12 Jun 2019
Despite City’s relentless form this season - which has seen them lose just one of their last 39 games - this weekend marks what has been somewhat of a bogey fixture for them.
In fact, in the modern top-flight era, they have recorded just a solitary victory at Anfield, losing 14 of their 20 meetings. Their last win at the famous ground was some fifteen years ago back in 2003, when City winger Leroy Sane was just seven years old.
Aside from Sane’s now pivotal role in the City side though, much has changed at City since then. Pep Guardiola will look to seek further joy against the hosts after completing a 5-0 rout at the Etihad earlier in the season.
That result was the first time City had netted five or more against the Reds since 1937. It’s also one which Jurgen Klopp will no doubt be keen to avenge, as his heaviest defeat in all competitions as Liverpool manager and his joint-heaviest ever managerial loss.
Both teams come into this weekend’s clash in hot form, with a draw apiece the only blip for both in an otherwise flawless Christmas period. As a result, City now sit a remarkable 15 points clear at the top, whilst Liverpool have lifted themselves up into the Champions League spots.
Such is the fierceness of the competition though, both teams will be desperate to win this weekend, as all four of the Premier League’s top four sides boast unbeaten records in their last five games.
As the two highest scoring teams in this season’s Premier League campaign, Liverpool and City have unquestionable firepower.
For the Reds, although they will undoubtedly miss Philippe Coutinho after his mega money move to Barcelona, Salah and Firmino have combined to score an incredible 26 goals between them in the league the season. Throw Sadio Mané into the mix and they look an enticing prospect at Premier League betting odds of 21/10 to record yet another Anfield win against City.
If you thought Salah and Firmino were deadly however, City’s double act of Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling have one more goal between them at 27 for the season. Aguero comes into this weekend’s clash with a hat-trick of goals to his name in the past week as City recorded two important domestic cup wins in the space of just four days. He’ll no doubt be hungry for more on Sunday at football betting odds of 4/5 to score anytime.
Of all the talk about the likely goal fest that we could be in store for though, it could be the defence that holds the key on Sunday. Virgil van Dijk will certainly be keen to build upon a fairytale debut in the FA cup, and an unlikely Liverpool clean sheet could be worth a punt at Premier League betting odds of 15/4.
City’s game against Palace on New Year’s Eve was the only time they have failed to score in the Premier League all season though, so they may have their work cut out.
City themselves will be keen to avoid any complacency after giving away a potentially game winning penalty in that game against Palace, as well another against Bristol City in mid-week.
Liverpool will certainly need all the luck they can get if they are to sneak this one, as The Sky Blues have conceded just 13 in the league all season and more than one on just two occasions.
Despite losing this fixture every year since the 2013/14 Premier League season, City’s utter dominance this season makes them our favourites on Sunday at football betting odds of 5/4 to take home all three points.
Enjoy live Premier League action in your local casino, find your nearest Genting here.
