For the first time since his highly contentious summer transfer, Raheem Sterling will meet his old club Liverpool this weekend. League leaders Manchester City still face a lot of uncertainty surrounding the status of their injured stars, so Sterling could take center stage in the City attack against the Reds, who are still finding their way under new manager Jurgen Klopp.
Can Sterling lead City to a big home win over his old team? Read on for our preview of the English Premier League’s marquee matchup this weekend. And for more world-class soccer action, check out our preview of El Clasico, Real Madrid vs. Barcelona.
[sc:Soccer ]Manchester City vs. Liverpool Preview
Where: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
When: Saturday, November 21, 12:30 PM ET
Line: Manchester City -177 vs. Liverpool +390, tie +275; total 2.5 – view all EPL lines
Betting on Manchester City
Manchester City came unstuck in their last Premier League match prior to the international break, as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa. However, they were still able to hold on to top spot in the league over Arsenal by goal difference.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]City were still without stars Sergio Aguero and David Silva against Villa, and also lost striker Wilfried Bony within half an hour due to a hamstring injury. All three, plus captain Vincent Kompany, who picked up a knock while playing for Belgium, are doubtful to feature against Liverpool.
It speaks to City’s incredible depth that they should still be able to field some very formidable attacking talents even if Aguero and Silva don’t start.
Record signings Kevin De Bruyne and former Liverpool starlet Raheem Sterling have kept the team afloat alongside Yaya Toure over the past couple of weeks. De Bruyne has three goals and four assists in seven Premier League starts, while Sterling has four goals in 10 starts. Three of Sterling’s goals came in City’s 5-1 thrashing of Bournemouth at home in October.
City’s attack has been close to unstoppable at home this season. They’ve already scored 19 goals in six games, and have won five of those games. Dating back to last season, they’ve won 12 of their last 13 home games.
Manuel Pellegrini has won both home meetings with Liverpool since coming to Man City. Furthermore, City have not lost to Liverpool at home in their last six league meetings (four wins, two draws).
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Betting on Liverpool
Liverpool suffered defeat for the first time in the Jurgen Klopp era, as they were upset 2-1 by Crystal Palace at Anfield. Prior to that loss, Liverpool had gone six games unbeaten under Klopp, and had been on a three-match winning run.
However, the loss to Palace illustrated Liverpool’s continuing problems upfront. Despite launching 22 shots, only four were on target. The Reds have scored just eight goals in seven matches under Klopp, a total which, considering they faced weaker clubs like Rubin Kazan (twice) and Bournemouth, should really be much higher.
Liverpool’s attacking woes are so bad that oft-injured striker Daniel Sturridge could be fast-tracked to the starting lineup just days after returning to full training.
The lone bright side in Liverpool’s attack, though, is the fine form of Philippe Coutinho. The talented Brazilian has scored three goals in his last two Premier League games, including a brace in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Chelsea.
Coutinho has been a thorn to City’s side over the last couple of years. He’s scored three times in his last four games against City, including two game-winning goals at Anfield.
Despite a poor showing at Palace, Liverpool have improved defensively under Klopp, and should provide some stern resistance against City’s formidable attack. They’ve conceded just one goal in three away games with Klopp in charge this season.
Writer’s Prediction
Manchester City has too much firepower and deals Liverpool a second-consecutive loss. City (-177) wins, 2-0, at home.
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