Many of the matches in the International Champions Cup will bring together teams that don’t normally face each other. Teams from different domestic leagues around Europe face off in interesting tilts that add a level of intrigue to a tournament full of exhibition matches. However, that isn’t the case when Manchester City and Liverpool square off on Wednesday.
Liverpool and Manchester City are very familiar with one another. The two English clubs met four times last year, and the Reds were a constant thorn in the side of City. Manchester City was able to hammer Liverpool in their first meeting, beating them 5-0 at the Etihad in the middle of their record win streak in Premier League Play. Unfortunately, that was the one time they would beat Liverpool all year.
In the other three matches, Liverpool was able to pick up the win. Jurgen Klopp’s side ended Manchester City’s dream of an undefeated Premier League campaign with a thrilling 4-3 win at Anfield in January, but the next two wins hurt the most. The two sides were drawn against each other in the Champions League Quarterfinals, and Manchester City were the favorites to advance. Mo Salah and company had a field day though, scoring five goals over the two matches to route City 5-1 on aggregate.
The International Champions Cup brings some of the top clubs in Europe to cities around the world that normally don’t get to see top flight football. The match will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey at 8:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 25, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN2.
International Champions Cup Betting at BookMaker.eu
Liverpool +122
Manchester City +192
Draw +275
Over/Under 3 and 3.5
What to watch for
Manchester City did not get off to a great start at the International Champions Cup. The club was held goalless by Borussia Dortmund last Friday in a 1-0 loss. In that match, City were only able to muster five shots as Pep Guardiola largely played reserves. The Citizens had a record 16 players take part in the World Cup, and many of those players have earned extended breaks after their performances.
There are some names that joined Guardiola at this tournament though. Joe Hart is looking to show he still has something left, while Leroy Sane and Riyad Mahrez are looking to make sure they start the season in good form.
Liverpool were upended by Borussia Dortmund 3-1 in their first International Champions Cup on Sunday. The Reds got off to a good start with a Virgil van Dijk goal in the first half, but they collapsed late and traveling across the pond the day before could have had an impact on them.
Unlike Manchester City, Liverpool brought a number of last year’s starters to America. Loris Karius was in net, while Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Matip, and Adam Lallana started as they try to move past injury-plagued campaigns the previous season. New acquisitions like Naby Keita and Fabinho also featured, and all of those players should be in the lineup again.
Liverpool Player to Watch
It’s been a rough last few months for Karius. Liverpool’s goalkeeper was solid for most of the season before two major blunders led to two goals in the Champions League final, and the club recently acquired Alisson to be the first-team goalkeeper. He was a bit shaky in Liverpool’s last match, and he needs to step up here. His play will largely help determine where he lands next as suitors are interested in his services with the Reds likely to play him in just a handful of matches this year.
Manchester City Player to Watch
Sane was a surprise omission from Germany’s World Cup roster, but it turned out to be fortuitous that he was left off the team. After their shock exit in the Group Stage, many are second-guessing everything, including the decision to leave him off the team. His stock has risen, and he looks set to feature alongside Mahrez and Sergio Aguero this year.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Look for Liverpool to get the upper hand on Manchester City once more. The Reds brought more of their top players to America, and they will lead them to a win here.
International Champions Cup Odds: Liverpool 2, Manchester City 1
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