Premier League: Liverpool vs Manchester City – Betting Tips, Odds & Prediction

This Monday morning NZT, Liverpool take on Manchester City at Anfield in what is quite possibly the biggest game of the season. At least for the Reds, who got thrashed 3-0 in this fixture last November, and will be eager to make amends.

City are currently second on the table and chasing another title, while the hosts are trying to fight their way back into the top four conversation from sixth. It’s a massive test for Arne Slot against a City side that’s been dropping points lately but just booked their spot in a cup final. 

I’ve gone through the form and the injury lists to find where the value sits on betting sites NZ this weekend. For those keen to bet on football I’ve got a $4.10 punt that I’ll personally be taking, which I breakdown in this Liverpool vs Manchester City preview.

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.

• Liverpool have won seven of their 12 home league matches this season.
• Manchester City have failed to win their last three Premier League away games.
• Both teams have found the net in four of the last five meetings between these two at Anfield.
• Haaland leads the league with 20 goals this season.

Liverpool have a massive rest advantage after City’s midweek cup exploits, and Anfield is a notoriously difficult place for Guardiola’s men. For me, this swings matters in their favour.

While City have the individual quality to hurt anyone, their recent defensive wobbles and away form make me lean even further towards the hosts. Liverpool’s attack is firing, and I think they’ll exploit a City backline that’s still missing key players. That said, I can’t see Liverpool keeping a clean sheet against Haaland and Foden.

I’m backing a home win in a thriller. This should be one of those games where the crowd will drag Liverpool over the line. I’m going for a 2-1 victory for the Reds. If you’re looking for football tips, backing Liverpool at home at these odds feels like the right move.

Liverpool to Win and Both Teams to Score @ $4.10

This is my top pick for the weekend. Liverpool are formidable at home and will be desperate for revenge, but their defensive injuries mean they’re likely to concede. City have only failed to score once in their last 10 games, so the BTTS side of this feels very safe. Combining it with a Liverpool win gets us a juicy price over $4.00 at Bet and Play, which is great value for a big match like this.