Saturday 21st November 2015 Kickoff: 1730hrs
Manchester City v Liverpool
Football – England – Premier League
Depending on the results in the earlier kickoffs, Manchester City could find themselves drop from first to fourth before their game with Liverpool. It’s a sign of how tightly packed the top of the table is at the moment, making each game important as the challengers jockey for position approaching the hectic Christmas period. Their opponents their weekend may not harbour the same ambitions, but as they sit only four points outside of the Champions League spot, the Reds still have more than a realistic chance of finishing in the top four. This game will have an extra edge to it, of course, as Raheem Sterling faces his old club having left Liverpool for Manchester City in the summer – in somewhat acrimonious circumstances.
City hold on to top spot virtue of goal difference having dropped points last time out away to Aston Villa. The leaders had enough chances in that game to win two or three, but it’s now three away league games in a row where they have failed to win. It’s that reason why the have found themselves back level on points with Arsenal having had a sizeable lead at one point. Their home form, on the other hand, has been much stronger and they come into this weekend with five wins in their six Premier League games at the Etihad. Manuel Pellegrini also has the slight luxury of knowing that City have qualified for the last-16 of the Champions League which will enable them to focus on trying to reestablish a lead at the top of the Premier League. That has not been the case in previous seasons as City’s European fate has not been decided until the final match day in December. Pellegrini also knows that a point in Turin on Wednesday would go a long way to City qualifying as group leaders.
Jurgen Klopp has been in charge at Anfield for a little over a month and it’s been much more reserved than many would have thought. The rock n roll persona that he bestowed on himself during his time at Dortmund has not been to the fore since arriving in England as continues to go about his business quietly. Three wins, three draws and one defeat across three different competitions is his early record – with his only loss coming in Liverpool’s most recent game at home to Crystal Palace. It was after that game where we first saw a side of Klopp we have become familiar with as his passion came out in the post-game press conference. The German was unhappy with how the supporters reacted late on in the game, with many of them leaving before the end of the game. It’s no secret that he wishes to instil a whole club philosophy and the challenge he laid down to the club’s supporters is part of that. As is evident across all modern day football, the away supporters tend to be more supportive and there will be no issue with the backing the Liverpool players will receive on Saturday.
The big news for City fans will be the return to training for their talisman Sergio Aguero who has been out for over a month after getting injured on International duty with Argentina. It will be a big call for Pellegrini, whether or not to thrown him back into the team from the start having been out for so long. His hand may be slightly forced, though, as Wilfried Bony picked up an injury against Villa and will not be available for selection, leaving the leaders limited for options, up top. Another man who remains sidelined is David Silva and his creativity and ability in possession has been sorely missed. It’s meant City have relied on a more direct approach at times – using width and speed more. Kevin de Bruyne’s influence has not been as great in recent matches and he’s one player who will have to contribute more considering the money that was paid for him.
Liverpool will also be looking to welcome back one of their own key players as Daniel Sturridge nears a return. Blighted by injury this season, Sturridge could be the perfect forward player for Klopp who likes to have a goal threat from wide. Marco Reus played a huge rule for Dortmund in the last couple of years under Klopp, with his ability to score regularly from the wing, and that’s a role that Sturridge could fill when back to full fitness. It would also allow Christian Benteke to play as the lone striker which should, in theory, make Liverpool’s attacking threat more potent – an area they have struggled massively since Luis Suarez left the club last year.
Manchester City v Liverpool Betting Tips
A lot will hinge on whether or not Aguero is available for City as his movement and ability to occupy defenders brings a whole new dimension to their attack. Without him it’s likely Sterling would be selected for the lone striker role – and despite having pace to burn, he doesn’t have the same intelligence to create as many opportunities for himself. Sturridge would also be a welcome addition for those of us who want to see an open and attacking game. Liverpool are much more threatening with him in the team and it usually allows the opposition more space as his defensive capabilities may not be as good as others in that position.
I am taking it as though Aguero will be in be the staring eleven and that should mean a long 90 minutes for Dejan Lovren who looks set to start in the league for the first time since the 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford. Lovren has really struggled against pace in his time at Anfield and it’s one thing that City have in abundance. Liverpool have scored in all but one of the games that Klopp has been in charge and I think they have enough about them to find the net this evening. Will that be enough? I don’t think so – City will be desperate to get back to winning ways after the draw at Villa and I believe they will have too much for the visitors. Both teams to score and City win has came in the last five games at the Etihad and that’s the bet here.
Manchester City to win and both teams to score 11/4 @ Ladbrokes
