Verdict: Manchester City win
Best Odds: 9/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
Two of the leading contenders to lift the Premier League title next year, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side will welcome Pep Guardiola’s defending champions to Merseyside when two of England’s elite go head-to-head on Sunday.
Liverpool
Starting with Sunday’s hosts, while Jurgen Klopp’s side are almost universally regarded to be City’s leading contenders, the Reds have hit a minor blip. Coming off the back of a 1-0 loss away at Napoli in their second Champions League outing, they are now without a win in their last three matches in all competitions. Crashing out of the EFL cup and also only saved by a last-gasp equalizer from Daniel Sturridge, Klopp will also be concerned by how easily Napoli found a route to Alison’s goal on Wednesday. Also having failing to record a shot on target against Carlo Ancelotti’s side in midweek, that is the first time in 12 years they have failed to test a goalkeeper in a European matchup. While they did manage to beat City on the last three occasions the two sides met last season, they will be looking to improve on their recent defensive record. Although their three Premier League goals sees them share the joint best defensive record with City, Liverpool have recorded just a single clean sheet in their last seven matches across all competitions.
Team News
Naby Keita was taken to hospital in Italy during Liverpool’s defeat to Napoli on Wednesday night after complaining of severe back discomfort, but tests confirmed no serious damage.
The midfielder could be in contention for a bench role on Sunday, though Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are out.
Manchester City
As for the defending champions, while their draw against Wolves and opening European defeat to Lyon may have left some Citizens fans concerned, Pep Guardiola’s side have bounced back impressively. Despite falling behind against Hoffenheim on Wednesday, the Sky Blues battled back and David Silva’s late goal now means that City have won their last five on the bounce. Scoring 11 in their winning run, while Liverpool’s defensive issues may be causing them some concern, Guardiola will be impressed with his sides improvements in that department. City have now managed to keep a clean sheet in three of their four victories. Although top scorer Sergi Aguero now has three in his last three, the Argentinian international is yet to find the net at Anfield in his nine appearances on Merseyside, only recording 11 shots on goal. Despite losing their last three matches against the Reds, City do hold an impressive record on the road. Guariola’s men have lost only one of their last 25 Premier League away matches.
Team News
Picking up a hamstring injury and having to be withdrawn in midweek, midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is unlikely to feature.
Benjamin Mendy (foot) and Fabian Delph (knock) are also struggling to be fit for Sunday. Kevin De Bruyne returned to training this week after a knee issue, but will not be considered for this game. Claudio Bravo is a long-term absentee with a knee problem of his own.
Key Factors to Consider
- Manchester City have lost only one of their last 25 Premier League away matches (W20 D4).
- Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 24 home league games, the longest current run in the Premier League (W16 D8).
- Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has scored 148 Premier League goals – only Thierry Henry (175 for Arsenal) has scored more in the competition with 100% of them coming for a single club.
- Liverpool are unbeaten in 17 home matches against Man City in all competitions (W12 D5) since losing 2-1 at Anfield in the Premier League in May 2003.
- Man City have lost three matches against Liverpool in 2018, losing in the Premier League in January and two Champions League matches in April. They’ve only lost four matches in one calendar year against an opponent twice before, doing so against Grimsby Town in 1936 and Spurs in 1993.
Conclusion
Boosted by their last-minute winner out in Germany, Guardiola will travel to Merseyside with a squad boosted with confidence. Along, with Liverpool suffering last-minute heartbreak against Napoli and putting in argueably their worst performance of the season, this could be a perfect chance for City to widen the gap at the top of the table. Given Liverpool have failed to win their last three, we’re backing City to break their Anfield curse on Sunday.
Verdict: Manchester City win
Best Odds: 9/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
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