The kick off to the new year brings us one of the most anticipated fixtures in the Premier League, which will be taking place on 3 January 2019 at the Etihad Stadium: Manchester City vs Liverpool. This is not only because City and LFC have been consistent in getting good results for most of their games, but also because of the recent fluctuation between first and second place this season between the two teams. However, Tottenham Hotspur are now on the rise to make it a “three-man-show” fluctuation in placement of positions 1-3.
In Guardiola’s preview interview he has said that midfielder “Kevin de Bruyne trained today, but tomorrow he will be checked in the morning, and is much better.” [1] He is one of City’s key players, and even if there is a real concern that he might not be fit to play today, Manchester City undeniably has extraordinary options of players, thus it will be an assured tough game either way. City’s players like Sergio Agϋero, Riyad Mahrez, Leroy Sané, Raheem Sterling, David Silva and possibly Kevin De Bruyne, amongst others, seem to be the realest form of competition for the undefeated Reds this season. However, our boss Jϋrgen Klopp has consistently been emphasizing how important it is to focus on ourselves, more than we focus on the opponent – and to stay focussed because results can change anytime.
Embed from Getty ImagesKlopp has said that “Manchester City is still the best team in the world, with an outstanding manager,” whilst Guardiola has stated that “Liverpool are currently the best team in Europe or the world right now.” Statements like this tell us that both managers give credit where it’s respectfully due, but also that they are aware of the seriousness of the competition between these two teams.
Having clean sheets for Liverpool have become just as important as scoring goals in the Premier League. That has been the aim this season, and even though it will be a challenge against City, the strikers and defenders are in form and are ready to play football. Depending on the fitness James Milner today, the substitute list could look like this: Milner, Keϊta, Mignolet, Henderson, Sturridge and Origi. The predicted starting XI could remain as it did against the recent Arsenal victory, which is as follows:
This fixture takes LFC fans back to the frustrating 2013-2014 season, under Brendan Rodgers, when City beat LFC to the Premier League Title by only two points. That history, amongst other factors, makes the Reds desperate for a victory today. The score prediction is any LFC win. Three points will broaden the gap by ten points which is a huge step that’ll be important for the journey to the to the top. The first leg against the mighty Manchester City ended in a draw – and a hopeful expectation for the second leg is a win which won’t come easy, however the Reds don’t only have an improved form, but also an improved mindset.
Embed from Getty ImagesReferences:
- “Pep Guardiola previews Man City vs. Liverpool.” Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22bys5OXHsE (Accessed on 02/01/2019)
- “Man City vs. Liverpool | Jurgen Klopp Conference.” Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S7519A4k4o (Accessed on 02/01/2019)
- Available at: https://www.buildlineup.com/ (Accessed on 03/01/2019)
The Liverbird 