The Premier League title race is going to go down to the wire, isn't it?
Manchester City's thumping 4-1 derby day win last weekend restored confidence on the blue side of Manchester after a string of stuttering performances, but 30 miles down the M62, Liverpool just keep winning.
Jurgen Klopp's side secured a 2-0 win at Brighton on Saturday to once again trim City's lead at the top of the table to three points, with both sides having played 28 games.
The Blues could increase the advantage back to six points with a win at Crystal Palace on Monday night but, as Patrick Vieira's side showed back in October, it will be no easy match.
Palace pulled off a shock 2-0 win at the Etihad Stadium at the end of October, as a combination of pressing, organised defence and intelligent counter-attacking play stifled City and exploited their weaknesses. That City played the second half with 10 men following Aymeric Laporte's red card didn't help, but ultimately Palace more than deserved their win.
However, there is a good reason for City to be confident heading into Monday evening's game at Selhurst Park, one that could be key to Pep Guardiola's side edging out Liverpool in what promises to be an incredibly tight run-in.
The clash between City and Liverpool on April 9 will likely play a large role in determining the destination of the Premier League trophy, but the Blues' incredible away form might well be just as decisive in the bigger picture
Since falling 1-0 at Tottenham on the opening day of the season - a result somewhat caveated by the Harry Kane circus and the absence of many of City's regular starters - Guardiola's side have not lost away from home in the Premier League.
The 13-game unbeaten run has seen the Blues win 11 and draw two, the 2-2 and 1-1 draws at Liverpool and Southampton respectively their only two slight hiccups (although both involved City fighting back three times from losing positions, a strength in its own right).
City have also conceded the fewest goals away from home in the division this season, their defence having been breached on just eight occasions in 14 outings.
This impressive form on the road sees City sit top of an 'away table', with 35 points from a possible 42. Liverpool by comparison have taken just 30 points, having won nine and drawn three of their 14 away games.
Another interesting stat also suggests that City are well placed to hold on to their slender lead at the top.
Research conducted by OLBG shows that over the past 10 seasons City have averaged a win percentage of 71% in the final two months of the season, the best in the Premier League. Liverpool, third in the rankings, have averaged 56.6%.
The Blues have already faced the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal Tottenham and Manchester United on the road this season, taking 10 points from a possible 15. Meanwhile, Liverpool still face tricky trips to Arsenal, Southampton and Newcastle and of course a date at the Etihad.
Some marked City's title win last season with an asterisk, claiming that Guardiola's side benefited from playing in empty stadiums devoid of the hostile atmosphere that can sometimes knock top teams out of stride. This season they have set about disproving that theory.
City's imperious home form has tended to prove the difference in recent title wins, but this season it is their prowess on the road despite crowds being back in that could set them apart.
Do you think City's away form will prove the difference this season? Follow the City Is Ours team and Alex Brotherton on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below.
