Preview: Manchester City Vs Liverpool

Manchester City and Liverpool

A potential decision-maker in the Premier League title race is set to take center stage. Manchester City hosts Liverpool with only one point difference between the two teams. Whoever comes out on top will have the advantage for the rest of the season.

As always, the Citizens are their usual selves, winning six of their last eight games in all competitions. The last-minute loss to Tottenham in February was devastating. So was last month’s draw against Crystal Palace.

Pep Guardiola’s team has a solid defense With only 18 goals allowed so far. However, they would be without one of their central hubs in Rubén Dias. Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne will be two of their brightest goalscoring management hopes.

Bernardo Silva’s contributions to her goals have fallen off a bit lately, but he’s still important. City know that anything other than a win will give Liverpool the lead. Guardiola will be desperate to get the three points and widen the gap.

Read also: Why Raphinha could be Liverpool’s next big thing

Liverpool has tremendous strength, winning 10 consecutive league games since the draw at Stamford Bridge. Jurgen Klopp has been tough about not letting City get away with their predicament.

The addition of Luis Diaz helped spark the already impressive attack to new heights. Diogo Jota continued to score important goals while Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah remained world class. Furthermore, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s levels rose several notches from an offensive perspective.

Klopp has mostly a steady squad with Thiago also becoming a key player in the squad. The Reds won a record-breaking title in 2020, and the title race has always been tight between them. Therefore, the latest form of Liverpool sends a message that they will not back down.

Team news

City will miss Dias, who has a hamstring injury. Phil Foden should go back to 11th in place of Raheem Sterling. Kyle Walker will also return.

Possible line: Ederson. Walker, Stones; Laporte, Cancelo; de Bruyne, Rodri, Gundogan; Mahrez, Foden, Grealish

Klopp has no injury issues to deal with, so he will be able to put together his strongest side. Alexander Arnold must be healthy enough to start.

Possible line: Alison. Alexander-Arnold, Van Dyck; Matip, Robertson; Thiago, Fabinho, Henderson; Salah, Jota, Diaz

game changers

Phil Foden

Foden’s assist in the Champions League match against Atlético de Madrid was a great thing. The 21-year-old is truly a game changer with his energy, desire and drive to attack at every opportunity.

Foden down the left or through the middle is an intimidating proposition for any team. He won’t be able to match the Liverpool central defender physically but his versatility is strong.

Foden can run with the ball quickly and make dangerous cross passes. Moreover, he can shoot from within sight and one of his favorite options is to shoot through the goalkeeper. Given how much Alexander-Arnold loves to play, Foden will find spaces behind the defensive line. City have excellent footballers who are very good at finding their own players.

Diogo Jota

Jota has a talent for scoring goals and he has shown it excellently lately. 14 goals in the league comes in second place after Mohamed Salah. Jota’s talent for being in the right place at the right time always works in his favour. His head ability was another vital weapon in his arsenal.

Klopp preferred Jota to Firmino in a lot of important matches and he got a great reward. Moreover, Jota can play across the frontline and can facilitate attacks well.

With Diaz, Salah and Thiago all equipped with great passes, Jota can expertly finish passes when given chances. Jota is also great with both feet, so City will have to be very careful not to let him go in dangerous areas.

predictions

Teams are matched equally across almost all divisions. How much of a difference Dias’ absence will make has to be seen. Liverpool will do their best to beat Manchester City. Whoever wins can definitely lay one hand on the title. football Liverpool is expected to win 2-1.