Liverpool v Manchester City Betting Tip Draw – Sunday 1 March

Premier League Tips

It was another very disappointing European experience form Liverpool in midweek as they failed to build on their first leg lead over Besiktas, losing 1-0 and eventually going out on penalties. Of course, they were only playing in the Europa League because they could only finish third in their Champions League group. Brendan Rodgers would probably have had that competition third in his list of priorities, but it’s another opportunity for a trophy – and a potential Champions League place – gone. On the positive side, it does allow them to concentrate on the FA Cup and more importantly, finishing in the top four in the Premier League.

Two nights previous to Liverpool’s exit, Manchester City suffered another defeat in the Champions League, against the team that knocked them out of last year’s competition – Barcelona. A 2-1 defeat at home leaves them with a huge uphill battle to qualify for the quarter finals for the first time in their history. It could have been much worse for them but it’s another indication of how far they have to go before they can match the best teams in the Europe. A return to domestic action this weekend gives them a chance to reduce Chelsea’s lead at the top to two points, with the London blues engaged in the League Cup final.

I’ve written before about how tight the race is for the top four and it’s even more so following the results of the games played on Saturday. Liverpool could move level on points with fourth placed Arsenal if they can get all three points, for a couple of hours at least. Their form in the league has been pretty good, especially considering they have beaten both Tottenham and Southampton in recent weeks, two sides who are also aiming for a top four finish. Sunday’s opponents are another level above those teams but they will be confident of continuing their good form in the league.

Man City’s main problem in the league has been inconsistency at key stages of the season. They picked up just three points in four games played earlier this year which has handed the initiative to Chelsea. Five points is certainly not insurmountable for the current champions but they have to be more ruthless and disciplined in games. The signing of Wilfried Bony and return to fitness of Sergio Aguero should help with that, and the two could start together for the first time this weekend.

The last time these two sides met at Anfield was the memorable 3-2 win for Liverpool back in April 2014. Many expected the Reds to go on and win the title from there but City stayed the course better to finish top for the second time in three seasons. If they wish to do that again then nothing less than a win will do here. Liverpool are not the free flowing, attacking threat of last season but they have enough quality going forward to make this a very entertaining match and one which I think will end in a score draw.

Draw 13/5 @ Boylesports