Focus Fixture: Manchester City v Liverpool: City to continue winning home run

Manchester City have a slender advantage at the top of the Premier League as they prepare to welcome Liverpool to the Etihad. Jurgen Klopp’s side are the only ones who have been able to stop City from dominating the division in recent years and this promises to be a thrilling encounter.

The Form

Manchester City were pegged back late on in their last match against Chelsea. Pep Guardiola’s side thought they ‘d grabbed the win but Cole Palmer, a player they sold in the summer, had ice running through his veins as he netted a penalty in the dying moments to earn his side a draw in a goal-laden affair.

The Citizens haven’t had it all their own way in the early stages of this season. They suffered back-to-back defeats in the Premier League when they lost to Wolves and Arsenal. They have since clawed their way to the summit and they remain odds-on favourites to secure yet another title.

Pep Guardiola has continued to evolve his side since they triumphed in the Champions League at the end of last season and became just the second English side to complete the treble. They have had to deal with a number of injury problems since the start of the campaign and it has impacted the team’s set-up. Kevin De Bruyne’s absence has clearly had an impact. Rodri has also missed some key matches and the City midfield looks vastly different without those key players.

Liverpool fell well short of the standard we have come to expect from them under Jurgen Klopp last season. However, they have strengthened their squad in the summer and they no look capable of slugging it out for the Premier League crown once again.

 The Reds have won all six of their league matches at Anfield but they haven’t done as well on the road. Their last away match was a disappointing 3-2 defeat in Toulouse. They were fortunate to not to lose their last domestic away match as they needed a last-minute goal to earn a point at Luton.

The Etihad is a tricky place to go at any time so Liverpool will need to improve their performances on the road in order to get anything here. Klopp’s men haven’t won any of their last seven matches here. Over this period they are scoring just 0.86 goals per game and conceding 2.71.

Manchester City have suffered just one defeat at home in the Premier League since the start of last season. Incredibly, they have won 22 of those 24 matches and are averaging 3.17 goals per home game over that period.

Pep Guardiola’s side are the favourites but they are a backable price, which seldom happens when they play in front of their own fans. There are concerns surrounding a few of their key players but the manager has a wealth of talent at his disposal if he is forced to chop and change.

The Runners and the Riders

John Stones has been ruled out and he has been crucial for City since the start of the calendar year. Mateo Kovacic and Kevin De Bruyne are also absent in City’s midfield while Matheus Nunes faces a late fitness test. Erling Haaland is expected to start despite being forced off injured during the international break. Ederson is also carrying a knock.

Liverpool have injury concerns of their own. Thiago, Andy Robertson and Stefan Bajcetic are all out. Ryan Gravenberch has been tipped to start if he gets the all-clear with his late fitness test. Joe Gomez and Ibrahim Konate are big doubts so it is likely that Joel Matip will partner Virgil Van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool’s defence.

What They Said

"He makes me a better manager. Through his teams. The transitions, the space they make in behind, Nunez, Salah. They have a fantastic team, no doubt," Pep Guardiola on his rivalry with Jurgen Klopp.

There has been a lot of talk about the make-up of the Liverpool midfield this season, when asked about Mac Allister Klopp said: "I understand why people ask about positions, but it's about how the team is set up. Is Macca a natural born six? No. Has football developed in the last few years in ways we wouldn't have imagined? Yes. Does that mean Macca can play six? Yes"

Bet Builder Tip

I’m backing Manchester City to win our focus fixture but Liverpool can threaten going forward so a home win and both teams to score at 3.00 looks a good bet.

Liverpool have plenty of attacking options and Mohamed Salah’s form makes them a threat for even the league’s most disciplined defences. They have played nine away matches in all competitions so far this season and have scored in all of them. The Reds are averaging 1.89 goals per away game and they can have some joy at the Etihad.

It has been a while since they won at this ground but they haven’t had trouble finding the net in front of the City faithful. They have scored on four of their last five visits to the Etihad and were beaten 4-1 there last season. 

While Liverpool should have some success, I’m still expecting the home side to come out on top and it is easy to see why. Pep Guardiola’s side always find a way to win at home. They have 37 wins in 39 home matches since the start of last season.

This bet has landed in three of Manchester City’s five Premier League home matches so far this season.

Recommended Bet

Manchester City to win & both teams to score @ 3.00