Liverpool and Manchester City face off at Anfield on Sunday, in what will be a very important clash for the Premier League title. The home side are six points ahead of City on the Premier League table, and could further extend their lead at the top.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will go into the game on the back of a four-game winning run in all competitions, and are the only team in the Premier League yet to be defeated.
Pep Guardiola’s men, meanwhile, could only draw against Atalanta in the Champions League this week, and have also lost twice in the league so far.
Let’s take a look at 3 reasons why Liverpool will start as the favourites come Sunday:
Manchester City’s shaky defence
Manchester City’s defence has been rather weak this season, even more so now with the injury to Aymeric Laporte. City have conceded 10 in the league so far, one more than Liverpool and haven’t kept a cleansheet in their last three games.
Fernandinho, who has been moved to a centre-back role from midfield, did well initially, but his weaknesses have come to the fore now, which is an area that Liverpool can exploit.
John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi have looked below par in defence, and the likes of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Mohamed Salah could capitalise on this weakness in the City lineup.
Liverpool’s midfield work-rate
Fernandinho’s move to the back as well as Rodri’s injury has left a gaping hole in the middle of the park for City, which is an area where Liverpool can dominate. Kevin de Bruyne has looked good once again, but Ilkay Gundogan hasn’t quite impressed.
David Silva is a doubt for the Liverpool game which means that Bernardo Silva could start in midfield, which is yet another area where the Reds could have the upper hand.
Fabinho has been very good for Liverpool in midfield, and he could cut down Manchester City’s attacking threats, while the workmanlike Liverpool midfield could outrun and outnumber City in midfield, though the visitors have more technical players there.
Liverpool’s home record against Manchester City
Liverpool have an incredible record against Manchester City at Anfield, losing just one game to City at home in the Premier League. City haven’t had the best of times at Anfield, with their only win in the Premier League coming back in 2003.
The Reds have won four of their last five games at Anfield against Manchester City in the Premier League, and will be the favourites once again on Sunday.