A Premier League title showdown will take place at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday, when Manchester City will be desperate for victory over leaders Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola’s men have slipped to seven points adrift of first place after a run of three defeats in five league matches, casting doubt on their ability to retain the title they won with such ease last campaign.
Latest odds
However, having run out emphatic 5-0 winners in last season’s league meeting at this ground, they are 21/20 (2.05) favourites with bet365 to take back some initiative with a crucial victory here.
The Reds are yet to suffer a single defeat after 20 league games, and are available at 5/2 (3.50) to stretch their lead over the champions to 10 points by coming out on top in their own back yard.
GettyThese sides shared a 0-0 draw when they met at Anfield back in October, and there are odds of 29/10 (3.90) on offer on this one also finishing up all square.
Team news
Fabian Delph will serve the second match of his three-game suspension, while Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan are both doubtful due to injury.
James Milner could be in contention after returning to training, although Joel Matip, Joe Gomez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remain long-term absentees.
End-to-end clash
Having shared 18 goals in four frantic meetings last season, both teams seemed determined not to give anything away when they met in that goalless stalemate earlier this campaign.
However, the Citizens will need to show more ambition as they look to make up the ground they have lost in recent weeks, making another cagey affair seem unlikely.
Looking back to their most lethal attacking form after scoring 21 goals in the last five league games, Jurgen Klopp’s men will certainly back themselves to take advantage of any opportunities on the counter attack.
Predictions
With City having scored 35 goals in 10 league games at home but gone 10 fixtures without a clean sheet, odds of 10/11 (1.91) appear generous on both them and Liverpool finding the net in an exciting clash that produces at least three goals.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score for a 2pt stake at 10/11 (1.91) with bet365