Liverpool FC v Manchester City FC – Match Preview

Liverpool will be hoping to return to winning ways tomorrow, and in the process, restore the Fortress Anfield tag. The Merseysiders were finally defeated at Anfield following Chelsea’s last gasp win in the League Cup last week.

Overview

Liverpool’s record in the last five games against tomorrow’s opponents reads: P5; W5; D0; L0. Impressive given the quality in the Manchester City side. However, this only adds weight to the reputation the Reds have gained for only playing well against top teams. Given their performances so far this season, that reputation has been laid to rest for the moment. The likes of Crystal Palace and West ham have already been dispatched thus far this season.

City will be full of confidence ahead of this game and will be looking to put their Liverpool hoodoo to rest. The hosts on the other hand will be reeling from two recent last minute defeats and a draw in their last three games. The draw was of course in the was in the league and hence their unbeaten records far this season stands.

Line-Ups

The Reds will be without long term absentees Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Rhian Brewster. In addition Naby Keïta, who was stretchered out of the midweek game against Napoli, is a 50/50 option. Adam Lallana has recently returned to training following a ground strain but this game will come too soon for him.

Expect Jordan Henderson to return to the starting eleven given the defensive discipline that will be required against Pep Guardiola’s side. Let’s not forget that the generous goal difference (six) separates these two teams right now. Daniel Sturridge would be my preferred starter ahead of Sadio Mané on form alone but I’m not sure Jürgen Klopp will droop last seasons too goal scorer Mo Salah.

The Sky Blues will welcome the return of Kevin de Bruyne and Benjamin Mendy. Claudio Barca remains out and Ilkay Güldogan will be a last minute inclusion if at all. Raheem Sterling will likely start but will likely come in for some stick from the Liverpool crowd due to his acrimonious departure in 2015. Danger men Sergio Aguero and Bernardo Silva will be charged with putting their hosts on the back foot.

Prediction

No prediction from me as usual because I’m too chicken. However, as a suggestion, I can see this one being a draw. Why? Simply on current form. Don’t get me wrong, the wheels haven’t fallen off the Liverpool bandwagon, but I fear the last few results have dented them a little.

Sturridge should be starting in my opinion. He can do more damage for 90 minutes rather than simply coming on to score after Salah has missed four or five gilt-edged chances. There will be goals in this game.

"THE SHOT IS LOW AND IT'S IN THE BACK OF THE NET!!"

🚀🚀 from @Alex_OxChambo last time out against @ManCity @ Anfield.

🔜 #LIVMCI pic.twitter.com/sdhemd2Xph

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 6, 2018

In order to win, Liverpool need to get the players out there who are most likely to do so and for me that’s the former City striker.

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