Manchester City vs. Liverpool: Premier League Preview

Following a week of enduring the routine of the international break, supporters will be relieved that Premier League football will resume this weekend.

Liverpool will open the weekend’s proceedings in the disadvantageous early time slot on Saturday as they confront their most challenging encounter of the season against Manchester City at the Etihad.

Manchester City vs. Liverpool: Form Guide

Prior to the international break, Manchester City contributed to one of the most exciting Premier League matches in recent history. Another high-scoring match is anticipated this weekend, although securing all three points at the Etihad won’t be a walk in the park.

Despite experiencing difficulties at Stamford Bridge last time out, the team managed by Pep Guardiola still occupies the highest position in the league standings as they strive to secure their fourth consecutive Premier League championship. However, Liverpool, who trail by a mere point, want to surpass Manchester City in the rankings during their upcoming match on Saturday.

Manchester City: Previous 6 Matches

Despite Jurgen Klopp’s dislike for the 12:30 (GMT) kick-off hour, Liverpool Football Club has emerged victorious in both early Saturday fixtures this season. These triumphs include a 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers and a 2-0 success against Everton in the much-anticipated Merseyside derby.

Nevertheless, the next encounter is a formidable test for the Liverpool team, as they have not emerged victorious at the Etihad Stadium in any competitive fixture since 2018, and their last Premier League triumph at this venue dates back to 2015.

If Liverpool were to secure a victory, they would surpass Manchester City in the standings. However, obtaining any positive outcome from Saturday’s encounter would be seen as favourable for Liverpool.

Liverpool: Previous 6 Matches

Manchester City vs. Liverpool: The Betting Odds 

Man City 8/11

Draw 7/2

Liverpool 18/5

Unsurprisingly, the defending champions of England and Europe have been positioned by quality UK betting sites in 2023 as this weekend’s favourite. While it’s expected that Manchester City would head into Saturday’s morning game as the favourable side, the price is more generous than what we’d usually receive on the Premier League champs due to the level of competition they’re facing in Liverpool.

Manchester City vs. Liverpool: Team News

Man City Team News

• The sole confirmed non-participants for Manchester City are Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones. However, despite several speculations regarding injuries over the recent international break, Pep Guardiola’s team appears to have a rather favourable state of physical well-being leading up to Saturday’s game.
• Erling Haaland sustained a minor injury while on international duty, and his availability for Liverpool’s upcoming match is uncertain. Nevertheless, the Norwegian player is anticipated to recover in time to participate.
• The situation is analogous for custodian Ederson, who opted to depart prematurely from the Brazil national team and was subsequently substituted by Alisson for the latest 2026 World Cup qualifying matches. However, it is anticipated that Ederson will be fit to participate in the forthcoming game between Manchester City and Liverpool.
• Nathan Ake, Mateo Kovacic, and Matheus Nunes were unable to participate in the international break due to injuries, therefore necessitating late fitness assessments by Manchester City for these three players. Nevertheless, Kovacic is anticipated to be the sole player who may be unavailable for Liverpool’s upcoming encounter.
• It is possible that Sergio Gomez may be absent from the starting lineup due to an ankle injury, but his chances of starting were already low.

Liverpool Team News

• Konate’s absence over the international break with France and his unexpected non-participation in the recent triumph against Brentford and Gomez’s injury were noteworthy developments. After a period of recovery, it is anticipated that both individuals will be in a suitable physical condition to participate in the upcoming match against Manchester City.
• Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch are expected to regain their fitness for Liverpool’s next match against the reigning champions, enhancing Jurgen Klopp’s array of midfield choices.
• Alexis Mac Allister is expected to make a comeback following his suspension, which caused him to miss the match against Brentford. However, it remains uncertain if the midfielder, along with his South American counterparts Luis Diaz, Alisson, and Darwin Nunez, will be included in the starting lineup.
• The aforementioned group of four players is expected to return to Merseyside later than most of their colleagues due to an extended and fatiguing journey from international fixtures. However, there is a likelihood that Klopp may select a few of them to start in the match against Manchester City.
• The whereabouts of the Spanish pair Thiago and Stefan Bajcetic remain unknown, and it is anticipated that both full-backs Conor Bradley and Andy Robertson will not be present.

Manchester City vs. Liverpool: Head-to-Head 

Although the encounters between Liverpool and Manchester City have been fiercely contested in recent times, Liverpool has maintained a remarkably impressive track record against their opponents from their inaugural match in 1893.

In previous encounters, 224 matches have taken place between the two sides, with Liverpool being victorious in 108 of these instances. The Reds have incurred 60 losses in games against Manchester City while also securing 56 draws.

That said, with the establishment of Manchester City’s home ground at the Etihad in 2003, Liverpool’s triumphs in the Premier League have been limited to just three encounters at this venue, with none occurring within the last eight years.

Over the previous two seasons, Liverpool and Manchester City faced each other on four occasions across various competitions. Liverpool emerged victorious in the early stages, securing a 3-1 win in the Community Shield and a 1-0 triumph in the Premier League at Anfield.

But since Pep Guardiola and Manchester City’s domineering efforts over the last twelve months, the Reds were defeated in the previous two meetings. The initial encounter resulted in a 3-2 loss in the Carabao Cup, while the subsequent match proved to be a disheartening 4-1 setback back in April.

Manchester City vs. Liverpool: Prediction 

To be candid, it is likely that Jurgen Klopp would eagerly accept a draw in the next match scheduled for this Saturday.

Although the Reds exhibit impressive proficiency in scoring goals and now occupy a favourable position in second place, it is crucial to acknowledge that Manchester City are the defending champions for good reason. The Cityzens have recently had favourable outcomes, with occasional minor setbacks, and continue to assert their dominance as the most formidable and well-rounded team in Europe.

That said, Chelsea scored four goals against Manchester City before the international break. Given Liverpool’s position at the top of the table with the greatest expected goals (xG), they are likely to feel confident in exploiting any potential weaknesses in Manchester City’s defensive line.

It is quite probable that this match will result in goals at both ends, but given the fitness levels following the international break and Liverpool’s only setbacks coming away from Anfield this season, it’s difficult to overlook the fact that these two sides will likely share the spoils. 

Man City vs. Liverpool Best Bet: Both Teams to Score @ 11/20

Man City vs. Liverpool Best Betting Value: Draw @ 7/2

Man City vs. Liverpool Score Prediction: 2-2