Manchester City welcome Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium in a blockbuster Super Sunday showdown as both teams chase the 2021-22 Premier League title.
Victory would see Man City move four points clear of second-placed Liverpool and put the title in their own hands, whereas Jurgen Klopp’s Reds will leapfrog the Citizens to go top with a win.
Team News
Kyle Walker is set to return in defence for Man City after he missed their midweek Champions League win over Atletico Madrid due to suspension.
Ruben Dias (hamstring), Cole Palmer (foot) and Benjamin Mendy (personal) remain absent.
Liverpool have no fresh injury concerns to report with manager, Jurgen Klopp potentially naming an unchanged starting line-up from Tuesday’s 3-1 away win at Benfica in the Champions League.
Stat Attack
- Man City have lost just one of their last seven league meetings against Liverpool (W3, D3, L1).
- Liverpool are winless in their last five visits to Man City’s Etihad Stadium (D2, L3).
- Mohamed Salah has scored in each of his last three appearances for Liverpool against Man City.
- City’s Phil Foden has scored in his last two appearances against Liverpool, albeit away at Anfield in February & October 2021.
- In England’s top four divisions, only Championship leaders – Fulham (93) has scored more goals than Liverpool (77) coming into this matchweek.
Prediction
With an one-point advantage, Man City know that victory or a draw would see them place the title in their own hands and can come into this match high on confidence after a clinical but frustrating win over Atletico despite not facing any shots on target at their end.
Liverpool meanwhile enjoyed their own dominant display in Benfica but were frustrated by their goalkeeper rather than main defence, so I expect to see the Reds come here looking to try and attack if they can get control of the match.
City though have been superbly disciplined and in comfortably control of their matches since returning from the international break, which adds an extra tactical edge because Liverpool might have to get aggressive quickly or bide their time in sussing the Citizens out before applying their attack.
I am therefore expecting goals at both ends but with just one point separating both teams coming into this game, there is the risk that both teams could eventually try and settle for a point apiece the longer it stays goalless but I can’t see that happening.
Prediction: Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool
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