Premier League: Top Two Set for Lunchtime Showdown

Manchester City vs Liverpool

The Premier League is back in its unadulterated form.

After the final international break of 2023, we can now look forward to three months of back-to-back top flight without disruption and there have been fewer bigger clashes than this one in recent years.

As champions Manchester City and Liverpool prepare to meet, they are also currently first and second in the standings respectively making this a true top of the table summit.

Talking Points

Last time out, City’s showdown with Chelsea could barely have been crazier.

That was when an 85th minute goal from Rodri looked like it had won the game for City until their former youth player Cole Palmer scored a 95th minute penalty to earn Chelsea a point in a pulsating 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge.

It was far more measured for Liverpool as they ran out 3-0 home winners over Brentford on the same day.

It was the latest episode of absorbing drama and Premier League highlights which captivates and frustrates in equal measure, depending on the involvement of VAR.

One man who is unhappy at the timing of this fixture is Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp who has complained about the scheduling of the contest on Saturday lunchtime.

While it is not ideal timing – a little over 72 hours after players from both sides will be involved in South American World Cup qualifiers including Brazil v Argentina more than six thousand miles away – it is hardly new.

Furthermore, there is actually a bigger gap between this game and some of the Wednesday night-Saturday lunchtime turnarounds other top flight clubs have faced so far this term.

It appears some fans of the Merseysiders are also unhappy about another aspect of their trip to face the champs – the appointment of refer Chris Kavanagh.

Their paranoia extends to the fact that Kavanagh was born just five miles from the Etihad Stadium – hardly his choosing as a new-born baby!

If they focus on omens, they will likely be happier that their team’s record under the official is positive with 13 victories from the 15 matches he has taken charge of.

At the time of writing, the big news is whether scoring sensation Erling Haaland will be fit enough to play.

He sustained a blow to his foot last Thursday when Norway beat the Faroe Islands 2-0 in a friendly in Oslo and possibly faces a race against the clock to be fit.

With Haaland, City will start as favourites in a match which is destined to deliver yet more Premier League highlights.

More importantly, the winner will have the advantage in the 2023-24 title race as City aim to make history and become the first club ever in the English game to win four top flight league championships in succession.

History

The sides met four times last season with two wins apiece.

Liverpool enjoyed victory in the Community Shield at the start of the campaign before a Mo Salah goal secured them a 1-0 league victory at Anfield in October.

City then knocked the Merseysiders out of the League Cup they were holders of just before Christmas when Nathan Ake scored the winner in an exciting five-goal cup tie.

City had the last laugh en route to the title as they thrashed their rivals  at the start of April at the Etihad Stadium.

After Salah had fired the visitors in front, City (missing Haaland) took control with goals from Julian Alvarez, Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish the scorers in a 4-1 success.

Overall, Liverpool have won 107 of their clashes with 59 City successes and 56 draws.

Betting Tip

I cannot recall the last time Manchester City were not favourites at home and it’s the same for this one, priced 1X2 @ 1.73 and Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 2.23.

Liverpool are priced 1X2 @ 3.85 – also the same odds as for the draw – and Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 2.20.

In recent years, these games have often been close but goalless draws have been rare and that is reflected in bets of under 2.75 goals @ 2.38, over 3.25 @ 2.06, total goals 0-1 @ 5.20, 2-3 @ 2.10 and 4-6 @ 2.54.

Another 4-1 City triumph is available @ 23.00 with Correct Score.

I think this could be a belter and my *** prediction with the Sbotop Premier League betting odds is Half Time Full Time Draw Home @ 4.30.

 

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