The Reds go head-to-head against Manchester City in one of the most highly-anticipated Premier League clashes this season at Anfield this Sunday. The defending champions have a mountain to climb as Liverpool looks to extend their commanding lead atop the table, which could well and truly leave City’s hopes of a fifth successive title in tatters.
Liverpool: Riding High on Momentum
Liverpool come into this game in red-hot form after a big statement win against Real Madrid in the Champions League. They highlighted their dominance with goals by Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo, while Mohamed Salah’s rare missed penalty ended up inconsequential.
Under Arne Slot, the Reds have become unstoppable for six consecutive matches across all competitions, scoring at least twice in each game while managing to keep clean sheets in the last three at Anfield. Liverpool has become so powerful in the domestic league and in Europe, given their run of victories now standing at six straight wins.
Key Stats:
Slot has won 10 of his first 12 Premier League matches as manager of Liverpool.
Liverpool have not lost any of the last six top-flight Premier League meetings when facing current champions in their opening encounter after appointing a new manager
Manchester City: When the Empire Crumbles.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City has much expected of its team after weeks of middling performances, and when midweek duty in the Champions League had them easily blowing a three-goal cushion against Feyenoord–the sixth game in all competitions without a win.
Domestically, City are coming off an embarrassing 4-0 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. With their top-four spot at risk, and no wins in their last four on the road, City’s struggles could be compounded at Anfield.
Key Stats:
City have scored in 26 consecutive away matches in all competitions.
Guardiola has a 27 per cent win rate against Liverpool, his worst record versus any team he’s faced five or more times.
Team News
Liverpool
Liverpool welcome Trent Alexander-Arnold back to the starting lineup, while Ibrahima Konate, Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa, and Alisson Becker are ruled out with various injuries. Curtis Jones could be replaced by Dominik Szoboszlai in the starting lineup.
Predicted Starting XI:
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Nunez.
Manchester City
Ruben Dias may be restored to the lineup after having shaken off an injury while Kevin De Bruyne could be back in the starting lineup having been rested midweek. Rodri, John Stones and Mateo Kovacic remains absent for City. Meanwhile Jeremy Doku may start for the first time after recovering from a thigh injury.
Predicted Starting XI:
Ederson; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Ake; Nunes, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Silva, Haaland, Savinho.
Match Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Manchester City
Manchester City’s defensive vulnerabilities and lack of a commanding presence in midfield make them susceptible to Liverpool’s relentless attack. While City’s attacking prowess may see them find the net, Liverpool’s superior form, especially at Anfield, should see them secure a decisive victory.
