Manchester City vs Liverpool Preview

• Draw
• Over 3.5 goals

What was once anticipated as a title-deciding clash now has a very different narrative, as Manchester City host Liverpool with a massive 17-point gap between them in the Premier League table.

Defending champions City have struggled this season and are now fighting to secure a top-four spot, something they haven’t finished outside of since 2009/10.

A disastrous 5-1 loss to Arsenal and their UEFA Champions League play-off elimination to Real Madrid have contributed to their 13 losses in all competitions, the most ever for a Pep Guardiola side in a single campaign.

On the other hand, Liverpool arrive at the Etihad as league leaders, looking to do the Premier League double over City for just the third time after their 2-0 win in the reverse fixture at Anfield.

However, a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa in midweek dented their momentum slightly, and Arne Slot’s men will need a strong response to maintain their edge over second-placed Arsenal.

Key Stats

• City have lost just one of their last 15 home Premier League H2Hs vs Liverpool (W8, D6).
• Liverpool remain the only team unbeaten away from home in the league (W9, D5).
• City have suffered the most losses in a single season under Pep Guardiola (13 in all competitions).

Manchester City: Can They Recover Their Dominance?

City’s title defence is effectively over, and after their Champions League exit, the focus now shifts to securing a top-four finish.

Guardiola’s men have won five of their last seven league matches (D1, L1), but the recent 5-1 loss at Arsenal exposed their weaknesses against top opposition.

Why City Fans Can Be Hopeful

• Strong H2H record at home vs Liverpool (1 loss in 15 meetings).
• Won five of their last seven Premier League games.
• Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden hitting form.

Recent Form (Last Five Matches in All Competitions)

• Premier League: Man City 2-1 Wolves – Win
• Premier League: Arsenal 5-1 Man City – Loss
• Champions League: Man City 2-3 Real Madrid – Loss
• Premier League: Man City 3-0 Brentford – Win
• Premier League: Luton 1-2 Man City – Win

Key Player: Ederson (Goalkeeper and Playmaker)

• Could become the first goalkeeper to register an assist in three consecutive Premier League matches.
• Will be key in stopping Liverpool’s high-pressing attack.

Liverpool: Can They Take Another Step Towards the Title?

Liverpool’s draw against Aston Villa in midweek (2-2) may have frustrated fans, but they still have the upper hand in the title race. They are undefeated in their last 14 Premier League matches (W10, D4), and Arne Slot’s unbeaten away record remains intact (W9, D5).

Why Liverpool Fans Can Be Hopeful

• Unbeaten in all away league games this season (W9, D5).
• 11 wins from their last 13 Premier League Sunday games (D2).
• Arne Slot holds the record for the longest unbeaten away start by a manager in Premier League history.

Recent Form (Last Five Matches in All Competitions)

• Premier League: Aston Villa 2-2 Liverpool – Draw
• Premier League: Liverpool 2-1 Wolves – Win
• FA Cup: Liverpool 0-1 Plymouth – Loss
• Premier League: Everton 2-2 Liverpool – Draw
• Premier League: Liverpool 4-1 Bournemouth – Win

Key Player: Trent Alexander-Arnold

• Scored against Villa in midweek and in this fixture last season.
• Liverpool have won 19 of the 22 matches in which he has scored.

Head-to-Head Record (Last Six Meetings in All Competitions)

Key Trends

• Liverpool have won four of the last six H2Hs in all competitions.
• City have only lost one of the last 15 Premier League home meetings.
• The last two meetings have ended with a Liverpool win and clean sheet.

Tactical Insights

Manchester City’s Approach

• Possession-based control with De Bruyne and Foden dictating play.
• Quick transitions to expose Liverpool’s high defensive line.
• Use Ederson’s distribution to bypass Liverpool’s press.

Liverpool’s Approach

• High-intensity pressing to disrupt City’s build-up.
• Exploit City’s defensive frailties with Salah and Núñez.
• Use Alexander-Arnold’s creativity from deep positions.

Match Prediction

This is a crucial match for both sides. City need to cement their top-four status, while Liverpool are aiming to maintain their lead in the title race. Given City’s strong home record against Liverpool, but Liverpool’s excellent away form, this should be an intense battle.

Final Score Prediction: Manchester City 2-2 Liverpool

• Haaland and Foden to score for City.
• Salah and Núñez to find the net for Liverpool.
• A result that keeps Liverpool ahead in the title race but further dents City’s season.

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Man City v Liverpool, 2024/25 | Premier League