The Premier League returns with a more exciting competition, between the two top teams Man City vs Liverpool competing fiercely in the past half decade.
No one denies the strength of Man City and Liverpool, as the two teams have won all 6 of the most recent Premier League titles and reached 5 Champions League finals in the past 6 years.
The competition between two great strategists, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, pushed them to new heights, with 28 clashes on the coaching bench, with the better win going to Klopp (11 matches).
Pep Guardiola had nearly two weeks to analyze the 4-4 draw at Chelsea. The three-time Premier League champion took the lead but could not finish off the opponent and had to leave the field with 1 point.
That draw accounted for 1/3 of the number of goals conceded by Man City since the beginning of the season, an alarming signal when they lost control. This weekend, “Green” Man continues without Stones and Nathan Ake.
Guardiola also has big concerns in attack, because Haaland is having ankle problems. The Norwegian striker scored 49 goals in 47 Premier League appearances, approaching Andy Cole’s record.
As for Liverpool, they entered the international break in second place thanks to a convincing 3-0 win over Brentfod. This is also the 9th time The Kop has performed a triumphant song at Anfield this season.
Even though he is over three weeks old, Salah still plays an extremely important role in Liverpool’s attack. “The King of Egypt” is Man City’s villain, because he tore the opponent’s net 11 times.
Mohamed Salah also has great chemistry with Darwin Nunez. This duo created more chances (19) and assists (5) for each other than any other pair in the 2023/24 Premier League.
However, the physical strength of the South American stars on the away team is difficult to guarantee, because Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz or Mac Allister have just returned to England after a long flight.
Asian odds: Man City handicap 3/4 (0: 3/4) – TX: 3 1/4
Prediction: Man City wins 3-2
Force information
Man City: Kevin De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic, John Stones and Matheus Nunes cannot play due to injury. Nathan Ake’s ability to compete with Julian Alvarez remains open.
Liverpool: Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic and Robertson are injured. Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez also have fitness problems.
Probable teams
Man City: Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Silva, Rodri, Foden; Doku, Haaland, Grealish.
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Jota, Gakpo.