Two of the most entertaining teams in the Premier League will revive their rivalry this weekend as Liverpool visit Manchester City on Sunday. After suffering recent setbacks, both sides returned to winning ways last weekend. City defeated Bournemouth, while Liverpool beat Aston Villa. Last weekend’s result was arguably far more important for Liverpool, who have fallen off the wagon since their blistering start to the season.
The Reds had won just one of their last seven games in all competitions before beating Villa. Their only success was a 5-1 victory over Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. Mohammed Salah’s 250th goal for Liverpool put them on their way, before Ryan Gravenberch sealed maximum points with a deflected effort in the second half.
Liverpool will head into the upcoming box office showdown against City in third place in the Premier League table, just one point behind their north west rivals. This weekend’s highly anticipated game at the Etihad will be the ultimate test of their renaissance, although they will travel to Manchester with renewed confidence after the win against Villa.
Manchester City vs Liverpool Betting Tips
Over 1.5 Goals
There’s rarely a dull moment when these two juggernauts lock horns. It was one of the most anticipated fixtures during the Jurgen Klopp era, and Slot has kept that tradition alive. Recent results offer an ideal blueprint to determine which way this game could swing, although fans can expect plenty of fireworks at the Etihad this weekend.
There have been two or more goals scored in this fixture over the last five consecutive Premier League meetings. Only once in the last 13 Premier League meetings between these two sides has there been less than two goals scored, so betting on goals is a smart move.
Liverpool to Win Either Half
It is difficult to call an outright winner for this clash, but Liverpool will head into the game as underdogs. That does not automatically rule them out by any stretch of the imagination. Slot got the better of Pep Guardiola twice last season.
However, it is worth noting that Liverpool’s 2-0 win was their first at the Etihad since November 2015 when they emerged 4-1 winners. Form tends to go out of the window in high-profile games such as this one. With Liverpool still trying to recapture their consistency, backing them to win either half might be the safest option.
Manchester City Last Five Results
- Manchester City 3-1 Bournemouth
- Swansea City 1-3 Manchester City
- Aston Villa 1-0 Manchester City
- Villarreal 0-2 Manchester City
- Manchester City 2-0 Everton
Liverpool Last Five Results
- Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa
- Liverpool 0-3 Crystal Palace
- Brentford 3-2 Liverpool
- Eintracht Frankfurt 1-5 Liverpool
- Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United
Manchester City vs Liverpool Head-to-Head
- Manchester City 0-2 Liverpool
- Liverpool 2-0 Manchester City
- Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City
- Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool
- Manchester City 4-1 Liverpool
Manchester City vs Liverpool Match Preview
Liverpool have struggled to recapture their form since the League Cup third round win against Southampton. Two wins from their last eight games in all competitions (L6) makes for grim reading. Fans from around the world will be tuned in, especially those in the Middle East, considering City’s connections to the region.
However, Liverpool also have a massive fan base there, so many Arabs will be rooting for them. That interest will likely lead to a surge in betting activity. With sports betting in Arab countries becoming increasingly popular, sportsbooks will be bowled over by the demand for odds and markets on the big game.
However, Liverpool’s form at the Etihad will force many bettors to consider other market options rather than backing them to come away with a win. Last season’s 2-0 win against City snapped Liverpool’s eight-match winless streak at the Etihad. But replicating that result will be easier said than done.
City have a near-perfect home record, winning four of their five games at the Etihad (L1). Liverpool’s away record suggests they may not have what it takes to defeat City at their fortress, having won just two of their five games on the road (L3). With that in mind, backing the draw is the most sensible way to play this one.