Man City vs Liverpool – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Pep Guardiola’s side delivered a superb performance in their last match to lift the Carabao Cup. The Reds have lost three of their last six matches in all competitions.

Man City Form

City were on an 11-match unbeaten streak with seven wins and four draws. Since then, they’ve lost two of their last four matches. A 3-1 win at Newcastle in the FA Cup was followed by a 3-0 loss away to Real Madrid. They drew 1-1 at West Ham despite a 24-1 shot count as their title hopes were dented.

A 2-1 loss at home to Real Madrid came after playing 70 minutes with ten men. They conceded late and were knocked out 5-1 on aggregate. Their last match saw a very strong display at Wembley to beat Arsenal 2-0 to lift the Carabao Cup. City allowed just 0.89 xG in that win.

Man City Team News

Josko Gvardiol is ruled out in defence. John Stones had to withdraw from England duty whilst Ruben Dias is also carrying a knock.

Mateo Kovacic is available after a long-term injury. Marc Guehi is available again after being ineligible for the League Cup final.

Man City Motivation

City still have a chance of a domestic treble. They will be determined to win this match as they look to win the FA Cup.

Guardiola’s side will look to use their new 4-2-2-2 shape and control proceedings by keeping possession.

Liverpool Form

Liverpool have lost four of their last nine league matches. Overall, it’s three losses in the last six fixtures in all competitions. A 97th-minute goal rescued a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest before a 5-2 thrashing of West Ham. Liverpool conceded late to lose 2-1 at bottom-placed Wolves in the league.

They won 3-1 at Wolves in the FA Cup a few days later with a dominant 20-4 shot count. After losing 1-0 away to Galatasaray, they conceded late to draw 1-1 at home to struggling Tottenham. Arne Slot’s side beat Galatasaray 4-0 to reach the Champions League quarter-finals. Their last match saw a 2-1 EPL loss away at Brighton.

Liverpool Team News

Arne Slot is without Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni in defence for this match. Wataru Endo is ruled out and Alisson Becker is a major doubt.

Mohamed Salah missed Egypt’s matches this week and remains a question mark. Alexander Isak is running again and could feature within the next two weeks. Jeremie Frimpong is a doubt after an injury for the Netherlands.

Liverpool Motivation

The Reds know this is their best shot of a trophy. They will be fully focused and highly motivated for this match.

However, this game comes four days before facing PSG. The players may have one eye on that clash.

Key Stats

• Man City have lost 2 of their last 4 matches
• Man City’s Erling Haaland has scored just 3 goals in his last 16 domestic matches
• Liverpool have lost 3 of their last 6 matches in all competitions
• Liverpool have avoided defeat in 5 of their last 8 trips to Man City (2 wins, 3 draws)

Verdict

This is set to be a very tight match. City should be more focused and I see them progressing to the next stage.

Best Bet: Man City win at 1.75

Value Bet: Man City win and Both Teams to Score at 3.00