Prediction: Manchester City vs Liverpool

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmakers: Bet365

Having suffered a disappointing Champions League loss at Monaco, Manchester City are heading into another stern test as they prepare to play host to giant slayers Liverpool.

Manchester City

The Citizens failed to make value of their 5-3 triumph from the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie against Monaco as they succumbed to a 3-1 loss at Stade Louis II. Pep Guardiola’s men became victims of a torrid first-half performance during which Manchester City players failed to follow Pep Guardiola’s instructions and exert his tactical ideas. Toothless in their advances against the Principality club, Manchester City improved their showings in the second term, which wasn’t enough to secure a place in the quarterfinals. Turning his focus to the Premier League, Manchester City boss faces a tough challenge of motivating his men for another tough challenge waiting around the corner. Citizens’ goalless draw against Stoke City last time out cost them a chance to sit on second and leapfrog Tottenham Hotspur, whereas the following match against Liverpool could even cost them their current place on the standings. Guardiola’s men have suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of Liverpool and overcoming a mental barrier is another challenge resting in front of Pep Guardiola and his men.

Team News

Pep Guardiola will have no fresh injury worries as Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus remain the long-term injuries.

There has been an encouragement when it comes to captain Vincent Kompany’s availability as the Belgian is nearing a return from his muscle injury, but Guardiola is unlikely to call upon the defender.

Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp’s heavy-metal football has hit the wall at the beginning of 2017 when Liverpool struggled to set foot on a solid ground, which cost them a place in the standings. Still, the Reds managed to get back to winning ways and triumphs against Tottenham and Arsenal have lifted the spirits within the team and pushed the Anfield club back in the top 4 race. Jurgen Klopp’s men have struggled with consistency throughout the season, but the series of high-profile victories have made them proper giant slayers and Reds travel to Etihad with high dose of optimism. Liverpool have every right to hope for a positive result from their trip to Manchester as they remain unbeaten in their last five encounters with the Citizens. It was in 2014 that City last defeated Liverpool and the Reds are hoping a strong performance will solidify their top four bid as it would allow them to get in front of Manchester City on the standings. Klopp’s men currently trail Citizens by one point and potential victory at the Etihad would even see them go second, albeit with a game in hand over both City and Tottenham.

Team News

Liverpool travel to Manchester without their captain Jordan Henderson, who is suffering from an ankle problem.

Daniel Sturridge is struggling with illness, whereas Ejaria and Ings remain on the sidelines as well.

Key Factors to Consider

• Liverpool have gone without a draw in five consecutive matches
• Four games of the last 5 between the two teams went over 2.5 goals
• Liverpool won 4 of their last 5 meetings with Manchester City
• Citizens last beat Reds back in 2014
• Guardiola’s men lost only one of their last 12 matches in all competitions

Conclusion

We are pretty sure that we’re in for an openly-contested match and there is no telling which side will the result go as a single moment of brilliance or lack of focus could turn the fixture on its head. One thing is sure though, both sides will go full charge ahead and we expect to see plenty of goals.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmakers: Bet365