2017-18 EPL: Manchester City vs Liverpool Betting Tips
There can’t be a better way to restart the Premier League after the international break than this! Manchester City will welcome Liverpool to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, September 9th in an intriguing clash. With both sides unbeaten so far, it promises to be a very engrossing affair.
Season so far
Manchester City under Pep Guardiola had a similarly mixed start to their season. Starting with a 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, City were held 1-1 at home by Everton. They then needed a very late goal from Raheem Sterling to win 2-1 at Bournemouth. They have seven points from three games and are fourth on goal difference.
Liverpool had a mixed start to their season which began with a 3-3 draw at Watford. But, they soon found their rhythm and edged Crystal Palace 1-0 at Anfield. Their best game was the 4-0 demolition of Arsenal just before the break. They currently have seven points from three games and are second in the table.
Frustrating start for both!
City who are considered favorites for this season title have had a frustrating start after being stretched in all three matches. It’s certainly not the dominating game that Pep wants to dish out this season after being heavy summer spenders.
However, the positive for City has been the bombarding full-backs adding a new dimension to Pep’s attacking unit. With the fire power up front at his disposal, he knows that it’s only a matter of time before they start bossing teams.
Liverpool had to start the season without their star midfielder Philippe Coutinho who was engrossed in a transfer battle to move to Barcelona. Now that the transfer window is closed and the Reds could resist all Catalan advances, Jurgen Klopp will hope to welcome his star player back into the fold.
Not that they did anything bad in his absence – far from it. They looked devastating going forward scoring eight goals in their opening three games.
Key Stats and battles
Liverpool have won four and drawn two of their last six matches against Manchester City. Also, Klopp has an enviable record against the top-six competitors which makes it for an interesting battle on Saturday.
Sadio Mane has been in sizzling form for the Reds this season, scoring in each of the first three matches. With Coutinho slated to come back and new signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ready for his Liverpool debut, the battle for City is very tough.
Prediction
While City looked laborious so far, Liverpool looked enterprising. The hosts though, are the favorites to win this encounter at odds of $1.85 (William Hill). Liverpool’s win is offered at odds of $4 (William Hill). But, picking the draw at odds of $4 (bet365) looks to be the prudent punt.
What a start for the season for Mane! The Senegalese ace should continue his good start and at odds of $3 (bet365), he looks a good pick to score anytime in the match.
TIP: Mane to score anytime – $3 at bet365
Both teams look primed to score and at odds of $1.53 (bet365), that is a very interesting pick.
TIP: Both teams to score – $1.53 at bet365
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TIPS ARE SIMPLY THE AUTHOR’s OPINION. ALWAYS GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY
