstacle that Steven Gerrard and his team mates must overcome is their Sunday’s trip to Carrow Road. Following the win over City, Gerrard was emphatic in his insistence that Liverpool must not underestimate Norwich, but their recent record against Paul Lambert’s men augurs well.

 

Liverpool have scored 18 times in the last four meetings between the teams, with Luis Suarez helping himself to four goals in a 5-1 win when the teams last met in December.

Norwich are in desperate need of points, however, as they are only two points above the relegation places.

 

Chelsea have an opportunity to emphasise just how far Liverpool still have to go as they can move to the top of the table with victory at home to bottom club Sunderland on Saturday. Chelsea have got back on track with successive wins over Stoke City and Swansea City, but they will be wary of a team who held Manchester City to a shock 2-2 draw