5 reasons why Manchester City v Liverpool will be the game of the season so far
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Title rivals clash at lunchtime on Saturday
The Premier League makes a welcome return this weekend as two title rivals clash at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City welcome Liverpool in a game that will see a victor go top of the table, if only for a short while.
It’s a fixture that has all of the ingredients to be the game of the season so far.
The Coral News Team takes a look at why there’s so much excitement surrounding the match.
Goals galore
When these two teams meet they don’t do things by halves. Ten of the last 12 meetings have seen both teams find the back of the net.
And with the forward talent available to both sides at the moment it’s hard to see this one finishing without goals for either side.
Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah have all found the back of the net for Liverpool. While Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling are in good scoring form for the hosts. It’s 1/2 for Both Teams to Score.
The rivalry
A growing rivalry has emerged between the two clubs in recent years.
That is down to the pair both competing for the Premier League title. The sale of Raheem Sterling from Anfield to the Etihad hasn’t helped either. There’s still some bad blood between the two giants and that could manifest itself with a feisty encounter on the pitch.
Expect fouls, fracas and a few cards as well.
Defensive incapability
Given both sides’ propensity for conceding goals there should be some interesting action at the back. John Stones, Dejan Lovren et al are all prone to a mistake.
And with the attacking line-ups that both teams boast any slips-ups will quite literally be pounced upon. It should make for exciting viewing, even if the respective managers might not think so.
Guardiola v Klopp
These are two box offices managers. Their touchline antics reflect that. But it’s Klopp who holds the edge ahead of their eleventh clash as managers.
In fact Klopp is unbeaten against Guardiola as Liverpool coach. The Spaniard also lost five games against the top-7 last season. Guardiola will be eager to set that record straight on Saturday and pick up City’s first home win of the season.
Will Coutinho return?
The futures of Raheem Sterling, and in particular Philippe Coutinho, remain uncertain. For Coutinho in particular question marks remain over his future on Merseyside. But Jurgen Klopp could still integrate the Brazilian back into his squad.
He looks set to be in the 18 for Saturday’s trip to the Citizens and is 16/5 to silence the critics and score anytime.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
