Liverpool v Man City- Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Liverpool host Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday. The Reds are in scintillating form, having won 14 of their last 15 matches. In stark contrast, City are struggling, with five losses and a draw in their last six games. A win at Anfield could see Liverpool extend their lead over the reigning champions to 11 points.

Liverpool Form

Liverpool are flying high with 10 wins from 12 Premier League games and a perfect record in the Champions League. They have dropped points just once in their last 15 matches—a 2-2 draw after trailing against Arsenal.

Since that result, they have notched six straight wins. They started with a 3-2 League Cup victory at Brighton and followed it up with a 2-1 league win over the Seagulls. A dominant 4-0 thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen (3.79 xG) highlighted their clinical second-half performance. They also beat Aston Villa 2-0 and secured a 3-2 comeback win at Southampton.

In midweek, Liverpool put on a masterclass against Real Madrid, winning 2-0 with 63% possession and creating six big chances.

Liverpool Team News

Manager Arne Slot will be missing four players for this fixture. Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in contention and could replace Conor Bradley at right back. Alisson Becker, Kostas Tsimikas, Diogo Jota, and Federico Chiesa remain sidelined.

Minor rotation is possible, with Cody Gakpo potentially coming in for Darwin Núñez in the front three. Dominik Szoboszlai is vying with Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister for two midfield spots.

Liverpool Motivation

Liverpool will see City’s poor form as an opportunity to strike a decisive blow in the title race. Expect them to attack with intensity and press aggressively from the start.

While a draw might not be a terrible result in isolation, the Reds will push hard for a win given the implications for the league standings.

Man City Form

Manchester City started the season with 14 unbeaten matches but have since hit a shocking slump. Their troubles began with a 2-1 Carabao Cup win against a weakened Tottenham side. Since then, they have suffered defeats to Bournemouth (2-1), Sporting Lisbon (4-1), and Brighton (2-1).

Last weekend, they were humiliated 4-0 at home by Tottenham, despite taking 23 shots and dominating possession. In midweek, they led Feyenoord 3-0 after 74 minutes but collapsed to a 3-3 draw, further underscoring their defensive frailties.

Man City Team News

Key midfielder Rodri is out for the season, and his replacement Mateo Kovačić is also unavailable. Oscar Bobb is ruled out, and Jeremy Doku remains a doubt.

Kyle Walker and Rúben Dias, who have struggled for form, may start on the bench again. John Stones was absent in midweek but could return. Kevin De Bruyne is likely to start, with İlkay Gündoğan potentially filling Rodri’s role in midfield.

Man City Motivation

City will aim to avoid defeat at all costs. Guardiola may prioritize defensive solidity, as confidence and belief in the squad are at a low ebb. Expect a cautious approach, with numbers behind the ball and limited risk-taking in attack.

Key Stats

Liverpool have won 17 of their 19 matches this season, scoring 44 goals.

Liverpool have won 17 of their 19 matches this season, scoring 44 goals.

Man City have avoided defeat in eight of their last nine Premier League matches against Liverpool (3 wins, 5 draws).

City have lost five of their last six matches, conceding 17 goals in that span.

Verdict

Manchester City rarely lose this fixture, but their current form and defensive struggles make a Liverpool victory the likeliest outcome. The Reds are in red-hot form, and their attack should prove too much for City’s vulnerable backline.

Best Bet: Liverpool win at 2.10
Alternate Bet: Liverpool win and Over 2.5 goals at 2.90
Goalscorer Tip: Mohamed Salah to score anytime at 2.30