Liverpool vs Man City – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Reds have lost just once in 16 matches whilst City have taken just seven points from their last six EPL fixtures.

Liverpool Form

Liverpool’s last 16 matches have seen just one defeat. They have nine wins and six draws during that run. A 0-0 draw at Arsenal made it three straight stalemates. A 4-1 FA Cup win over Barnsley preceded a fourth-straight league draw, 1-1 at home to Burnley.

The Reds went to Marseille and cruised to a 3-0 win before a shock 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth as they conceded in the 95^th minute and only produced 0.93 xG. Following a 6-0 mauling of Qarabag in the Champions League, they beat Newcastle 4-1 at Anfield last time out. They outshot the Magpies 17-8 and put up seven big chances.

Liverpool Team News

Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and Giovanni Leoni are all ruled out through injury. Joe Gomez is available again but he is not fit enough to start the match.

Alexander Isak remains absent with a long-term injury. Hugo Ekitike is set to shake off a minor knock to start up front.

Liverpool Motivation

Arne Slot’s side are playing a more conservative game in recent weeks. They’re trying to be hard to beat.

The Reds will play to win this match. A draw is not a disaster and keeps them in the top four mix.

Man City Form

City’s last 11 matches have seen just four wins. In the league, they’ve only taken seven points from the last six rounds of action. They won 2-0 away at Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, but a poor 2-0 loss followed away at Man Utd.

City lost 3-2 away to Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League, but bounced back to beat Wolves 2-0 and Galatasaray 2-0. They dropped more points in the league last weekend, surrendering a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 at Tottenham. They reached the Carabao Cup final by beating Newcastle 3-1 in midweek.

Man City Team News

Pep Guardiola remains without John Stones and Josko Gvardiol in defence. Ruben Dias is for to make the squad for this one, but won’t start the match.

Jeremy Doku and Savinho are out injured. Rayan Cherki and Bernardo Silva are carrying knocks, but should be available to start the match. Mateo Kovacic is ruled out.

Man City Motivation

This is a must-win game for Man City, or to the gap to Arsenal could become too big to close.

They will try to dominate and attack Liverpool. City know that the Reds’ defence is fragile, but they won’t open up too much with their own defensive concerns.

Key Stats

• Liverpool are unbeaten in 8 home matches (5 wins, 3 draws)
• Liverpool have lost just 1 of their last 16 matches
• City’s last 6 EPL matches have seen just 1 win (4 draws)
• Man City have won just 1 of their last 5 away matches
• City are winless in 5 matches vs Liverpool (DLLDL)

Verdict

The Reds are backed to avoid defeat in this one. A draw looks like excellent value.

Best Bet: Draw at 3.70

Alternate Bet: Liverpool win/draw double chance and Both Teams to Score at 2.15

Goalscorer Tip: Hugo Ekitike to score anytime at 2.25