The Matchday 26 clash in the Premier League between Manchester City and Liverpool will take place on February 23 at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester City vs. Liverpool: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Manchester City
Earlier in February, the Citizens unexpectedly suffered a heavy 1-5 defeat away to Arsenal in the league. However, in the following round, Pep Guardiola's side redeemed themselves by thrashing Newcastle 4-0 at home. This marked their fifth win in their last seven Premier League matches (with one draw and one loss). The team reclaimed fourth place in the league table but is only one point ahead of their closest competitors in the race for a top-four finish, Bournemouth and Chelsea.
- At least four goals have been scored in six of Manchester City's previous league matches.
- Both teams scored in 8 of the last 11 Premier League games involving the Citizens.
- The Mancunians have scored at least two goals in 6 of their last 7 Premier League matches.
Predicted lineup for Manchester City (4-2-3-1)
Ederson – John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Abdukadir Khusanov, Rico Lewis – Ilkay Gundogan, Nico Gonzalez – Savio, Phil Foden, Omar Marmoush – Erling Haaland.
Midfielder Rodri Hernandez, forward Oscar Bobb, and defenders John Stones and Manuel Akanji are out due to injuries.
Liverpool
Arne Slot's men played a rescheduled Matchday 29 game against Aston Villa on Wednesday. The away match ended in a 2-2 draw. The club continues to lead the league confidently, ahead of their closest rival by 8 points, although Arsenal has a game in hand. Notably, Liverpool remains the highest-scoring team in the Premier League (62 goals), outpacing Manchester City, who are second in this regard, by 10 goals. Furthermore, Liverpool extended their unbeaten run in the Premier League to 22 matches (15 wins and 7 draws).
- Both teams have scored in 10 of the last 13 league meetings involving the club.
- At least three goals have been scored in 10 of Liverpool's last 13 Premier League matches.
- Liverpool has won the second half in 9 of their last 10 away Premier League matches.
Predicted lineup for Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Alisson Becker – Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson, Ibrahima Konate – Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch – Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Mohamed Salah – Diogo Jota.
Defender Joe Gomez and midfielder Tyler Morton are out due to injuries.
Referee
Anthony Taylor (England)
Matches – 22 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 71;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.2;
Red cards shown – 2;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 32%.
Manchester City vs. Liverpool: Match Prediction
On Wednesday, while Liverpool played their Premier League match against Aston Villa, Manchester City faced Real Madrid in the Champions League second leg. Guardiola’s side lost again (aggregate score 3-6) and were knocked out of the European competition. Manchester City once again looked shaky in defense, with the lack of cohesion among new signings evident. Moreover, defender John Stones sustained another injury.
Liverpool could capitalize on the Citizens' defensive issues. Arne Slot's side averages 2.4 goals per game in the current league season. The team feels confident on the road, remaining unbeaten in 16 consecutive away Premier League matches (9 wins and 7 draws). Notably, in this series, Liverpool has scored at least two goals on 14 occasions.
The visitors have no injury concerns, are in excellent form, and need to accumulate as many points as possible, as their Champions League matches will begin in March. My prediction: Liverpool Individual Total Over 1.5
