Liverpool v Manchester City: No shortage of action at Anfield
The curtain comes down on another year of Premier League football when Manchester City visit Liverpool in what may prove to be a pivotal game in the title race as Chelsea continue to streak away at the top of the table.
Betway are 11/8 (2.38) that it’s the Reds who take three points for the fourth consecutive time. The home side have found something of a new lease of life after Simon Mingolet was restored to the starting line-up by Jurgen Klopp and while he was at fault for Stoke’s opener in midweek, going forward the men from Merseyside look in ominous form.
Pep Guardiola’s men could leapfrog Liverpool into second spot with a victory here and that’s a 21/10 (3.10) shot with Betway who are 5/2 (3.50) that these sides can’t be split over the course of 90 minutes. The teams look tough to pick between in the match odds and as usual the bookmakers are giving very little away but there would be a slight preference for the home side given Manchester City’s defensive absences.
The biggest headlines could be made by players who have been missing over the festive period. Sergio Aguero is just 11/10 (2.10) to score on his return from suspension after missing the last four matches. It’s 4/1 (5.0) that the player with 16 goals in his last 16 Premier League games opens the scoring. The Argentine is arguably the most deadly marksman in the division and will surely fancy his chances against a Reds backline who have had their share of issues this term.
Meanwhile, Philippe Coutinho could be in contention for selection although it seems unlikely that the Brazilian maestro will be fit enough to start, potentially having to settle for a spot on the bench. With Divock Origi, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino all in fine form though, the hosts have had few problems in coping without their play-maker since he was sidelined with injury.
With such attacking fire-power on show, it’s no surprise that there’s a quote of just ½ (1.50) on both teams scoring. It certainly looks something of a banker but for bigger odds the 5/6 (1.83) on the same wager plus over 2.5 goals being scored in the game looks solid enough.
While neither side have looked defensively assured, it could be worth taking a leap of faith on the more forward focused assets dominating proceedings. 6/4 (2.50) on a game featuring four or more goals in the game could well be the best option for this blockbuster clash which looks sure to provide some end of year fireworks.
It has paid out in three of Liverpool’s last five matches, add in Aguero’s return to the fold for the visitors, City should pose much more of an attacking threat than in recent weeks in what could well be a particularly open game at Anfield.
With Chelsea potentially 9 points ahead of second spot by the time these two teams kick off, there is very little to be gained from sitting back and playing for a draw and goals could well be a welcome bi-product.
