Five rounds ago Manchester City led Liverpool by two points and boasted a far superior goal difference, but going into this potential classic the tables have turned – the ‘Reds’ currently lead the Premier League (PL) by seven points, and currently better City’s goal difference by two.
Three defeats within the last five rounds is unusual for Pep Guardiola’s men, but at home sparks fly for City, who’ve won 12 of 14 here this season (in all competitions – L2). Matches have averaged 4.14 goals, and the ‘Citizens’ have netted two or more in all but one of those home games.
Liverpool, meanwhile, haven’t conceded more than once in any PL match so far, and have 12 clean sheets already. Against City in Manchester, however, they’ve conceded in eight straight league matches (W1, D2, L5).
These teams have both won at half-time and full-time (W/W) on 13 occasions this PL season – a league high. However Liverpool have been more resilient, turning four of six half-time draws into wins (two of five for City), and rescuing a draw from a losing half-time position the one time they’ve been in that situation (City have lost two of two).
Players to watch: Sergi Agüero has nine PL goals for City, however fit again midfield dynamoFernandinho has been particularly pivotal. Absent in two of their recent three defeats, City have a 64.3% win rate when he’s not in the side – with him it’s 74.1%.
Directly involved in 20 PL goals this season (13 goals, seven assists), Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has six in his last five matches.
Stat attack: Both teams have scored in nine of City’s last ten competitive matches.
The last six competitive H2Hs have contained an average of 5.0 yellow cards.
Jürgen Klopp holds the upper hand in his H2H battle with Pep Guardiola (W8, D2, L5).
Will not play
Bravo C.
(Achilles Tendon Injury)
Gomez J.
(Broken Leg)
Delph F.
(Red Card)
Matip J.
(Shoulder Injury)
Mangala E.
(Knee Injury)
Oxlade-Chamberlain A.
(Knee Injury)
Mendy B.
(Knee Injury)
Solanke D.
(Groin Injury)
Questionable
De Bruyne K.
(Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Taylor A. (Eng),
Venue: Etihad Stadium (Manchester)