Saturday Premier League Cup Preview and Odds – Manchester City vs Liverpool

September 09, 2017 12:30pm

The Etihad Stadium

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Manchester City: WDLWW

Liverpool: WWWWD

Two of the Premier League’s title contenders, Manchester City and Liverpool, will face each other in the early kick-off on Saturday with both sides defending unbeaten records this term. The action will take place at the Etihad Stadium.

City got their campaign off to a flier with a dominant 2-0 win away to league newcomers Brighton and Hove Albion. Since then however, they have been less than convincing, drawing at home to Everton (after being reduced to 10 men) and nicking an away win at AFC Bournemouth. They will need to up their game this weekend as they host one of last season’s top four finishers.

Pep Guardiola’s men do have an impressive home record in the league, with their one and only defeat last term coming against eventual champions Chelsea. However, their record against Liverpool has not been great in recent years, their only win in the last six meetings coming via penalties in the EFL Cup final just over 18 months ago.

Following his over exuberant celebrations in the win against Bournemouth for which he picked up a second yellow card, City forward Raheem Sterling will unable to face his former club.

Liverpool started the season in typically chaotic style, thrashing out a 3-3 draw away to Marco Silva’s Watford. Since then they have won four games on the trot, including a comprehensive 4-0 thrashing of Arsenal last time out. With eight goals scored in their last two games, the Reds will fancy their chances of at least taking a point from this game and look good value to grab the win at 16/5 with Betfair.

Jurgen Klopp has hinted that Philippe Countinho may play some part as he appears to have recovered from a back injury. The Brazilian was strongly linked with a move to Barcelona in the summer by the club were unrelenting in their commitment to not sell the player at any price.

Prediction

Liverpool have a decent record against City and will not be intimidated by a visit to the Etihad. An open game can be expected and the visitors are well-priced to take something from this game.

You can back Liverpool/Draw Double Chance at Evens with Betfair.