Prediction: Manchester City vs Liverpool

3rd January 2012

Manchester City will be looking to make amends for the disappointing defeat to Sunderland when they host in-form Liverpool, with fans at Etihad stadium in for a great night of football. The Citizens have yet to drop a single point at home, but their brilliant home run will be put to a serious test against the Reds.

Manchester City may have started the Premiership campaign in remarkable fashion, but the recent poor run of form is threatening to seriously hurt their title bid. The Citizens were not exactly made to pay for their mistakes as they are still leading the Premiership title race, but City need to quickly rediscover their form or risk missing out on an excellent chance to win the coveted title. After impressing on the travels in the early stage of the season, the Citizens failed to win any of their last four away games, which proves they are going through a rough patch at the moment. However, they are showing no signs of slowing down when it comes to home performances, having won all nine games at Etihad this season. After winning their last 14 home games in the Premiership, Manchester City have got to be considered favourites in this clash, but they could still face a tough task against resurgent Liverpool. Mario Balotelli should return after recovering from an ankle injury, whereas Silva, Aguero, Richards and Clichy are likely to start after being rested against Sunderland.

Even if they had shown a lot of promise in the second part of last season, Liverpool really raised their game this term and they finally look like genuine top 4 contenders. Their impressive away performances show that the Reds have enough quality to fight for the Champions League places, but the pressure of expectations is proving to be a problem when Kenny Dalglish’s side play in front of their own fans. The Reds are one of just two Premier League sides without a home defeat, but the record of 4 wins in 10 home games cannot do them proud. Liverpool managed to improve on the run of five draws in six home games as they came from behind to beat Newcastle, thanks to goals from Craig Bellamy and Steven Gerrard. It is these two players, together with Luis Suarez, who returns from suspension, that can prove to be match winners at Etihad as they have the quality to change the course of the game with their individual quality. Steven Gerrard is expected to start after making two substitute appearances, with Bellamy and Suarez set to start up front.

Conclusion

Just as we expected, Manchester City are struggling to cope with the first real poor run of form and they don’t look like they can beat Liverpool. The Reds are constantly improving and with Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez back to the side, they should be able to take at least one point from this match.

Verdict: Double chance on Liverpool

Best Odds: 1/1

Bookmaker: 888sport