Manchester City host Liverpool in the Premier League in Sunday’s late afternoon Premier League kick off.
With just a single point separating these two at the top of the table, this game is pivotal. You’d be forgiven for thinking that, if either was to win this, it would prove decisive in the title race.
These two clubs have struck up an incredible rivalry in recent years. Both have proven that they are a class above the rest of the teams in the league with their consistency. Will something give in this game?
Incredibly, these two teams have six of the top ten Premier League goalscorers. It’s Liverpool’s Mo Salah who leads the entire list with 20 goals so far this campaign.
With three players each in the list, Liverpool’s trio have scored 36 goals in total so far. City’s trio are slightly behind on 30 goals, but it’s another indication of how closely matched these teams are.
One thing we are going to get is some fantastic, attacking football here. These two love to attack their styles make for a truly fantastic spectacle. The hope is, with plenty on the line, this doesn’t become a chess match.
A draw wouldn’t be the worst result in the world for either side. What it would do is take the title race out of Liverpool’s hands however. With the run ins that both teams have, you’d probably back Man City to win them all.
The Reds have some tricky ties to navigate in the business end of the season. That could leave them needing to win this.
Below, we’ll preview this Premier League fixture and provide our predictions, the team news, our recommended bets and more…
Manchester City vs Liverpool Predictions
This is a must win for Liverpool if they’re to take their second league title since the Premier League’s formation. If anyone is capable of taking the game to City, it is this Liverpool team.
They were far from fluent in their Champions League quarter final with Benfica in midweek. Despite that, they still came away from Lisbon with a comfortable 3-1 first leg lead.
It wasn’t quite as comfortable for City, as they hosted Atletico Madrid at the Etihad Stadium. The Spaniards put all eleven players behind the ball to frustrate Pep Guardiola’s men.
City banged on the door throughout, but only managed to get two shots on target. Fortunately for the hosts, one of those was a goal from Kevin de Bruyne.
One thing that you can guarantee in this game, is that Liverpool will not mimic Atletico’s tactics here. It may be considered naive to go toe-to-toe with City, but Liverpool are more than capable of doing so.
What the Reds can do is be devastating on the counter attack. City will attempt to dominate the ball, to limit Liverpool’s attacking threat. However, the high line and press from the Anfield club could put pressure on the defence.
Jurgen Klopp will set his side up to force mistakes from the City backline when in possession. From there, they can spring forward into an attack and punish their opponents. That particular tactic has worked well for them in the past.
However, as we know, if City are on it, they can just as easily deal a heavy defeat to any team. It looks set to be a classic.
Read on for our Manchester City vs Liverpool predictions and best bets.
Manchester City vs Liverpool Head to Head
In the last five meetings between these clubs, it’s City who hold the narrow edge. Guardiola’s men have won two, with Liverpool winning one, and the other two ending all square.
Liverpool’s last win against their Manchester rivals was back in November 2019. The Reds came out 3-1 winners in that clash on their way to winning the title.
They met again in July 2020, towards the end of the season, and it was City who won that one. With the title wrapped up for Liverpool, City put them to the sword in a 4-0 victory.
The following season, City hosted the Reds in November 2020. In an action packed game, it ended all square at 1-1. Kevin de Bruyne’s first half missed penalty proved crucial in that match.
Guardiola’s men put it right in the reverse fixture though. They went to Anfield and did something not many clubs have done, delivering a 4-1 drubbing.
The last time these two clubs met, we were again treated to a cracker. After a quiet first half, the second half provided four goals in a competitive 2-2 draw.
Manchester City Team News – W W W D D
Try to work out Guardiola’s starting XI at your peril, but we’ll give it a try anyway. One thing is pretty certain here, Ederson will start the game in goal for the hosts.
Ruben Dias remains out injured. That means John Stones is likely to deputise at centre back. He will be joined by Aymeric Laporte in the heart of defence.
Joao Cancelo will start at left wing back, with Kyle Walker starting at right wing back. The latter missed the midweek game due to suspension.
Rodri will hold the midfield for Pep’s men here. He is likely to be joined by Kevin de Bruyne and Bruno Silva in the centre of midfield.
A front three of Phil Foden, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling are likely to start here. The latter has two in his last five games against his former club.
Liverpool Team News – W W W W W
Jurgen Klopp will likely be tempted to go with the same starting XI as on Wednesday night here. In any case, our Manchester City vs Liverpool predictions expect Allission to start in goal.
Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk will partner each other in the centre of defence. They will be flanked by Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right and Andy Robertson on the left.
Fabinho will hold the midfield for the visitors. That will allow Thiago the freedom to create chances, possibly alongside Naby Keita. The latter was arguably Liverpool’s man of the match in Lisbon.
Mo Salah and Sadio Mane are dead certs to start this game. The only question is whether Klopp will opt with Luis Diaz or Diogo Jota to partner them. Our guess is Diaz will get the nod initially.
Manchester City vs Liverpool Betting Tips
The hosts come into this as the favourites. The traders have Guardiola’s men priced up at 21/20 in our Manchester City vs Liverpool match bets.
Two of the last five have ended in a draw between these. If you think this one will end all square, you can back that at 13/5.
Liverpool haven’t won a competitive match at the Etihad since 2015. They’re not given much of a chance to end that record here and are priced at 23/10 to win.
With the stats pointing to a very tight game, we’re expecting this one to be decided by a single goal. Expect City to extend their unbeaten home run against the Reds.
