Liverpool are ready to face Manchester City on Bank Holiday Monday as Brendan Rodgers looks to continue a winning start with his side. Manchester City pipped Liverpool to the post last season and rivalries have since grown more intense.
With Liverpool almost securing the signing of Mario Balotelli, he unfortunately will not be sealed in time to feature against his old club. Injuries for Liverpool mean they are without Agger, Flanagan, Lallana and Assaidi. New signing Markovic though may be able to feature after recovering from an injury picked up in pre-season.
For Manchester City they are looking pretty strong, only unable to call upon Negredo who is out for some time with a metatarsal injury.
Manchester City's last game saw them pick up a relatively easy win over Newcastle United with Silva and Aguero on the score sheet. Liverpool's last game saw them eventually collect a win over Southampton but it was hard work for the Reds with goals via Sterling and Sturridge.
I'm quite a forgetful fan if I'm honest but nobody can forget the last meeting between these two sides. Liverpool won the immensely important fixture at Anfield in April after "COUTINHOOOOOOOOOOOO!" scored in the 78th minute to take the game to 3-2.
In fact, most games between the two sides end up being exciting affairs. The last meeting at the Etihad saw Liverpool lose the game 2-1 but prior to this the sides have seen out three 2-2 draws!
Stat Sandwich
- The last time Liverpool won at the Etihad in the league was October 2008 with Torres and Kuyt on the score sheet.
- Manchester City have lost just one of their last 20 home league games.
- Liverpool have scored in every away league game since October 2013.
I asked you for your score predictions on Twitter and here are a few of the tweets I received.
@_TheLiverBird #mcfc 1-2 #lfc we can do it :D
— Lauren Henderson (@_UnfollowTheSun) August 23, 2014
@LFCKirstyLFC 1-0 Liverpool
— Kopite100 (@Kopite2014) August 24, 2014
@LFCKirstyLFC 3-1 city unfortunately
— Rob Edwards (@RobMalEdwards) August 23, 2014
@LFCKirstyLFC 2-2 with Sturridge getting both our goals
— Martin Richmond (@Martin_Rich_91) August 23, 2014
My score prediction is 2-1 to Liverpool although if I'm being really honest it's more likely to be a score draw, however I have faith and so I shall be popping a quid on that score line. I'll probably have a couple of other bets too so keep your eye on Twitter if you want to know who I'm backing haha.
Whatever the scoreline this is undoubtedly going to be an exciting game. I'm also hoping that Markovic is fit to start as he looks like he could be a skillful addition to our squad and I feel he will thrive playing his first league game against a side like Manchester City.
Wherever you are watching, enjoy the match folks!