This modern Premier League classic will be even more heated than normal when undefeated Liverpool host pre-round table-topping Manchester City fresh off the back of being found guilty of 114 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.
Match News and Current Form
Liverpool fans will be out for blood in the wake of the news, as they’re arguably the worst victims of City’s rule breaking having finished second behind them on three separate occasions in recent memory. The Reds are playing like a side ready to punish anybody, winning four of their last five matches (D1), although drawing their two league home matches this season has left the Anfield faithful wanting more. Only twice in the last century have Liverpool failed to win any of their first three home league fixtures of a campaign, and in avoiding that record Andoni Iraola is on the hunt for another, as he could become just the third permanent Liverpool manager to avoid defeat in his first six top-flight matches in charge.
Past and present players and managers of the Citizens have spoken out in support of City over the charges, who have since appealed the verdict handed to them. Amid much speculation about their possible punishment, with a possible relegation being touted, boss Enzo Maresca has been keen to point out that their primary focus remains on the pitch, and they've seemingly had no issues on that front as they boast the Premier League's only 100% winning record (W5). This means Maresca could become just the fourth manager to win his first six matches of a spell in charge of a club in the competition, and he’ll be boosted by the fact City have lost just one of their last 11 games away from the Etihad (W7, D3).
Head-to-Head History
City beat Liverpool three times last season, with their league double over the Reds being the first time since 1937 they’ve won successive league matches against Liverpool.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Just one of Liverpool’s last six league fixtures was decided by a multi-goal margin.
Liverpool have conceded 2+ goals in just one of their last eight domestic home games.
City have won the corner count in seven of their last nine matches.
Six of City’s last eight domestic matches produced over 2.5 goals.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai scored his third career goal against City with a stunning free kick in this fixture last term, kickstarting a run of six of his last eight club goals coming at Anfield. City’s Antoine Semenyo scored three goals at Anfield when playing for Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola, and could make his presence felt having scored the match opener in six of his last eight goalscoring appearances.
Liverpool will be sweating over the fitness of Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo after both picked up injuries while on international duty. City are sweating on the fitness of Nico O'Reilly after he withdrew from the England squad and Phil Foden remains suspended.
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Betting Analysis
Liverpool had lost just once in 24 home matches against City prior to last season's loss, so taking Liverpool in the Draw No Bet market seems smart.
Author: Peter Stavrinou
