Liverpool and Manchester City will face off at Anfield in a clash which could have huge implications in the Premier League title race.
So far, Liverpool (2.14) leads the Premier League with 31 points from 12 games, while second-placed Manchester City (3.25) have 23 points. To get even, an eight-point lead is a significant advantage for Arne Slot’s men. However, City have staged some comebacks in recent Premier League title races. As a result, they cannot be written off.
If City loses again at Anfield, it will be a long way back for Pep Guardiola’s men. On the other hand, if they win, the title race will be blown wide open again despite the defending champions’ recent struggles.
Manchester City’s Poor Form
City has five losses already and a draw for the previous six matches. In their last Premier League game, they were hammered 4-0 by Tottenham. This time, it should be considered that Rodri’s absence through injury has seriously impacted their stability in midfield. However, their decline can also be partially attributed to the team being in a state of transition.
Many of the stars who have helped City become the dominant force in the last decade of the Premier League have moved on while the others are becoming older.
City has failed to add depth in the striker position particularly, with Erling Haaland carrying the weight of the load. It must be noted that Haaland is not a classical Guardiola-style striker in the mould of Lionel Messi. Rather, he is a goalscorer who helped the team in limited and yet specific ways.
Why Liverpool Are Worth Backing
Liverpool does not have a perfect squad themselves. They, too, are transitioning with a new head coach having taken charge. Although that is the case, they are further along with their succession planning for the legends who carried them in the Jürgen Klopp era. Additionally, Liverpool also seems to be motivated to play under a new head coach who has brought them fresh ideas and a renewed solidity in the back.
The Reds have the best defence in the Premier League this season to date, with eight goals conceded. City, by contrast, have conceded 17.
The clubs’ head-to-head records are relatively even in recent years. However, on current form, it is worth backing Liverpool to clinch the win.
