Get ready for the clash of the Premier League heavyweights on the weekend, as Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield.
The battle is between the early-season leaders against defending champions. Although a single point separates the two sides in first and second place after six games in the 2021-22 Premier League season.
Liverpool vs Manchester City : Match Preview
Liverpool have started the season brightly and are unbeaten in the opening six games. The Reds are scoring goals for fun, with Mohamed Salah in red hot form with six goals and two assists in six Premier League games. Interestingly, the Reds are the only side to net more goals than any other side (15).
However, Man City have conceded the fewest goals in the league so far (1). Thus, keeping a clean sheet in their last five league games.
Although, for the Reds, some questions can be raised regarding their defensive display as they have started conceding some goals in their recent matches. Moreover, they also conceded three goals last weekend against Brentford.
The Reds travelled midweek to play FC Porto in the Champions League clash and came back to Merseyside with a 5-1 win.
Meanwhile, Manchester City will travel to Liverpool after a disappointing defeat against Paris Saint Germain in midweek. Domestically, the Citizens have recovered well from their defeat against Spurs on the opening day and have now defeated Chelsea in the previous Premier League fixture.
Last season, Pep Guardiola won his first game as Manchester City manager with a 4-1 win at Anfield. And would like to have the same outcome this time too. However, the Sky Blues haven’t won consecutive league games at Anfield since January 1953.
This time, with the fans back in Anfield the atmosphere is going to be electrifying. Thus, a blockbuster is on the menu as the winner takes the top spot in the Premier League table.
Team News
Liverpool will be without the first choice Right-back Trent Alexander Arnold, who will be joining Harvey Elliot and Thiago Alcantara on the sidelines.
James Milner should retain his place as Right back, after a strong show in midweek at Portugal.
While Curtis Jones’s recent impressive performance in midfield should please Klopp and earn a start against the defending champions.
Firmino’s brace in midweek Champions League clash has put Klopp in a quandary about whether to start with Diego Jota or Roberto Firmino. Even though Jota has been able to retain his place in starting eleven so far, but Klopp might prefer the Brazilian for this high voltage tie.
Liverpool probable starting lineup:
Alisson; James Milner, Joel Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Jones; Salah, Firmino, Mane.
Liverpool vs Manchester City: Prediction
The clash between Premier League’s giants should be an absolute classic. With Liverpool’s fluent scoring record so far in the season, the visitor’s defence surely be unable to hold the famous trio.
Meanwhile, for Pep Guardiola even without recognised number nine still have plenty of options in attack. So it won’t be surprising if both teams play out a 1-1 draw, with Pep and Klopp shaking hands at the full-time whistle.
