Big Match Breakdown: Manchester City v Liverpool
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The Premier League comes back with a cracker
The Premier League returns with a bang as Manchester City face Liverpool in the early kick-off on Saturday. Both of these sides are potential title contenders. They’re both better at attacking than defending too. That means we could have a great game in store.
The Coral News team have taken a look at the players and battles that could decide this one.
Head to Head
Manchester City haven’t been able to handle Liverpool’s rapid counter attacks in recent years.
The Reds have won four of the last five league meetings between the two sides. The other one ended in a draw.
Both sides are on seven points after winning two and drawing one of their three top flight games so far. Liverpool’s superior goal difference places them in second. City are sitting in fourth.
The Likely XIs
Man City
Raheem Sterling is suspended for this one and a two-man midfield means Kevin De Bruyne should move out to the right. Gabriel Jesus is likely to get the nod over Sergio Aguero in attack.
Kyle Walker’s available for selection again and his pace and power gives City an additional threat on the right flank.
If Vincent Kompany is fit, Pep Guardiola must choose either John Stones or Nicolas Otamendi to partner him. Stones should get the nod. Liverpool put opposition defenders under immense pressure and Stones is far more comfortable on the ball.
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp will be pondering over whether to include Philippe Coutinho. The playmaker is a very useful option but Jurgen Klopp doesn’t need to disrupt a team that seems to be working.
That’s why new signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should also start on the bench on Saturday too.
In defence, James Milner would add experience and security at left-back. Alberto Moreno has been much improved this season. However, he’s still more effective going forward than defending.
Mignolet is also expected to start in goal after being rested for the Arsenal game.
Key Battles
Midfield
Manchester City like to dominate possession, but that suits Liverpool’s counter attacking play perfectly.
To prevent his side being exposed on the break, Guardiola should shore up the middle with Yaya Toure alongside Fernandinho. It may be too early for Ilkay Gundogan to start after so long out.
Liverpool’s midfield of Jordan Henderson, Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum will look to absorb pressure and quickly release their rapid attackers.
Joe Gomez against Leroy Sane
Joe Gomez is a very promising young defender but he wasn’t really tested in the 4-0 win against the Gunners.
The England Under-21 captain will have much more work to do against Leroy Sane.
Sane is an exceptional dribbler and has made plenty of experienced opponents look foolish. Liverpool’s midfielders will need to make sure Gomez isn’t left isolated against him.
Match Odds
Despite their poor recent record against Liverpool, City are 4/5 favourites. Liverpool will fancy their chances at 3/1. The draw is 29/10.
With both teams so strong going forward, there are likely to be goals here. Over 3.5 Total Goals is priced at 13/10.
Sadio Mane has scored in all three league games so far this season. Think he’ll keep that streak going? Mane is 19/10 to score Anytime. In blue, Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero are both Evens to score Anytime.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing>
