Liverpool
I was impressed with how Liverpool took care of Newcastle recently, putting four past them in a statement win. Hugo Ekitike is looking like a genius signing, and with Mohamed Salah back among the goals in the Champions League midweek, their attack is clicking nicely.
However, their injury situation at the back is a real worry. Missing both Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley means Joe Gomez has to fill in at right-back if he’s fit, otherwise Ibrahima Konate might have to slide over.
If City’s wingers get isolated against a makeshift full-back, it could be a long morning. They’ll need Virgil van Dijk to be at his absolute best to keep Erling Haaland quiet.
Team News: Alexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong are definitely out. Joe Gomez is a major doubt with a hip issue, but Ibrahima Konate is available.
Predicted Lineup: Alisson; Gomez, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Salah, Ekitike, Chiesa.
Manchester City
City are a bit of a puzzle right now. They’ve dropped points in five of their last six games since the new year. On the one hand, their 2-2 draw with Tottenham showed they can be got at, but on the other, they went and clinically took apart Newcastle in the cup.
Losing Bernardo Silva would be a massive blow as he’s the engine room for them. Without him and with John Stones still out, they look a bit vulnerable in the middle of the park. City have brought in Marc Guehi to help the defence, and he’ll need to hit the ground running at Anfield.
Haaland is still the main danger man, and I wouldn’t bet against him finding the net regardless of the result. You can check the latest goalscorer markets on your favourite betting apps if you’d like to get behind this market.
Team News: Bernardo Silva is in doubt. Josko Gvardiol and John Stones are sidelined. Ruben Dias has returned to training.
Predicted Lineup: Donnarumma; Walker, Dias, Guehi, Ake; Rodri, Reijnders, Foden; Nico, Haaland, Marmoush.
