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

Man City face Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on Saturday in the FA Cup sem-final. These sides met just a week prior and played out a pulsating 2-2 draw in the league. The winner of this match will face either Chelsea or Crystal Palace in the final in May. The Reds are chasing a second domestic piece of silverware for this season and still have a shot at the quadruple whilst City are looking for their first trophy of this campaign.

Man City Form

City are getting some really good recent results but their performances have been quite inconsistent. They have nine wins and three draws in their last 13 matches in all competitions but that includes two second-leg draws in the Champions League having won the first leg.

With one defeat in 23 matches, Guardiola has his side very hard to beat. They have drawn three of their last seven with 0-0 score-lines and did struggle to break down a 5-5-0 Atletico Madrid defensive shape when the sides met at the Etihad. The last two matches since that narrow 1-0 first-leg win before a 2-2 home draw with Liverpool – having led twice – and a 0-0 away draw at Atletico, where they mustered just one second-half shot.

Man City Team News

Ruben Dias remains was back on the bench for the last match but starting this one is unlikely after so little training. City saw Kyle Walker going off injured in Madrid on Wednesday and he is a major worry for this game. Nathan Ake could deputise at fullback.

Kevin de Bruyne also went off with an injury in midweek, a calf problem, and maybe fit enough for the bench. Gabriel Jesus is back from a European suspension and will probably start as will Raheem Sterling. Phil Foden took some heavy knocks against Atletico and could get a breather from the beginning.

Man City Motivation

City will play this like a cup final, but with a lot more fatigue than Liverpool after travelling and playing their best XI against Atletico.

Guardiola’s side were quite transition-focused against the Reds last week and could take a few different approaches in this match but they will want to avoid the strain of extra time ideally.

Liverpool Form

Liverpool’s last 19 matches have seen 16 wins, one draw (but win on penalties) in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea, and two complacent second leg ties in Europe. They led 2-0 against Inter Milan before losing the home leg 1-0. They then led 3-1 from the first leg against Benfica in their last match before drawing 3-1 at home with a heavily-rotated team.

The side won 2-0 at Arsenal and beat Watford 2-0 at home before their win in Portugal against Benfica. They fought back twice from 1-0 and 2-1 down to draw 2-2 at Man City last weekend in the league. In midweek, they led 3-1 vs Benfica but drew 3-3 as only a couple of first XI players were selected to start.

Liverpool Team News

After mass rotation in midweek, almost all of those players will return to start this match. From the City match a week ago, we may see Naby Keita preferred Jordan Henderson for greater energy in midfield.

In attack, Roberto Firmino got a brace against Benfica and will hope to keep his place. More likely is a front three of Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota, and Mohamed Salah once again. Ibrahima Konate could start alongside Virgil Van Dijk to give Joel Matip a breather.

Liverpool Motivation

100% focus will be on this match. That was shown by how many players were rested against Benfica. With Man Utd in the league on the horizon, it’s a busy time for the Reds but they were at home in midweek and didn’t have to travel like City.

Klopp’s team should be fresher than Guardiola’s side and they are expected to use that energy in a high-octane display.

Key Stats

City have won 16 of their last 19 PL matches (L1, D2)

City have lost once in their last 23 matches (all comps)

City’s Foden has scored in 3 of his last 4 matches against Liverpool

Liverpool have won 10 of their last 11 PL matches

LFC have won just 1 of their last 12 PL matches away from Anfield against City

Liverpool have netted 2+ goals in 6 of their last 7 PL matches

Verdict

Another highly entertaining match between these sides is expected. Over familiarity may mean it’s a bit more conservative than a week ago. Atletico drained City, who suffered injuries and also had to travel. Liverpool have a fresh side and are tipped to reach the final as the best bet.

Best Bet: Liverpool to qualify for the final at 2.00
Value Bet: Liverpool win and both to score at 4.90
Correct Score Tip: Man City 1-2 Liverpool at 9.50

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis