Match Preview: Manchester City vs. Liverpool

Following the international break, Liverpool re-kick-off their Premier League campaign with an trip to the Etihad to face off against Manchester City.

Currently, being a second in the Premier League, even at such an early stage, an away win against City could prove to be a vital result as the season ticks on.

Last time Liverpool travelled to the Etihad it was a 1-1 draw; The Reds held a 1-0 lead for as long as they could but Sergio Aguero – once again – proved too much and City escaped their own backyard with a point.

Liverpool may have drawn their opening game against Watford but Klopp’s men have been class since then; winning every game we’ve played.

Man City are, of course, our toughest opponent yet – Arsenal aren’t in a great place and Hoffenheim aren’t really all that. City haven’t got out of second gear so far, in my opinion, they’ve got the points but haven’t looked convincing enough

Regardless, Pep Guardiola and his men are Liverpool’s biggest challenge thus far and Anfield won’t be able to help The Redmen this time.

Team News

It’s no secret that a lot of Liverpool fans despise the international break – as many top-tier football fans should – but fortunately, no players have returned with new injure.

In fact, shining star Phil Coutinho has returned from South America, with teammate Roberto Firmino, but Coutinho’s back injury has miraculously disappeared and it appears he’ll be available for selection at the weekend.

I’d expect Klopp to not select Coutinho but to bring him on off on the bench; the usual suspects – Jordan Henderson, Emre Can and Gini Wijnaldum – start in the middle for me.

However I do think Coutinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will make an appearance, especially if Liverpool need a goal.

City have a little injury problem, their captain is once again injured and it’s likely that the £80m pairing of – don’t laugh – John Stones and Eliaquim Mangala will suffice.

Raheem Sterling also recently picked up a red card so he won’t be able to play against his former club.

He definitely got sent off on purpose.

Oh, yeah – and Ilkay Gundogan is still recovering from his famously-mourned death injury last season.

Current Form

Liverpool (last three results in all competitions) –

Liverpool 1-0 Palace
Liverpool 4-2 Hoffenheim
Liverpool 4-0 Arsenal

Man City (last three results in all competitions) –

Brighton 0-2 Man City
Man City 1-1 Everton
Bournemouth 1-2 Man City

See what I mean? They’ve got the points but it’s not convincing. Liverpool average 3 goals per game, City average 1.6 (in the last three games).

Prediction

I expect that it will be a difficult game for Liverpool, it won’t be anything like against Arsenal. City aren’t an absolute mess right now.

My initial instinct tells me it’ll be a hard-fought draw for Liverpool but, considering both teams current form, I think Klopp’s men will push hard to outscore the opponent.

After that consideration, I predict Liverpool will win 3-2.

If you’d like to strongly disagree with me or remind me of what I’ve written after Coutinho curls a free-kick directly beyond Mignolet to secure a 1-0 loss for the cause of his great sadness, you can find me on Twitter – @StevenCarsonNR.