The final fixture of the Christmas and New Year period in the Premier League sees the top two teams go head-to-head at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City host Liverpool in what has to be the biggest match of the season to date for both clubs. The hosts could find themselves in 3rd place by the time this game kicks-off and know they need to win if they want to put pressure on their opponents at the top of the table.
Liverpool have a 9 point cushion over Manchester City heading into this game and if they can win or even pick up a point, it would be a massive step towards the Premier League title.
Manchester City returned to winning ways at Southampton on the weekend as they left St Mary’s with a 3-1 victory. It was their first win in their last three games having suffered shock defeats at home to Crystal Palace and away to Leicester City.
Trends show Manchester City have found life tough in the Premier League recently and they have lost three of their last five matches. The Citizens have not stopped scoring goals but the problems have come at the back.
We have seen both teams score in each of Manchester City’s last six games in all competitions and they must improve at the back if they are to see off the challenge of Liverpool. Scoring goals has not been a problem and Manchester City have scored at 2 goals in each of their last eleven home league games.
Liverpool recorded a crushing 5-1 win over Arsenal on the weekend and make the short trip to the Etihad Stadium full of confidence. Arsenal’s defending was very poor but you cannot take anything away from the Liverpool attack, which was fantastic.
The Reds have won each of their last eight games in all competitions, with seven of those victories coming in the Premier League. They are the only team remaining in the Premier League who have yet to taste defeat this season and will feel they can maintain that run to the end of the season if they win this match.
Trends show Liverpool have won each of their last nine league games and have kept a clean sheet in six of those matches. They have kept a clean sheet in three of their last four away from home and scored 2 or more goals in each of those four matches.
Team news and Manchester City can welcome back Fabian Delph following suspension. With Benjamin Mendy injured he should start at left-back. Kevin De Bruyne is doubtful but Sergio Aguero should be fit to start.
Liverpool are waiting on the fitness of James Milner and he could make a return to the team. However, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will all miss out.
The pressure is on Manchester City to win and at this moment in time, they do not appear confident enough to do that. Liverpool are flying high and will fancy their chances of coming away with all 3 points.