The ultimate optimist of Liverpool soccer will point out the fact that a win on Saturday over Manchester City on the road would leave it within striking distance of the Premier League title. Yes, the Reds look a lot better now under Jurgen Klopp than they did under Brendan Rodgers, but they still have a huge mountain to climb to beat arguably the best team in England, especially at the Ethiad.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Manchester City -156
Liverpool +450 Draw +300
Over/Under 2.5 (over -118)
ODDS ANALYSIS
The oddsmakers realize that this is a really tough game for the Reds as well. They are nearly 5 to 1 underdogs to win a match which probably must be won if there is any hope to get back into serious contention for the Top 3 this year.
More likely is a Man City victory, one which comes at a price of -156 on the moneyline.
These two teams have played attacking soccer of late, so a total of 2.5 and -118 vig on the over seems generous.
KEY INJURIES
City has fallen back just a bit, and it's due to the fact that it just can't keep a healthy side. Pablo Zabaleta, Sergio Aguero, David Silva, Samir Nasri and Vincent Kompany should all be first-team selections more often than not. However, all four are still nursing injuries at this point, thinning out the side for the Citizens. It's also not helping that Wilfried Bony, who should be replacing Aguero up front, has a hamstring issue and is a 50/50 proposition for this weekend.
Liverpool has its injury problems, too. Daniel Sturridge is still bothered by a balky knee, while Mamadou Sakho has a knee injury which could cost him the rest of the season. James Milner and Jordan Henderson are both leaders who aren't on the pitch at the moment, and of course, Danny Ings' season is over with thanks to a knee injury.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"I believe the arrival of Klopp gave me new energy, new fuel. He showed that he has confidence in me. Since he came, there have been several games in four weeks – a high number, but he has already given a new face to the team." – Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva on the impact Jurgen Klopp has had in a short period of time at Anfield
RECENT FORM
Manchester City went into the international break with a dud of a 0-0 draw on the road at Aston Villa, a stunning result which saw it give up two points it badly needed. Prior to that though, the Citizens had scored three straight wins across all competitions. They still haven't been beaten since September 26 in that 4-1 drop at White Hart Lane.
Liverpool was beaten at home by Crystal Palace before the intermission, though that result is almost a bit forgivable after beating Chelsea and FK Rubin in a span of five days before having to turn around to get ready for the last match before two weeks away. The Reds have actually been darn good on the road this year, picking up at least one point in all of their matches outside of a 3-1 loss at Man U. That includes picking up three points at Stamford Bridge and one at the Emirates.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
For the improved form Liverpool has been in, we still don't think that it has enough to come on the road and take anything from this soccer match against Manchester City.
The Citizens just have an abundance of riches, and though they aren't exactly healthy at the moment, we still suspect they'll be able to put the Aston Villa dud behind them to get the three points on Saturday.
Manchester City 2, Liverpool 1
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