All eyes will be on Anfield this weekend where Liverpool will host Manchester City in an early-season which that could have serious ramifications on where the title ends up. Ryan Liberty previews.
English Premier League | Sunday 3 October | Anfield | 17:30
To Win Match
Liverpool 19/10
Draw 5/2
Manchester City 13/10
Liverpool
Liverpool have certainly got their swagger and class back – this despite their 3-3 draw at the cauldron that is the Brentford Community Stadium last weekend.
I’ll be the first to admit, I didn’t think the effect of the return of Virgil van Dyk would be as immediate as it has. The Dutch colossus has – irrespective of his defensive partner – brought a level of calm back to a Liverpool back four that was all over the shop last season.
While I simply love the fact that Liverpool at 19/10 at home against City, I just can’t shake thoughts of what happened at Anfield when Chelsea came calling. The Reds – with a man advantage – struggled to break down a stubborn Chelsea defence as they limped to a 1-1 draw.
Manchester City
How dare we write off City? They are the champions of England! Serial EFL Cup winners and (almost) Champions of Europe for goodness’ sake! Put respect on their name!
In all seriousness though, City have managed to create just as resolute and compact a defensive shape as Liverpool. They have slipped under the radar recently in terms of the quality they can produce (I know! It was even crazier to write) but just when the talk began to shift to the defending Champions finishing fourth – or just about – and I’ll admit I was on that bandwagon – they managed to convince us otherwise.
This is a classy team with depth and quality like no other. Against Chelsea at the weekend Pep Guardiola proved tactical genius and efficiency can be found even in the most simple and straightforward ideas of modern football. City was back to bossing the ball and field space, making the field as small as possible when out of possession and being very direct when looking to progress forward.
Verdict: Draw/Manchester City + Over 2.5 Goals (31/20)
Expect a slow burner, an approach that I think will largely favour the away side, with little space and a serious emphasis on counterattack. Going for an outright winner in a fixture so dependent on an adopted style is an extreme sport that I’m okay not participating in. But nevertheless, I think the high-profile nature of the encounter will be on display for all to see.
I can’t wait for this game! If City are as defensively sound as they were against Chelsea, I think they will frustrate Liverpool… and yet if they look to attack ferociously, I think they play into their hosts’ hands.
Of course, you have two very successful and demanding managers looking to impose their approach on the game – a game of checkers if you will – but it’s the second fixture between title favourite clubs in as many weeks and I’m not sure there are too many of us complaining.
This monumental game of football will be one that will likely be decided by tight margins and in-the-moment decisions. However, in Liverpool you have a side not shy to completely have a go.
I think City control the tempo and pace of the game and I can’t see them losing to this Liverpool side. Jurgen Klopp will demand his side go on the offensive early on and try play City off the field, an approach that will be supported by those inside Anfield. But I think City will slowly get the game under control, seduce it and take advantage of Liverpool’s forward playing attitude.
A result for the visitors, and yet another statement, without the tact we saw at the Bridge.
