Saturday’s early kick-off at the Etihad Stadium is set to be a fascinating clash between two of the Premier League’s heavyweights, as Manchester City host Liverpool. Liverpool has had the upper hand in recent meetings between the two sides, having won both of their clashes with the Citizens this season. However, City will be determined to make amends and gain a crucial three points in the race for the Premier League title.
Pep Guardiola’s men have been in fine form recently, having won their last five games in all competitions. They currently sit second in the Premier League table, just two points behind leaders Chelsea with a game in hand.
A win against Liverpool would put them back on top of the table and increase the pressure on their title rivals. On the other hand, Liverpool has struggled for consistency this season but still finds themselves in fourth place, five points behind City.
The Reds have struggled away from home in recent years against City, having won just one of their last 13 Premier League trips to the Etihad Stadium. However, they will be buoyed that they have won on 23 occasions against a reigning Premier League champion across the competition’s history.
This game is also an intriguing battle between two of the Premier League’s most successful managers in recent years. Guardiola and Klopp have faced each other on 27 occasions in all competitions as managers, with Guardiola facing Klopp more times than any other manager in his top-flight career.
Similarly, Klopp has faced Guardiola more times in his managerial career than any other manager. Guardiola has often lost against Klopp more than any other manager. City hopes to continue their recent good form and maintain their impressive home record against Liverpool. The Reds will be looking to complete a Premier League double over City for the first time since 2015-16.
One of the critical battles in this game is likely to be between two of the Premier League’s most clinical forwards, Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland. Salah has been in superb form for Liverpool this season, scoring 20 goals in all competitions.
Haaland has been on an equally impressive record for City since he arrived from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, scoring 23 goals in all matches. Both players will look to make their mark in this game and help their team secure a vital victory. Salah hopes to continue his impressive record against City, having scored the winner in their last meeting at Anfield in October.
It is set to be a fascinating clash between two of the Premier League’s top sides. City will be favorites to win the game, given their recent form and impressive home record against Liverpool.