Manchester City F.C. vs Liverpool F.C. – Match Preview

Liverpool travel along the East Lancs Road tonight to face Manchester City. This top of the table clash will go some way to deciding the Champions elect for this season’s Premier League title. Even if it’s merely psychological.

Overview

With the hectic and pivotal festive program almost over, the fortunes of the two teams over the last week couldn’t be more different. Liverpool have maintained their unbeaten start to the season after 20 games. Including the 5-1 mailing of Arsenal on Saturday.

Tomorrow’s hosts on the other hand have lost two of their last three matches following an uncharacteristic sequence of results that saw them lose to Crystal Palace and Leicester City. Coming into this match, City will be trailing their visitors by seven points.

However, don’t be fooled by the current state of affairs. Citeh remain a quality side and Liverpool will have to be at their very best to come away from this match with anything resembling points.

Jürgen Klopp: "It's a normal game against Man City – one of the most difficult you can play in modern football – them away from home. The opponent, for me, is still the best team in the world and I'm not only saying that now – nothing has changed except the points."#MCFC #LFC

— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) January 2, 2019

Team News

Liverpool have James Milner as the only doubt. The former City midfielder should be fit after missing Saturday’s drubbing of Arsenal. Joel Matip remains sidelined is Joe Gomez, but both are pencilled in to return before the end of January.

Kevin de Bruyne is the highest profile member of Pep Guardiola’s side doubtful for tonight’s game. He could pass a late fitness test though, having trained today. Fabian Delph will be suspended and will therefore miss this encounter.

Head to Head

History would suggest Manchester City should have the edge tonight. They have won three; drawn one and lost one of the previous five meetings between the two at the Etihad Stadium. In view of this, I’d certainly consider them favourites.

If anyone can put an end to Liverpool’s unbeaten run, then I’d expect it to be City. Make no mistake, the Reds are in a very rich vein of form right now but in this kind of game, form often goes out window. This is a huge game for both sides.

Guardiola: “I have the feeling it is a big opportunity for us to reduce the gap but our focus is the same. Everybody asks what we are going to do if we lose but we are going to try to make our game and to win it.” #MCFC pic.twitter.com/3nBdKOGvE9

— Andy Hampson (@andyhampson) January 2, 2019

Summary

This is a tough one to call. I’m struggling. So much so that I’m going to sit on the fence – had I been into predictions of course, and call this one a draw.

City have their weaknesses that’s for sure. However, having performed so badly this last week or two, they’ll be itching to a) add another win to the weekend’s result and, b) to let Liverpool know they’re going to be in for a fight if they with to take their title.

I believe Jurgen Klopp will stick with the team that dismantled Arsenal at the weekend. If he wishes to bring in the experience of Milner, then it’ll likely by Xherdan Shaqiri who’s make way I expect. I just pray to God he doesn’t start with Adam Lallana!

Should Liverpool lose out, they still have the title to lose in my opinion. There’s a long way to go for sure but with the form Liverpool have, one has to fancy them go all the way, regardless of tonight’s result.

The last time #LFC lifted the title they demolished #MCFC 1-4 at Maine Road enroute with goals from Rush, Beardsley & McMahon. Clive Allen netted a consolation goal from the spot for the blues.

Is the title over if Liverpool take all the points? #MCILIV pic.twitter.com/2QmG1OROgm

— 3Retro Football (@3retro_) January 2, 2019

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