Liverpool and Man City lynchpin’s boosted on title deciding day

Man City know all about final day dramas in the Premier League, but for Liverpool the title-deciding last match of the season is new territory for them. Regardless of experience, though, both teams will need their star men to fire if they are to prevail.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side know that a draw will be enough to secure them the their second Premier League title, provided there isn’t a goal swing of monumental proportions in Liverpool’s match against Newcastle.

For much of the Etihads dwellers’ run in it’s been the least heralded member of their striking stocks whos regularly come through for them.

Bosnian Edin Dzeko has scored five goals in his last three games for the club and has 28 in 51 appearances for both club and country this season.

Rather than Sergio Aguero or early-season-starter Alvaro Negredo, it is Dzeko who’s been handed the famous Ladbrokes price boost to score the opening goal when his side face West Ham with the title on the line.

16 of those 28 Dzeko strikes have been the first goal of the game and, having struck six times in the confines of his own stadium, the 3/1 – out from 5/2 – on him netting first looks a solid punt.

Should Dzeko, and more importantly City, fail to deliver three points against the Hammers then a Liverpool win over Newcastle would seal them their first Premier League crown.

If they are to overcome Alan Pardew’s water-treaders though then they’ll need double Player of the Year winner Luis Suarez to come to the fore for one last time.

The Uruguyan’s first goalscorer price has been plumped up from 5/2 to 7/2 to net the opener against the Magpies – something he’s done against eight previous opponents in the league this term.

17 Anfield league goals suggests he’ll find the net at some point against Newcastle, but both neutrals and Liverpool fans will hope he does so early in order to put the pressure on their title rivals.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £50 in free bets.