Manchester City vs Liverpool Match Preview

With a chance to extend the early seasons good form and maintain their unbeaten run, Liverpool travel down the East Lancs Road for tomorrow’s early kick off against Manchester City.Match Preview

Prior to the International break, the Reds demolished Arsenal 4-0 at Anfield. That result catapulted us to two places in the league table. The Citizens come into this encounter with an identical record as Liverpool with 7 points. They will be hoping to defend their unbeaten home record for this calendar year. Both teams have the opportunity to lead the Premiership – albeit only for a few hours – with a win at the Etihad on Saturday.

Last Meeting: Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool (19 March 2017)

Our last Premier League meeting at the Etihad resulted in a 1-1 draw for the Reds. A James Milner second half penalty put the Reds ahead and on course for all 3 points. However, an equalizer from Sergio Aguero ensured both teams picked up a point each. Recent encounters between both clubs have seen some classics over the past few years.

The Reds’ last win at the Etihad was a 4-1 win back in 2015. Liverpool are undefeated against Manchester City in the league for the past 5 matches. The Citizens last victory over the Reds was a 3-1 win in 2014.

Team and Injury News

After the International break, Jürgen Klopp had a sigh of relief with the knowledge that all his players came back without any significant injuries. It remains to be seen whether Philippe Coutinho and the manager patch up their differences.

From seasons past, it is evident that Coutinho loves a goal against the Citizens. The Reds new boy Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be hopeful of making his debut on Saturday. However, he may have to settle for a bench role for this match.

Liverpool however, will still be without Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne due to their long term injuries. In contrast to Liverpool’s post-International break injury luck, Manchester City have not been so lucky.

Captain Vincent Kompany picked up a calf injury while on duty for Belgium and is rated 50-50 to start. Pep Guardiola will also be considering whether to recall Sergio Aguero, Leroy Sane and John Stones to the starting line-up for this crucial encounter. Ilkay Gundogan may make his long-awaited return from injury for this match from the bench. However, the home side will be without the suspended Raheem Sterling.

Predicted Lineup

LFC (4-3-3): Mignolet, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Lovren, Moreno, Henderson, Can, Wijnaldum, Mane, Firmino, Salah

MCI (4-1-3-2): Ederson, Walker, Otamendi, Stones, Mendy, Fernandinho, B.Silva, De Bruyne, D.Silva, Jesus, Aguero

Prediction

Manchester City 2 – 2 Liverpool – This game looks like being another high scoring encounter between two teams, both of whom have very fluid attacks, while the two defenses remain somewhat shaky.

Both managers will also have one eye on their upcoming Champions’ League group stage matches in the coming week when picking their match day squads. A high scoring draw looks on the cards on Saturday.

So here’s hoping for good news come late afternoon tomorrow. At this stage of the season, a draw wouldn’t be the end he f the world. Whereas a defeat would certainly get tongues wagging- negatively.

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