This weekend's Liverpool vs Manchester City match could define both clubs' seasons

By David Maddock

Published 13:59 17/11/09

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I hate these international breaks, because there's not much point to your weekend when they come along. 

No excuse to nip down to the pub for a sneaky pint with the lads, no excuse to get out of Saturday afternoon shopping, or taking the kids to a fun factory that's about as much fun as having your eyelids pierced. 

And no excuse to turn over when X-Factor is on, or all the other rubbish that seems to dominate those channels not devoted to football (though I have to confess to a certain fondness for Strictly Come Dancing, largely because Bruce Forsyth is a Crewe Alex fan who has apparently been spotted frequenting the chippy on the corner of Gresty Road).

In these sad times you are reducing to a certain longing, a search for news of excitement to come, and so I was much enthused to hear Rafa Benitez describe the upcoming game against Manchester City as one crucial to Liverpool's season.

He's right - that's a real game, not a pretend one like that rubbish in Doha that was invented purely for people who don't actually know anything about football. It is massive for City, and massive for Liverpool, because given what is at stake on both sides, defeat for either is unthinkable.

It is a mouthwatering clash that could well define both clubs' seasons; one that has so much at stake that it is invested with significance way beyond its status. And for that alone, it managed to sustained me through the longest Saturday of my life......

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