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The Premier League returns with a cracking fixture as Liverpool head to the Etihad to take on champions Manchester City in the lunchtime kick-off. The game kicks off at 12:30pm
Man City
Manchester City went into the international break off the back of a bizaree 4-4 draw with Chelsea. It was a game that was played in typical November conditions, however, it Manchester City failed to exert any of their typical control on this crazy contest. It was the third time in six outings that Pep’s side have dropped points and although they remain top of the table, they have been far less convincing than last season. Nevertheless, the Citizens are always likely to go on a fantastically productive run which enables them to pull clear.
Match has ended
Between them, these two sides have been responsible for each of the last six Premier League titles and this game has become a bit of a rivalry. City currently have a one point advantage over Liverpool and this is a good chance to put some daylight between themselves and the Reds.
Although Jack Grealish netted for England during the international break and Rico Lewis was handed his Three Lions debut, the biggest story of the international break was Erling Haaland’s absence from the Norway squad. He has promised to get back to fitness ASAP and City fans will be hoping that he is available for this weekend’s clash. Nathan Ake, Ederson, Matheus Nunes and Mateo Kovacic all withdrew from their respective national squads due to injury whereas Rodri also picked up a knock whilst playing for Spain. It’s been a far from ideal week for Pep Guardiola and it remains to be seen how many of those withdrawals were merely precautionary.
Although they’ve dropped points on the road, City have been foot perfect on their own patch. At the Etihad, they’ve won every single game scoring 16 times and conceding just three goals in the process. Although they’ve faced seventh placed Newcastle and eighth placed Brighton, this is their toughest home test of the campaign.
Liverpool
Liverpool went into the international break on a much brighter note with a convincing 3-0 home victory over Brentford. The Reds have won each of their last three home matches to nil, however, their recent form on the road has been a little troublesome. Since beaten Wolves at Molineux, they’ve failed to take maximum points in any of their subsequent away games.
Despite this, Liverpool sit second in the table and a victory would see them go above City and back to the summit.
Unlike City, Jurgen Klopp can call upon several key players with Curtis Jones returning to the fold following his suspension. Jones has improved dramatically this season and has really stepped up. Liverpool haven’t lost any of the matches that he has completed this season and his return is likely to be welcomed by Reds fans. Harvey Elliott also looked sharp on Under-21 duty this week. Unfortunately, the Merseyside club have a few South American representatives with Darwin Nunez netting for Uruguay on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning UK time. With a long trip back from Montevideo, the striker may only make the bench here. Andy Robertson is still missing following surgery.
With the loss of several experienced heads and defensive-minded midfielders this summer, some fans were obviously concerned about their side’s defensive capabilities. The Reds have failed to keep a clean sheet on the road this season and have conceded five times in their last three outings away from home.
Head to Head
These two sides traded blows last season with City clinching a memorable 4-1 victory at this stadium at the beginning of April. Earlier in the campaign, Liverpool edged past Pep’s men 1-0 at Anfield. City were also victorious when they met in the EFL Cup.
Recent matches at this stadium have been very entertaining with the two teams sharing 15 goals across their last 15 encounters here. Recent cup meetings have also been very watchable and high-scoring affairs.
Liverpool’s last Premier League win at this venue came in 2015 when they romped to a 4-1 success. Martin Skrtel and Roberto Firmino were amongst the goalscorers that day.
Key Betting Stats
- BTTS has landed in each of Liverpool’s last six away matches. It also landed in three of their final four away games at the back end of last season.
- Manchester City’s last four PL matches have contained a total of 21 goals
- Four of Manchester City’s last five matches have seen a goals scored in the final ten minutes.
- 59% of the goals conceded by Manchester City this season have been scored in the final thirty minutes.
- Every single Liverpool match so far this season has featured 8+ corners.
- Just two of Mo Salah’s 10 goals this season have been scored away from Anfield.
Match Prediction
Manchester City have been exemplary at home this season whereas Liverpool’s form has been patchy on the road. I expect the Reds to play their part in an entertaining contest, with the hosts coming out on top narrowly.
Winning Combo
Man City Win, Over 3.5 Goals, BTTS and Over 19.5 Shots Combined
Odds – 3/1 with Bet365’s Bet Builder
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