Liverpool welcome Manchester City to Anfield on Sunday for what could turn out to be a decisive game in the race for the Premier League title.
A lengthy winning streak has seen Man City cement top spot in the table, while a number of iffy results mean Liverpool now sit fourth – seven points behind the leaders.
🅰️ @IlkayGuendogan ⚽️ @sterling7 🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/1c2Y9twpFc— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 4, 2021
🅰️ @IlkayGuendogan ⚽️ @sterling7 🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/1c2Y9twpFc
Liverpool only lost one of their opening 16 games this term, with many believing that they would defending their crown.
However, Jurgen Klopp’s men have since managed to win just two of their last six league matches, suffering three defeats in that time.
Worse still, two of those losses have come at Anfield, with Burnley and Brighton both damaging the Reds’ remarkable home record.
Liverpool may be the second-highest scorers in the league, but five teams now boast a better defensive record than Klopp’s side.
Manchester City also have a game in hand over the Reds, meaning the champions could find themselves ten points off the pace if things don’t go their way on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Man City are currently enjoying a 13-game winning streak in all competitions, which includes nine straight Premier League victories.
Better still, Pep Guardiola’s side haven’t lost any of their previous 20 matches in all competitions – a run stretching back to November.
Man City have kept a remarkable six straight clean sheets, with 11 shutouts coming in their previous 13 Premier League matches.
It goes without saying that Man city are now favourites with all the bookmakers to win the Premier League title.
Head-to-head: Liverpool have generally performed well against Man City in recent times, losing just one of their last six meetings.
The Reds thrashed Man City 4-0 last year, before the two sides produced a 1-1 draw in this season’s reverse fixture.
Team news: Liverpool’s injury problems have been well documented this season, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Diogo Jota, Joel Matip and Naby Keita all currently ruled out.
After missing the defeat to Brighton, it is unclear whether or not Alisson will be fit to face Man City this weekend.
Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Ake are both on the sidelines for now, while Sergio Aguero is still returning to full fitness.
Given Liverpool’s recent decline and Man City’s current climb, the away when is looking like the most likely outcome of this clash.
Forebet predicts that Man City will keep yet another clean sheet on their way to beating Liverpool at Anfield.