- Date & Time: Saturday 25 November at 12.30pm
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, UK
- Teams: Manchester City vs Liverpool
Top two clash at the Etihad
Manchester City and Liverpool have been involved in a number of thrilling title races in recent years. Last season Jurgen Klopp’s side struggled in the early part of the campaign before making a late run to finsh fifth. However, they look like they are right back in the mix this time round. CIty once again look as though they will be the team to beat and this top of the table clash could play a big part in the battle for the Premier League title.
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Manchester City
Pep Guardiola has taken City to the top of the league, but the opening to the season has presented some difficulties. Kevin De Bruyne has been missing through injury since the opening day of the campaign, John Stones has had time on the sidelines and a suspension to Rodri saw Guardiola’s side lose back to back league matches.
City looked to have overcome Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their last league match, when they led 4-3 in the closing minutes, only for a Cole Palmer penalty to level things up. However the point was enough to keep City top of the table ahead of Liverpool and Arsenal.
Erling Haaland is a doubt after withdrawing from Norway’s squad for the Scotland game with an ankle problem, similar to the one he picked up against Bournemouth. Ederson (foot), Nathan Ake (knock) and Sergio Gomez (ankle) will all need to be assessed. Kevin De Bruyne (hamstring), Mateo Kovacic (thigh), John Stones (thigh) and Matheus Nunes are all set to remian on from the sidelines. Julian Alvarez, like the other players who have been in South America with their international sides, will be assessed upon his return.
Liverpool
Klopp and Liverpool are currently going from strength to strength. In the league, the team has not lost in five matches and most recently against Brentford they easily won 3-0 after two goals from Salah and a masterpiece from Diogo Jota.
In the Europa League, Liverpool surprisingly lost against Toulouse 3-2 away, but there Klopp also chose to rotate the squad enormously.
Liverpool last won the Premier League in the 2019/20 season, and since then the team has finished 3rd, 2nd and 5th. It is precisely games like the upcoming one against City that need to bring in three points to go all the way. At the moment, Liverpool look to have what it takes this season, but whether they deliver when they need it most remains to be seen.
Liverpool must make late decisions on Ryan Gravenberch (knee), Joe Gomez (knock), Curtis Jones (hamstring) and Ibrahima Konate (hamstring). Thiago Alcantara (hip), Stefan Bajcetic (calf) and Andrew Robertson (shoulder) are all out. Luis Diaz, Alisson, Darwin Nunez and Alexis Mac Allister, the latter of whom is also back from suspension, will all be assessed upon their return from international duty in South America.
Last meetings:
- 01.04.23 Man City – Liverpool 4-1
- 22.12.22 Man City – Liverpool 3-2 (League Cup)
- 16.10.22 Liverpool – Man City 1-0
- 30.07.22 Liverpool – Man City 3-1 (Community Shield)
- 16.04.22 Man City – Liverpool 2-3 (FA Cup)
Prediction
The bookies make City clear favourites and a visit to the Etihad is a tough task for the best of teams. At the time of writing, BetUK have Guardiola’s side 7/10 favourites, with Liverpool 18/5 and a draw 7/2.
Liverpool are more than capable of springing a shock, they have already won at St James’ Park this season and their away defeat to Tottenham was shrouded in controversy. However, we feel that City will have too much for them. Home win.
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