Manchester City vs. Liverpool preview: Predictions and more for top-of-table match
Manchester City and Liverpool FC are set to compete for the top spot in the Premier League table in a crucial game on Saturday. Currently, Manchester City is at the top with 28 points, while Liverpool is tied for the second position with Arsenal FC at 27 points.
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is leading the Premier League in goals this season, having scored 13 so far. However, there are doubts about his participation in Manchester City's upcoming game against Liverpool due to an ankle injury.
The injury occurred during Norway's 2-0 victory over the Faroe Islands in the 2024 European Championship qualifying group stage match. Haaland missed Norway's 3-3 draw against Scotland due to this injury and headed back to England to get treatment. This is not the first time Haaland has injured the same ankle, as he had twisted it earlier in a 6-1 win over Bournemouth on November 6.
On the other hand, Liverpool will have some key players returning from injury, including Ryan Gravenberch, who missed matches against Toulouse and Brentford, and Ibrahima Konate, who was on the bench for the past few weeks due to a hamstring injury.
Liverpool has managed to secure three wins and two draws in their last five Premier League matches, despite several key players being absent. The Reds have been led by their star player, Mohamed Salah, who has scored 10 goals and provided four assists so far in the league - placing him second in the top scorer charts behind Haaland.
When will Erling Haaland play again?
Haaland sustained an ankle injury during the 2024 European Championship qualifying group stage match against Faroe Island. Following this, the Norwegian Football Federation released a statement stating that the injury was not considered serious.
Pep Guardiola has since reiterated the same statement and expressed optimism that Haaland will be fit enough to play against Liverpool, citing his active participation in recent practice sessions.
How to watch Liverpool vs. Manchester City: Streaming
Liverpool vs. Manchester City kick off at Etihad Stadium at 7:30 a.m., ET, on Peacock.
Liverpool vs. Manchester City predictions
CBS Sports: Manchester City 1. Liverpool 0
Staff writes: "City are the favorites to win the title for a reason, and should be able to win if Guardiola gets all the decisions right. Liverpool are anticipated to put up a fair fight so expect a narrow scoreline."
Sky Sports: Man City to win
Staff writes: "Adding Silva's fouls conceded numbers to the Bet Builder makes sense too in order to boost the price. His fouls conceded data rockets when playing as a right-sided forward against elite opposition as he is likely to find himself in more one-on-one duels down that flank rather than in the hustle and bustle in central field. In his last seven appearances playing that position against an elite opponent (Arsenal, Real, Bayern, Inter Milan and Manchester United) he has made 19 fouls, meaning he's working at an average of 2.7 fouls per 90 minutes. When you consider the likely attack-minded approach of Klopp's Liverpool, Silva will be kept busy out of possession and is expected to hit around that average in terms of fouls made."
Sporting News: Manchester City 2, Liverpool 2
Staff writes: "Even though Liverpool have picked up the second-fewest yellow cards in the league this season — 20 alongside Bournemouth and Luton — we're expecting that to change a little in this match. That's mostly due to the team they're playing and the fact that Manchester City have some of the most skillful players in the league that are constantly looking to drive past their opposition which can lead to an accumulation of fouls. In past meetings, that's seen Liverpool clear this selection a number of times, receiving over 2.5 cards in five of the last seven head-to-head matches between the rivals. There's also the small caveat to mention that although they have the fewest yellow cards, the Reds' tally of four red cards is the most in the league so far."
Liverpool vs. Manchester City Injury News
Liverpool:
Player | Injury | Timeline |
Thiago Alcantara | Hip | Out |
Shoulder | Out | |
Adductor | Out | |
Hamstring | Questionable |
Manchester City:
Player | Injury | Timeline |
Muscle | Out | |
Hamstring | Out | |
Ankle | Out | |
Quad | Out |
English Premier League odds: Liverpool vs. Manchester City lines, betting odds
Liverpool are favorites to defeat the Manchester City, according to the BetMGM Sportsbook.
Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps.
Prediction: Manchester City 3, Liverpool 2
Moneyline: Manchester City (-134); Liverpool (+115)
Over/Under: 3.5 points
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Manchester City vs. Liverpool: Predictions, odds, and how to watch
