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Betting expert Pete Nordsted has been analysing the statistics ahead of some intriguing clashes, and believes Manchester City's trip to Liverpool will be a high-scoring encounter

This Sunday sees a couple of interesting fixtures that both feature some strong trends that do not really favour the visiting sides.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers had a terrible start to his Anfield reign as his side went down 3-0 to West Brom at the Hawthorns, and he will certainly be looking for a big improvement as his team face champions Manchester City in the game of the weekend.

Despite Liverpool’s recent poor form, they do tend to raise their game when facing the Premier League’s top sides, especially at Anfield, with a recent home record against the top four sides that reads won four, drawn three, lost three.

Indeed, when facing Manchester City, they have not lost in their five previous meetings at home, winning two and drawing three.

In the case of Roberto Mancini’s side, despite their recent strong form, they do tend to struggle away to teams of Liverpool’s grading, and their recent record reads won two, drawn two, lost six.

This suggests that Liverpool could be worth siding on the +0 goal handicap at 23/20 (2.15) with Bet365.

Given that Liverpool have drawn seven of their last 15 home games the draw has to be given serious consideration at 12/5 (3.40) with the same firm, and this also looks a reasonable shout.

Of more interest though could be the total goals market and 'two or three' total goals looks an interesting proposition. This has been seen in eight of Liverpool’s last 10 home games to teams of Manchester City’s grading and in five of City’s last 10 away to teams of Liverpool’s stature. Two or three goals can be backed at 19/20 (1.95) with Bet365 and looks a solid option given the stats.

Earlier in the afternoon, Arsene Wenger takes his Arsenal side to the Britannia Stadium for a fixture that has not been so kind to the Gunners in recent years, where they have been victorious in only one of four previous meetings.

Indeed, Arsenal possess a very average record when playing away to teams of Stoke’s grading, which reads won one, drawn seven, lost two.

Stoke, on the other hand, have performed reasonably well at home to sides in the top four, and their recent record reads won one, drawn five, lost four, with the last defeat coming eight games ago in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

Given the stats of the two sides, once again the draw is certainly of interest at 12/5 (3.40) with Bet365.

Both teams to score looks a strong stat, with both teams finding the net when facing similarly graded sides in eight of Arsenal’s last 10 away matches and in nine of Stoke’s last 10 home games. Both teams to score can be backed at 4/5 (1.80) with Bet365 and looks a good option.

Once again, please remember that this is the start of a long season and teams are yet to find their form. Be extra vigilant before placing your bets, as there will be plenty of very good betting opportunities as the season develops.

Pete's

Weekend

Tips

Selection One

Selection Two

Liverpool v Manchester City (2 or 3 goals) at 19/20 (1.95) with Bet365

Stoke v Arsenal (Both Teams to Score) at 4/5 (1.80) with Bet365

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You can follow Pete on Twitter @petenordsted