The Premier League returns with a bang this weekend as Manchester City entertain Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday lunchtime.
It’s a huge top of the table clash between two of this seasons title favourites, so this highly-anticipated game is undoubtedly the biggest match of the weekend.
Man City went into the international break following a thrilling 4-4 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. In a game full of twists and turns, it looked as though City had snatched all three points after Rodri has put them ahead with just minutes remaining. However, Cole Palmer scored a last gasp equaliser for Chelsea against his former club to secure a dramatic draw.
That result leaves City sitting top of the Premier League table but they’re just one point ahead of second placed Liverpool and Arsenal after 12 games. Pep Guardiola will want to get back to winning ways with a statement win against one of their main title rivals to cement their position at the top of the table.
However, Liverpool head to the Etihad in rejuvenated form. They endured a tough 2022/23 campaign that saw them finish outside the top four and miss out on Champions League qualification. But the Reds are much stronger this season after rebuilding their midfield in the summer. They sit above Arsenal on goal difference after beating Brentford 3-0 at Anfield two weeks ago and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to show his side are back to contend for the title with a positive result against City this weekend.
Liverpool had Mohamed Salah to thank for their win over Brentford after his superb brace. The Egyptian is their talisman and Klopp will be looking to the 31-year-old for inspiration once again when they take on the defending champions on Saturday lunchtime.
Team news
Man City have a number of injury issues to deal with. Kevin De Bruyne remains out along with Sergio Gomez as the continue to recover from long-term injuries. Erling Haaland and Ederson both picked up knocks while away with their countries and will need to be assessed.
John Stones is also a major doubt due to a knee injury while Nathan Ake missed the draw with Chelsea due to a knock so he’ll need to be assessed. Midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes are also facing late fitness tests.
For Liverpool, Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konate are doubts so they face fitness tests ahead of the game. Curtis Jones is expected to return from a knock while Kostas Tsimikas is expected to be available.
That’s good news for Klopp as Andrew Robertson remains out with a shoulder injury. Thiago Alcantara is also missing with a long-term groin problem while Joe Gomez is a doubt with a knock.
Betting odds
This is one of the most important games in European football this weekend so there will be plenty of interest in the betting markets. The latest odds on Exchange Betting have Manchester City as the 8/13 favourites to claim all three points on home soil. Liverpool can be backed at 3/1 to take a win back to Merseyside while the draw is 12/5.
- Man City win 8/13
- Draw 12/5
- Liverpool 3/1
We are expecting goals in this game as Liverpool still have one of the most formidable attacks in the league while City’s defence showed its vulnerability by conceding four times at Chelsea. Over 2.5 match goals is a solid bet at 4/9 and many will fancy over 3.5 at odds of 5/4.
Erling Haaland is the 3/1 favourite to open the scoring in this game but Salah is also a decent bet at 17/2. Julian Alvarez can be backed at 17/10 to score at any time while Darwin Nunez could be worth a look at 13/5.
If any team is going to win it’s probably City as they have home advantage. A 2-1 Man City win is priced at 7/1 and that could be a solid bet. However, if you fancy Liverpool to take something from the game a 2-2 draw is priced at 10/1.
Prediction: We’re backing Man City to edge a close match 2-1 with Haaland as first scorer – this bet can be backed as a double at odds of 28/1.
