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

Man City face Liverpool in the English Premier League in the early kickoff on Saturday. The sides are separated by just one point at the top of the table going into this clash at the Etihad Stadium. The last 11 meetings between these teams have produced 43 goals.

Man City Form

City had a run of three losses in four matches before the previous FIFA break. That streak saw losses at Newcastle in the Carabao Cup and at Wolves in the league. A late goal conceded also saw a 1-0 away defeat to Arsenal in an even match.

They bounced back to win five matches on the bounce with 17 goals scored. A 3-0 thrashing of Man Utd at Old Trafford saw 4.00 xG produced before destroying Bournemouth 6-1 at home and then Young Boys 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium in the Champions League. Last time out, they drew 4-4 at Chelsea in a crazy match. City led 1-0, 3-2 and 4-3 but could not hold on.

Man City Team News

Pep Guardiola remains without Kevin De Bruyne. John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, and Matheus Nunes are also out injured. Nathan Ake and Ederson should shake off knocks to start this match.

Erling Haaland should be fit to start after a slight ankle injury. Julian Alvarez played in South America on Wednesday and may be left on the bench. Jack Grealish could replace Alvarez with Phil Foden moving into a more central role.

Man City Motivation

City will go all out for three points against a title rival. They will attack and look to dominate the match with possession.

A draw is not a disaster but Guardiola won’t settle for one at point in the 90 minutes.

Liverpool Form

The Reds began this season with seven wins and a draw in eight matches across all competitions. After losing 2-1 with nine men to a late own goal vs Tottenham, they won five of the next six fixtures. A 5-1 Europa League home win over Toulouse and a 3-0-win vs Nottingham Forest were the standout wins.

Since that streak, they’ve won just once in three matches. A very late goal was needed to rescue a 1-1 draw at strugglers Luton Town before losing 3-2 at Toulouse in Europe. Their last result brought a 3-0 home win over Brentford. The Reds put up 1.71 XG and ruthlessly took their chances.

Liverpool Team News

Jurgen Klopp has a fair few injuries concern. Stefan Bajcetic, Thiago Alcantara, and Andy Robertson are all ruled out. Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate are touch-and-go, and Joel Matip is on standby to deputise for the latter.

Alexis Mac Allister returns from suspension to start, and Ryan Gravenberch should be fit to play after a knee complaint. Luis Diaz, Mac Allister, and Darwin Nunez all have slight question marks after travelling back from South America.

Liverpool Motivation

The Reds will try to win this match, but a draw would also be a decent result.

Klopp’s side may focus on transitional attacks, but they won’t sit back. Expect aggressive midfield pressing in this one.

Key Stats

Man City have won 5 of their last 6 matches

The last 11 meetings between these teams have seen 43 goals scored

Liverpool have won 1 of their last 5 away matches (LDWDL)

Man City have scored 2+ goals in their last 4 home matches vs Liverpool

Verdict

This should be an exciting game with lots of goals. City are tipped to win although there isn’t amazing value on a straight victory.

Best Bet: Man City win at 1.74
Alternative Bet: Over 3.5 goals at 2.20
Goalscorer Tip: Salah and Haaland to both score anytime at 5.82