Liverpool vs Manchester City: BigMatchPreview

When: Liverpool V/S Manchester City, 10th November 2019, Sunday at 10:00 PM IST

Where: Anfield, Liverpool

Match Referee: Michael Oliver

Quick Facts:

1. Man City last won at Anfield back in May 2003, they’ve lost 11 and drawn the other 5 of the 16 visits since.
2. Sergio Aguero has scored 49 goals on Sundays in the Premier League and will become only second player(the other being Wayne Rooney) to reach 50 goals on a particular day, if he finds the back of the net this weekend.

Head to Head: Played 44, Liverpool 19, Man City 9, Drawn 16

Buckle up. Brace Yourselves. We’re in for an absolute treat on Sunday. Two top class managers, arguably two of the greatest teams, dare I say, to have graced the Premier League, it may not be an early season title decider, but it could certainly turn out to be “the” key game in the race.

It doesn’t require a brainiac to suggest the fact that Liverpool go into Sunday’s fixture as favorites, they rested key players in their midweek champions league game against Genk, Klopp also has almost a fully fit squad to choose from, barring Joel Matip everybody else is available for selection.

In contrast, opponents Manchester City probably go into this clash in the worst possible state , as many as five first team players are missing for the champions. Indeed, you could argue that any other team would struggle without Laporte, David Silva, Ederson, Sane and Rodri; but not this City team with the depth they “supposedly” had or have in their squad. But, in all honesty, the champions look just as weak as a kitten and could do with some of the aforementioned names right now. But who dares to say that Pep will not pull another Rabbit out of the hat?

Let’s not carried away by the negativity surrounding Man City heading into this game, we need to remind ourselves that Liverpool went into both of last season’s matches as firm favorites, but City managed to get 4 points out of 6, could have secured all 6 if not for that horror penalty from Mahrez. Underestimate City at your own peril!!

Key Battles:

Roberto Firmino v/s Ilkay Gundogan

When Rodri limped off at half time against Atlanta three weeks back, we all felt the worst for City, But Gundogan has seamlessly slotted into the holding midfield position. The German has been pulling the strings at the heart of midfield for the champions and will be the key again on Sunday. Although Kompany won them the title last season, Gundogan was the unsung hero in the closing stages of the last season when he stood in for the injured Fernandinho. Now, Bobby Firmino is always the first line of press for Jurgen Klopp’s men, and he’ll have to wary of giving Ilkay Gundogan too much time on the ball.

Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander Arnold v/s City’s wide men

Everybody knows where Liverpool’s creativity comes from, their two full backs are the architects in everything Liverpool do going forward. To put things in perspective, Trent Alexander has created 40 chances in the league this season, the joint most with Kevin De Bruyne. Yes, you heard that right, KDB!!! That’s how good he is, the other one isn’t so bad either. Last season at Anfield, Pep showed the world his version of “bus”, that sounds harsh, but Pep was more keen in stifling Liverpool ‘s full backs from going forward than his own team being their usual self. A year on, the two full backs are much better and more experienced, can Pep put in another masterclass? You wouldn’t bet against him.

Claudio Bravo in goal

There was nothing Bravo about what Claudio did on Wednesday at the San Siro after coming on at half time in Ederson’s stead. The Chilean made a rash challenge and got himself sent off half an hour after coming on, its safe to say that he didn’t cover himself with glory ahead of the most important fixture of the season. Liverpool ‘s front three will be licking their lips against a goalkeeper who doesn’t make a lot of saves. Although, Bravo’s performance in the FA Community Shield or in other words , the last of the pre season friendlies, gives a glimmer of hope for Pep’s men. Or, he could just throw Walker in goal !!!

Did you Know?

Sergio Aguero has made 7 premier league appearances at Anfield, and is yet to open his account in front of goal, his worst record in a particular ground.

Probable XIs

Liverpool (4-3-3)

Becker, TAA, VVD, Lovren, Robertson, Fabinho, Winjaldum, Henderson, Salah, Mane, Firmino.

Man City (4-3-3)

Bravo, Walker, Stones, Fernandinho, Mendy, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Foden, Bernardo Silva, Aguero, Sterling.

Combined XI(4-3-3)

Becker, TAA, VVD, Lovren, Robertson, Fabinho, Winjaldum, Gundogan, Mane, Aguero, Sterling.

AllAboutFPLVerdict

Prediction: Liverpool 1 Man City 1

Everything that can go wrong ahead of a key game has gone wrong for Pep Guardiola’s team, but they’re champions for a reason, and the Catalan showed last season at Anfield that he can approach a game with a defensive mindset and we won’t be surprised if he does that again. This game could turn out to be classic case of two world class teams cancelling each other out, in other words, the game may not be a ‘classic’.