Liverpool v Man City – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Liverpool host Man City at Anfield on Sunday evening in a big early-season clash between title contenders. Pep Guardiola’s team are three matches unbeaten against Jurgen Klopp’s team which has included a 4-0 home win and 4-1 victory at Anfield when they last met. The Reds come off the back of a 3-3 draw against Brentford before thrashing Porto 5-1. City had a big result against Chelsea last week but lost to PSG.

Liverpool Form

Aside from a poor record last weekend in drawing 3-3 at Brentford having led twice, it is hard to find much fault with Liverpool this season. They couldn’t break down ten men Chelsea at Anfield but have responded by scoring 20 goals in their last six matches. A 3-0 win against Crystal Palace was followed by a 3-0 win at Norwich in the Carabao Cup.

Liverpool bounced back from the 3-3 at Brentford by thrashing Porto 5-1 in Portugal. Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino (as a substitute) scored each twice whilst Sadio Mane also scored.

Liverpool Team News

Klopp is still expected to be missing Thiago Alcantara in midfield whilst Harvey Elliott is out long-term. Curtis Jones scored at Brentford and assisted twice in Porto and should keep his place.

The big question mark is over Trent Alexander-Arnold but a groin problem is likely to rule him out. James Milner could deputize in that role once again whilst Joe Gomez is another more defensive option in that role. Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota are fighting for a forward role but both are great sub-options too.

Liverpool Motivation

Liverpool will be very motivated for this match having been thrashed in two recent meetings against City. The Reds will need to be at their most energetic in terms of pressing or they could be opened by City as they were in recent matches.

Expect the crowd to be extremely vocal in this match and spur Klopp’s men on. They will play to win but a draw would not be a bad result either.

Man City Form

City bounced back from a loss at Tottenham to thrash Norwich 5-0, Arsenal 5-0, and RB Leipzig in the next four matches, as well as winning at Leicester. They could only muster one shot on target in a 0-0 home draw with Southampton but looked back to their best against Chelsea.

Guardiola’s team barely allowed Thomas Tuchel’s team a shot and dominated throughout. In their last match, despite a pretty strong performance, City lost 2-0 away to PSG. They missed several good chances and promising situations as their lack of a ruthless striker perhaps became clear. City has only conceded one league goal this term.

Man City Team News

Ilkay Gundogan and Oleksandr Zinchenko have missed the last two matches and remain serious doubts for this one. Guardiola is not expected to tinker with his back four or midfield three from the last two matches.

Upfront, Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez are flattering to deceive with lots of below-par display. Phil Foden looks certain to be recalled whilst Gabriel Jesus could start down the right-wing. Ferran Torres is another option but has suddenly fallen out of favour.

Man City Motivation

City is three matches unbeaten against Liverpool. They will look to dominate possession and use a false nine to have a spare midfielder.

Expect Guardiola to use high and wide wingers to force Liverpool’s fullbacks to stay back. If Alexander-Arnold is injured, he could really look to target that flank. City will play to win and to control the match but wouldn’t be too upset with a draw.

Key Stats

Liverpool are 17 matches unbeaten since April (W12, D5)

Liverpool have scored 20 goals in their last 6 matches (3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 5)

City have scored 24 goals in their last 8 matches

City are 3 matches unbeaten vs Liverpool (including 4-1 and 4-0 wins)

Man City have conceded 1 goal in 6 PL matches

Liverpool have kept 4 clean sheets in 6 PL matches

Salah has scored 8 goals in 8 matches this season

City won at Anfield last season. Went 17 without winning before that (D5, L12)

Salah has scored 4 goals in his last 5 matches vs City at Anfield

Verdict

This should be a very good match to watch. It could be tight because of two solid defences or feature many goals with two such potent attacks. The safest bet may be a score draw or simply going with both teams to score.