Title Decider or Too Early to Call?
Showdown at Anfield: Liverpool vs. Manchester City
Liverpool host Manchester City in what promises to be a thrilling clash at Anfield. While a home win could put Liverpool in pole position for the title, it’s still early in the season to crown a champion after just 13 rounds.
Liverpool’s Form and City’s Struggles
Liverpool come into the game in formidable form, buoyed by a six-match winning streak across all competitions, including Wednesday’s emphatic victory over Real Madrid. Under Arne Slot, the Reds remain unbeaten in their last 15 matches and are firing on all cylinders.
In stark contrast, Manchester City are enduring their worst period under Pep Guardiola. The defending champions have failed to win or keep a clean sheet in their last six matches. Last weekend’s 0-4 loss at home to Tottenham was a rare low point, compounded by a midweek Champions League collapse where they squandered a 3-0 lead to draw against Feyenoord.
No Walk in the Park for Liverpool
Despite City’s poor form, few expect an easy game for Liverpool on Sunday. Manager Arne Slot himself remains cautious:
“No one has used the word ‘easy' about City for the past eight or nine years, whether at home or away. They still have a very, very good team, and one of the reasons Pep is the best manager in the world is that he always finds solutions. His current problem might be Rodri’s absence, but we know he’ll find a way, and their form will return—hopefully after Sunday,” Slot told local Liverpool press.
Injury Woes for Both Teams
City’s recent dip has been largely attributed to the absence of Rodri, a player whose importance cannot be overstated. However, it seems unlikely that a team of City’s caliber should be so reliant on a single player. Beyond Rodri, City have also seen inconsistent performances from Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and even Erling Haaland in recent weeks. Injuries to key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Kyle Walker, and Josko Gvardiol have only added to Guardiola’s headaches.
Liverpool, too, have battled injuries. Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, and Trent Alexander-Arnold have all missed significant time, while Kostas Tsimikas, Federico Chiesa, and Conor Bradley are also sidelined. The good news for Liverpool is that Alexander-Arnold is fit to return for Sunday’s clash.
Historical Context and Rare Odds
City’s defensive frailty has been exposed in recent games, conceding seven goals in their last two matches, many stemming from self-inflicted errors. Adding to their woes is their poor record at Anfield. Aside from a 2020/21 victory during a fan-less season, City haven’t won at Anfield with supporters in attendance since 2003.
Remarkably, City enter this match as underdogs for the first time in a Premier League game since 2017, according to pre-match odds. This underdog status could play in their favor, as they have little to lose—a situation that may spell trouble for Liverpool.
Liverpool vs. Manchester City: Match Preview
- Liverpool:
The Reds have lost just once in the league under Arne Slot, winning seven of their last eight matches. They’ve scored at least two goals in seven of those games. Stand-in goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher boasts an impressive record, with only one defeat in 21 Premier League appearances. Mo Salah has scored 11 goals against City, more than any other player during Pep Guardiola’s tenure.Injuries: Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas, Federico Chiesa (out); Conor Bradley (doubtful). - Manchester City:
City have gone six games without a win for the first time under Guardiola, conceding two or more goals in each of those matches. Erling Haaland, after a blistering start to the season, has scored just twice in his last seven league appearances.Injuries: Rodri, Oscar Bobb, Mateo Kovacic (out); John Stones (doubtful).
Betting Tip: Mo Salah to Score Anytime
Why:
- Salah is in sensational form and has an impressive record against City, with 11 goals in past encounters.
- While Liverpool are favorites, City’s desperation to bounce back could make for a tightly contested match.
- The last two meetings between these sides ended 1-1, and we don’t anticipate a high-scoring affair this time either.
Our recommended bet is Mo Salah to score anytime (2 units at Betsson)
Key Match Details:
- Venue: Anfield
- Kickoff: Sunday, 4:30 PM
Can Liverpool capitalize on City’s struggles, or will Guardiola’s men silence the critics with a statement win? Stay tuned for what promises to be an epic encounter!
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