Man City host Liverpool in a massive Monday night game that sees last season’s champions welcome the team they pipped in the final weeks of the campaign. Liverpool, and Steven Gerrard in particular, will still be smarting and there would be no better way to prove they are over their slip and still able to contend without Luis Suarez than by winning at the Etihad.
They will clearly be up against it, however, not least because the Citizens are a formidable outfit at home. In 2013-14 they dropped just five points in front of their own fans whilst in 2011-12 they only dropped two. They have made some excellent signings in the summer, focussing on improving their defensive record by adding a backup goalie, a top notch centre back Eliaquim Mangala (for more than £30m from Porto) and defensive midfield cover in the shape of Fernando, also from Porto.
With Sergio Aguero back to fitness and scoring from the bench in City’s first game – a comfortable 2-0 win at Newcastle – and Yaya Toure seemingly over the outrageous disrespect he felt at not getting a birthday cake from the people who pay him £200k a week for playing football, City have a uniquely well-balanced side.
Liverpool were unimpressive against Southampton in their opening game of the season but got the vital three points and will hope to improve here. They still don’t look secure at the back though and so we think City will certainly score as they look to repeat their amazing offensive home prowess of last season when they put six past Arsenal and Spurs, four past United and Southampton and hit Everton for three.
All in all it has to be a home win but this one could be a real classic and well worth a Monday night trip to the pub, especially if your working day is as bad as most Mondays!
Recommended Tips
- Over 2.5 goals – The league clashes last season between the sides ended 2-1 in Manchester and 3-2 in Liverpool and with such a wealth of attacking talent on display backing over 2.5 goals looks a solid bet at nice odds of 8/11 with Sky Bet.
- Both teams to score – City will be harder to score against this term and whilst Liverpool are without Suarez we still feel their attacking options will be enough to trouble the home team, making BTTS a good option at 8/13 with Bet365.
- Man City to win both halves – At slightly longer odds than our first two betting tips, backing City to win both halves appeals at 17/4 with Ladbrokes. They have a more settled side than Liverpool and more class and could win quite easily if they produce on the night.
- Man City to win 3-1 – Correct scores are always a bit of a punt but we think 3-1 offers the best value at a juicy 15/1 with Ladbrokes given we fancy the visitors to score but City to coast home.