The two best teams in the Premier League are set to square off once more this Thursday in the most highly anticipated match of the year. When Liverpool and Manchester City met three months ago, neither team was able to break through the defense of the other and the result was a 0-0 draw. This time, both teams are out for a more decisive result. A Liverpool win would put them 10 points clear of Manchester City and make them heavy favorites to claim their first Premier League title. The Citizens know they need a home victory to cut the Reds’ lead to four to have a reasonable chance of repeating as champions.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from the Etihad Stadium in Manchester at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 3, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on NBCSN.
English Premier League Betting at BookMaker.eu
Manchester City +103
Liverpool +232
Draw +275
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
Pep Guardiola is hoping that his club’s poor form over the last month of the season is finally at an end. Manchester City lost three games in December, falling on the road against Chelsea and Leicester City and at home against Crystal Palace. They looked sharp in a 3-1 road win over Southampton on Sunday, netting all three of their goals before the break.
It’s the opposite story for Liverpool who have been blasting opponents with abandon for the entire month. The Reds have won nine straight domestic matches, and they have been playing brilliant football throughout December. Their last six wins have all been by at least two goals, and they have combined to outscore opponents 20-3 in that stretch. Liverpool thrashed Arsenal 5-1 on Saturday, with Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Mo Salah all getting on the scorer’s sheet.
Key Injuries
Claudio Bravo and Eliaquim Mangala are long-term injuries for Manchester City, and Benjamin Mendy will be out for another two months. Fabian Delph is serving a suspension after a late red card against Leicester City last week. Kevin De Bruyne is listed as questionable following a setback, and Ilkay Gundogan is probable.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain might no longer be sidelined for the remainder of the season. He is ahead of schedule in his recovery, and Liverpool are hoping he will be available at the end of March. Joel Matip and Joe Gomez are out for a few matches more due to injury, while Dominic Solanke might be out for a stretch. James Milner is questionable because of a thigh injury.
Player to Watch
Mo Salah might become the second player ever to repeat as Premier League Player of the Season for his performance this year. Salah has been incredible for Liverpool, and his play has been a big reason why Liverpool might unseat Manchester City. He is tied for the league lead in goals with 13, and his seven assists are among the best in the Premier League too. Salah has great chemistry with Firmino and Mane, and they have made Liverpool incredibly dangerous on the attack. Just ask Arsenal supporters like myself.
Prop Bet of the Game – Liverpool HT and FT +445
Liverpool have been playing fantastic over the last month, and their back line has been impeccable. The Reds have allowed just eight goals in 20 matches this season, and that total is half as many as the next closest team. They were able to shut out Manchester City when the Citizens were at full strength, and I like these odds considering some of City’s stars are banged up.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
This is a make or break game for Manchester City, but their form has not been good in December. Jurgen Klopp seems to have an edge over City due to their most recent meetings going Liverpool’s way, and I think his tactics will loom large in a Liverpool win.
English Premier League Odds: Liverpool 2, Manchester City 0
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