Premier League: Different Horizons for Previously Dominant Duo

Manchester City vs Liverpool

For the last four years Manchester City and Liverpool have been widely recognised as the country’s top two teams.

Indeed, this fixture has often not just been billed as such, but has proved pivotal in the outcome of the Premier League title race.

That is not the case this season, which is surprising given both clubs were again the favourites at the start of the campaign.

City are doing their bit, however, as they aim to become only the second team in the Premier League era to win three titles in succession.

With Arsenal holding an eight point lead at the summit though (having played one game more), it means there is little room for Pep Guardiola’s charges to slip up; albeit there is no guarantee the Gunners will not stumble.

And with a much heavier fixture load, the pressure is on City to maintain their challenge on both the domestic and European fronts – beginning with the lunchtime visit of the inconsistent Merseysiders who themselves need the points to seal a top four spot and a return to the Champions League.

Should we expect more Premier League highlights at the Etihad Stadium?

I should say so.

Talking Points

Much may depend on whether their goal machine Erling Haaland is fit to return after he missed international duty with Norway due to injury.

In the week leading up to the international break, Haaland plundered five goals as City slaughtered Red Bull Leipzig 7-0 in the Champions League and he followed that up with his sixth hat-trick of the campaign in a 6-0 FA Cup rout over Burnley.

The giant Norwegian has scored 42 goals so far this season, including six trebles. He has scored 28 in the Premier League from 26 games, ten from six in the Champions League, three in the FA Cup and one in the League Cup.

That means he’s highly likely to pick up the Golden Boots in both Europe and England – and all this at the age of 22.

As my SBOTOP colleague Stuart Wilkin observed last week: ‘At 6ft 5in, he is a man mountain with a rock solid frame, and that makes him the perfect centre forward to hold up play and link with his attacking midfielders. But he also possesses a frightening turn of pace which helps him get behind the last line of defence and then he displays his devastating finishing skills. Haaland can shoot clinically with either foot and he is powerful in the air, while his positional sense ensures that when the killer ball comes in he is there to bust the net.’

Of course, the focus should not be just on one man as there are matchwinners all over the park for both sides.

One man who will be missing is Phil Foden who has undergone surgery this week to remove his appendix.

While City need the points to keep the pressure up on Arsenal, Liverpool – their own title hopes long since evaporated – need the points for a top four push and a return to the Champions League next season after they were knocked out a fortnight ago by Real Madrid.

There is still plenty on the line for the dominant duo of recent years.

History

This is their fourth match-up this season.

Liverpool enjoyed victory in the Community Shield at the start of the campaign before a Mo Salah goal secured them a 1-0 league victory at Anfield in October.

City then knocked the Merseysiders out of the League Cup they were holders of just before Christmas when Nathan Ake scored the winner in an exciting five-goal cup tie.

Both last season’s league matches were compelling and both finished 2-2.

It was City, of course, who had the last laugh as they pipped Liverpool for the Premier League title by a solitary point in a thrilling and dramatic last day.

Overall, Liverpool have won 107 of their clashes with 58 City successes and 56 draws.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP Premier League betting odds are stacked highly in the hosts’ favour.

While Liverpool will present good value for many, both 1X2 @ 5.20 and Asian Handicap +0.75 @ 2.17, the smart money will be in a home win.

City can be backed 1X2 @ 1.54 and Asian Handicap -1.25 @ 2.25.

A repeat of their 2-2 draw last term is on offer @ 16.50 with Correct Score, while another 3-2 City success will earn you a pay day of @ 21.00.

There have been a few but it’s unusual for this fixture to be goalless and that is reflected with odds of total goal 0-1 @  4.50, 2-3 @ 2.04 and 4-6 @ 2.89, as well as Over 3.25 goals @ 2.29. I have considered the 1X2 Draw @ 3.90 but will plump for City to edge this.

 

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