Domestic football returns with a bang on Saturday morning as Manchester City host Liverpool at The Etihad Stadium. Both of these sides have picked up seven points from their opening three games and a win for either side would take them to the top of the league, at least until Manchester United play in the evening. Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp have great respect for each other as coaches, having gone head to head in the German league before both joining Premier League clubs and it is Klopp who has held the recent advantage over Guardiola. Liverpool were unbeaten against Manchester City last season, winning 1-0 at Anfield and drawing 1-1 at The Etihad Stadium. Neither manager will want to lose this one, with both harbouring ambitions of challenging for the title.
- When: 12:30PM, Saturday, September 9th, 2017
- Where: The Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England
Manchester City
Manchester City were a little fortunate last time out against Bournemouth and it took a last gasp strike from Raheem Sterling to give them a 2-1 victory in that game. Sterling was sent off for his celebrations after the goal, meaning he will miss Saturday’s game against his former club though. Guardiola will be able to welcome back Kyle Walker from suspension though and Ilkay Gundogan is the only player missing through injury. Manchester City failed to bring in Alexis Sanchez or Jonny Evans on deadline day, but Guardiola has a whole host of attacking talent at his disposal.
Liverpool
Liverpool were superb in their last game, beating Arsenal 4-0 at Anfield in a game where the Reds were at their rampant best. Jurgen Klopp will have been encouraged by the defensive solidity shown in that game, but you’d expect Manchester City to provide a much sterner test on Saturday. Philipe Coutinho has stayed at the club, despite huge interest from Barcelona and the Brazilian wizard could come back into the squad for this game. He will be joined by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who moved to Anfield on deadline day for £40m and the Ox will be desperate to impress on his debut. Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne remain absent through injury, but Simon Mignolet is expected to regain his position in goal after being rested for the last game against Arsenal.
Talking Points
- Will Philipe Coutinho play following his transfer saga? The Brazilian ace is yet to appear this season, but scored for Brazil in their last game.
- Manchester City haven’t won at home, whilst Liverpool haven’t won away yet, will that change on Saturday?
- These two sides boast arguably the two best attacks in the Premier League, will the defences be able to cope?
Prediction
Liverpool have a superb record in big games under Jurgen Klopp, but it will be a tough ask for them to go and beat Manchester City on Saturday. Liverpool showcased their title credentials last time out against Arsenal, but Pep Guardiola’s side are a huge step up. I fancy Manchester City to just edge this one, and I can see it being 2-1 or 3-1 to the Citizens.
Betting Tips (Ladbrokes)
Manchester City start this one as favourites at odds of 4/5, whilst an away win for Liverpool is 3/1 and the draw is 14/5. You’d expect there to be goals in this one, with both sides boasting a whole host of attacking talent whilst looking creaky at the back and Manchester City to win and BTTS at 2/1 looks like a great bet.
Man City to win and BTTS – 2/1