Back Manchester City To Beat Liverpool

Defending Premier League champions Man City kick-off the final game of this weekend’s action with a trip to Anfield to play a Liverpool side who were thrashed 3-0 at West Brom last weekend.

Manchester City were made to work hard for their victory last weekend as they had to come from behind to beat newly-promoted Southampton 3-2 on Sunday. The match was a wake up call for their defence, but showed City’s winning spirit as they scored twice in the final 20 minutes to start the season with a win.

Having started with 3 at the back, including Stefan Savic in the Community Shield the previous week, Roberto Mancini reverted back to his 4-4-2 formation to start the season. Pablo Zabaleta played at right back and scored the equaliser in the second half. Jack Rodwell made a surprise start alongside Yaya Toure in the centre of City’s midfield.

One change is certain for Manchester City heading into this game with the loss of Sergio Aguero with a knee injury. I would expect either Edin Dzeko or Mario Balotelli to start in his place as Mancini keeps the same formation.

With Daniel Agger suspended for Liverpool, either Jamie Carragher or Sebastian Coates will play alongside Martin Skrtel. Coates would be the better option in my opinion, and I expect him to break into the first team at some point, suiting Brendan Rodgers’ style of football with his comfort on the ball.

Manchester City can look to attack from the wings. Glen Johnson played at left back last week; both he and Martin Kelly face a tough match up against David Silva and Samir Nasri. Those two are supported by the overlapping full-backs; Zabaleta and Gael Clichy.

I don’t like the match ups on paper for Liverpool. As well as their weaker defensive, Joe Allen and Lucas will be tasked with dealing with the power of Yaya Toure in the centre of midfield. Liverpool didn’t cope well with West Brom last weekend and face a much more difficult task on Sunday.

Brendan Rodgers rested a number of first team players for Liverpool’s unconvincing 1-0 victory at Hearts in the Europa League on Thursday. I wouldn’t worry about any players being tired from this game, although Fabio Borini didn’t impress up front once again. Where are Liverpool’s goals going to come from in this match?

Manchester City were held 1-1 in this fixture last season after Joleon Lescott’s calamitous own goal ruled out Vincent Kompany’s opening goal minutes before. This game was played in November and both sides have gone in different directions since then.

I am excited with the current odds of 2.48 for Manchester City to beat Liverpool and hope to make a mega profit from this weekend’s Premier League action. With the game being live on TV, it’s easier to see if the game is going to plan too.

Barrie’s betting tip:  Manchester City to beat Liverpool 2.48