Manchester City vs Liverpool - Premier League Preview and Odds

Published on: 02/01/2019

Manchester City vs Liverpool - Premier League Preview and Odds

January 03, 2019 20:00pm - Etihad Stadium

Premier League

The busy festive schedule concludes with the standout fixture of the season so far as league leaders Liverpool make the short trip east to face reigning champions Manchester City. The Reds have a seven-point cushion over their rivals, but can they maintain or extend their lead on Wednesday night?

Manchester City surprised everyone by floundering in December while Liverpool enjoyed a perfect end to 2018. As a result, Pep Guardiola`s men lost their advantage in the league and have also fallen behind on goal difference. They now face the difficult challenge of overhauling the league`s in-form team.

Just before Christmas, the Sky Blues were beaten on home soil for the first time this season, falling 3-2 to Crystal Palace. Overall, they have lost three of their last five games. However, their most recent outing was a 3-1 win at Southampton.

The Citizens have already lost more games than they did in the whole of last season and have now slipped to second favourites in the Premier League winner`s betting market.

Meanwhile, Liverpool will arrive in Manchester in high spirits having remained unbeaten in their opening 20 games. The Reds won all eight of the games they played in December including a crucial Champions League clash against Napoli, and local derbies against Everton and Manchester United.

Jurgen Klopp`s men have not lost away from home in the league since the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea back in May. They have scored in every away game since then, winning eight and drawing two.

As well as extending their lead to 10 points, the Anfield club will also be out for revenge after losing this fixture 5-0 last season. Sadio Mane was sent off last in the first half of that clash with the Reds just a goal down - an incident from which they never recovered.

Recent Form (League)

Manchester City: WLLWL

Liverpool: WWWWW

Betting odds and tips

The Reds are much tighter unit than the one that crumbled at the Etihad last time out. They also arrive here firmly in the driving seat and know City will have to chase the game. A draw would suit the visitors, but a win would put them within touching distance of the title.

City know that a win here would get their title defence back on track while piling a heap of extra pressure on Klopp`s men.

With so much at stake, it is hard to pick a clear favourite. As a result, a score draw looks the best option.

You can the Draw and Both Teams to Score at 7/2.

By Neil Morris